You! takes a look at the many benefits of mint leaves...
Health
You! takes a look at the many benefits of mint leaves...
Many of us add a bunch of mint leaves (pudina) to our tea and other beverages for flavour. However, most of us are still unaware of the numerous advantages of mint leaves and how this vegetable can do wonders for our health and fitness if consumed on a regular basis. Fresh mint contains several key vitamins and minerals you need for good health, including trace amounts of iron, small amounts of fibre, antioxidants, vitamin A and potassium. Following are the health benefits of mint...
Immunity booster
Mint leaves are packed with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamins C, D, E and small amounts of vitamin B complex. All these compounds improve the body’s immune system, keeping it safe from infections and inflammation.
Allergies
Mint contains high levels of rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant that quenches free radicals and reduces allergy symptoms by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Extracts from mint leaves have also been shown to inhibit the release of histamines, which help in curing seasonal allergies.
Digestion
Mint is packed with antioxidants and phytonurients that can work wonders on your stomach. This is because the aroma of mint activates the salivary glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. These attributes are why mint is extensively used in the culinary arts. Much of the western world includes mint as a part of appetizers or as an element of palate cleansers, to be eaten before the main course so the food digests.
Also, when you feel sick to your stomach, drinking a cup of mint tea can give you relief. If you are someone who travels long distances via plane or boat, the menthol oil derived from mint can be very soothing for nausea and related motion sickness.
Nausea and headache
Balms with mint base or basic mint oil, when rubbed on the forehead and nose, give quick relief in case of headache. Mint is a naturally soothing substance; hence it can also alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is often associated with headaches and migraines.
Respiratory disorders and coughs
The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation that causes chronic coughing. Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and relieves congestion.
Relieves menstrual cramps and pain
Since mint leaves purify the blood and have an anti-spasmodic effect on the soothe muscles of our body, it is a great remedy to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. It also relieves nausea associated with the condition. Just brew a hot cup of mint tea and sip it several times through the day. It will make you feel calmer and will also soothe your uterus.
Depression and fatigue
Mint is a natural stimulant, and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. Breathing in the fumes of mint helps relax the body and calm the mind, freeing it of stress. It releases a small amount of serotonin in the brain that also helps beat depression. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help. It can be ingested, applied topically, or inhaled as a vapour, and all of those techniques can give you a much-needed boost! If you are feeling low, add a little mint leaves or mint extract to your bathing water.
Helps fight cancer
Mint has a potent phytochemical that can prevent various types of cancers. Called perillyl alcohol, the phytonutrient has shown the capability of preventing skin cancer, colon cancer and lung cancer in animal studies.
Skin care and pimples
Mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser and it soothes the skin. It also helps to cure infections and itchiness. It can relieve some of the symptoms of acne. Its anti-pruritic properties can be used for treating insect bites like those of mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats.
Memory loss
A recent study found that people who frequently use chewing gum, whose major active ingredient is mint, had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness than those who did not. The stimulant qualities of mint have shown yet another reason to pop that stick of gum in your mouth, or chew some leaves when you’re feeling less than brilliant!
Weight loss
Mint can also help in your efforts to lose weight in a healthy way. Mint stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food and consume fat and turn it into usable energy. Therefore, by adding mint to your diet, you are increasing the amount of fat that is being consumed and put to use, rather than being stored.
