By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2more
Medically reviewed byDr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Jun 18, 2024
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Mint leaves also known as Pudina are a popular aromatic herb for its freshness with several health benefits. Since ancient times, people have used different types of mints all over the world. A variety of mint plants offer you a lot of anti-oxidant properties and health benefits.
Table of Contents
Nutritional Profile
- Mint leaves are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, and contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and B-complex, phosphorous, calcium, and has anti-bacterial properties
- It is one of the rich sources of iron, potassium, and manganese which improves haemoglobin levels and promotes brain function
- Mint leaves are low in calories and contain a minimal amount of protein and fat so you can add mint leaves in your weight loss diet program easily.
Did You Know?
- Mint leaves have been used in aromatherapy to help relieve stress and promote relaxation.source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
- Mint leaves have been used for their high levels of vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision.source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
- Mint leaves have been used for their cooling effect on the skin and can be used to soothe sunburns or insect bites.source: fdc.nal.usda.gov
- Mint leaves can help reduce symptoms of allergies and hay fever.source: National Center for Biotechnology Information
- Mint leaves have antibacterial properties that can help fight against oral bacteria and bad breath.source: National Center for Biotechnology Information
Health Benefits of Mint Leaves Are:
Science has proven that mint has plenty of health benefits for your body. Here are some of the best ways that you can use mint to help your body stay healthy.
1. Treat Indigestion
Mint leaves are known as an amazing appetizer. It helps to promote the digestive system by stimulating digestive enzymes. Mint oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties to relieve indigestion, stomach infections, etc. It acts as an anti-spasmodic remedy due to the presence of methanol.
2. RelieveIrritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder of the digestive system. It can cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, and indigestion. The main and important treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is a change of diet but some studies have shown that mint oil can be helpful.
Mint oil contains a compound called menthol which gives relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract.
3. Improve Respiratory Complaints
Mint leaves are highly recommended for asthma patients, as it acts as a good relaxant and relieves chest congestion. Consumption of mint leaves daily can give a soothing effect for asthmatic patients.
Mint is known to clear a stuffed nose, menthol can make breathing a lot easier. It also relieves the irritation caused by a chronic cough.
4. Oral Care
You have just gobbled on garlic soup, so what’s next you will do? Pop up some chewing gum. But next time try to chew mint leaves to get rid of the strong odour. Mint leaves could help freshen your breath instantly due to the presence of germicidal properties.
Mint leaves extract can help to clear the plaque deposition on teeth. Menthol containing toothpaste, mouthwash, or chewing gums can cease oral bacterial growth and keeps your oral cavity clean.
5. Improve Brain Power
Mint leaves are brain tonic. According to various studies, consuming mint may up alertness and cognitive functions. Mint leaves can improve memory power and mental alertness.
6. Boosts Immunity
Mint is full of vitamins and antioxidants to improve your immunity. These plant-based vitamins help to protect your cells from damage. Also, mint leaves can prevent tumour formation by inhibiting some enzymes.
7. Beats Stress& Depression
Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. It’s strong and refreshing smell could help beat stress and rejuvenate the mind. By breathing in the aroma of mint, your mind is instantly calmed.
You can add mint to your tea, use mint extract on a vaporizer or take a mint bath for immediate relief from stress and depression.
Read More: 7 Relaxation Techniques That Help Fight Stress
8. Help in Breastfeeding Pain
Breastfeeding mothers commonly experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make breastfeeding painful and difficult. Evidence revealed that applying mint essential oil is valuable in easing pain and heals soreness and cracked nipples.
Let me reveal about a special ingredient called menthol present in mint oil. Menthol oil may help relieve menstrual cramps in women. It might be like a minty champion for your well-being!
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
9. Helps in Weight Loss
Mint leaves play an essential role in losing weight in a healthy way. Mint leaves promote digestion and boost metabolism to help in losing weight. Mint tea is a great refreshing calorie-free beverage to promote weight loss.
10. Skincare
Mint is an ancientmedicine to treat skin-related problems like acne, scar. The powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties of mint leaves are effective in treating acne and lowers the inflammation and redness associated with acne outbursts.
Mint leaves contain high salicylic acid and vitamin A which controls the secretion of sebum oil in the skin and helps to cure acne.
Mint leaves extract is useful to treat and prevent acne. The richness of menthol and natural antioxidants in mint leaves are used as an amazing cleanser, toner, astringent and moisturizer for the skin. Mint leaves tones the skin, softens dry and itchy skin.
In my opinion, mint leaves might act as little defenders fighting against bacteria and fungi. Studies have found that oil, made from mint leaves may be extremely effective. In fact, it was functional against 22 bacterial strains and 11 fungal strains!
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
11. Healthy Hairs
Mint leaves extract is a great source of carotene and antioxidants that promotes hair growth and prevents hair fall. The potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties of mint leaves use to ward off dandruff, head lice, etc.
You can apply mint leaves paste mixed with lemon juice on the hair scalp and allow it to stay for 30-40 minutes and rinse the hair well.
12. Help to Ease Morning Sickness
Mint is an excellent remedy to treat nausea. It is also effective for treating nausea that happens in morning sickness.
13. Helps Ease Allergies
Recent studies conducted in 2019 have proven that Mint contains 53 separate compounds that have anti-allergic properties. This means consuming mint can to some extent help in the treatment of different types of allergies.
I came across a study in which mint leaf extracts were studied for their effects on allergic rhinitis in mice. These extracts possibly helped to reduce histamine release from mast cells and relieved nasal symptoms in rats. This suggests that peppermint extracts might help relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
14. Helps Reduce Symptoms of Asthma
A clinical study on rats conducted in 2019 has proven that the compounds in mint are indeed more effective in the treatment of asthmatic symptoms than the traditional medicine known as dexamethasone. This study suggests that mint may have similar effects on humans as well. Therefore, consuming mint may help to ease symptoms of asthma to some extent.
15. High in Nutritional Content
The nutritional facts of spearmint or commonly known as mint, state that it can provide a healthy dose of balanced nutrition as well. Two tablespoons of mint 0.4 grams of proteins, 0.9 grams of carbohydrates, 0.8 grams of dietary fibre, 1.5 mg of Vitamin C, 22.4 mg of Calcium, 6.8 mg of Phosphorous and 51.5 mg of Potassium, among other nutrients.
Based on my observations, mint leaves aren’t just tasty and refreshing, they might also have some impressive anti-tumour powers. In studies conducted on mice, mint leaves have shown promising results in fighting against tumours.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Also Read:
Side Effects of Mint Leaves
Mint leaves are generally safe for consumption, however people with gastroesophageal reflux disease should minimize the consumption as it may cause stomach irritation. Menthol oil is contraindicated in children to use topically as it may cause breathing difficulties.
Summary
According to science, mint is an amazing herb with a lot of benefits. You can’t go wrong by adding mint in your diet as it is full of antioxidants, vitamins, iron, and so on. In simple words, include mint in your diet if you want to stay healthy and happy.
Read More: 14 HealthBenefits of Curry Leaves
Can mint leaves be eaten raw?
Yes, mint leaves can be eaten raw. They are commonly used to add a fresh, aromatic flavor to salads, beverages, and garnishes.
What can mint leaves be used for?
Mint leaves can be used for a variety of purposes, including flavoring foods and beverages, making teas, and as a garnish. They also have medicinal uses, such as aiding digestion, soothing headaches, and providing relief from cold symptoms. Additionally, mint is often used in skincare products for its refreshing and soothing properties.
Can mint leaves cure cough?
Mint leaves can help alleviate cough symptoms due to their menthol content, which has soothing and decongestant properties. However, they are not a cure and should be used alongside other treatments for best results.
Can mint leaves lower blood pressure?
Mint leaves are not known to lower blood pressure directly. While they have various health benefits, there is no strong evidence supporting their use for blood pressure reduction. Always consult with a healthcare provider for managing blood pressure.
Can mint leaves induce period?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that mint leaves can induce periods. While mint has various health benefits, it is not known to influence menstrual cycles.
Can mint leaves remove dark spots?
Mint leaves contain antioxidants and vitamin C, which can help improve skin health, but there is limited evidence that they effectively remove dark spots. They might offer some benefits when used in skincare routines, but results can vary.
Does mint leaves cool the body?
Yes, mint leaves have a cooling effect on the body. They contain menthol, which can create a cooling sensation when consumed or applied topically, helping to refresh and soothe.
Does mint leaves cause acidity?
Mint leaves are generally soothing for the digestive system and are not known to cause acidity. In fact, they can help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and heartburn for some people. However, individual reactions can vary, and some might experience increased acidity.
Does chewing mint leaves freshen your breath?
Yes, chewing mint leaves can freshen your breath. Mint contains compounds like menthol that have a refreshing and cooling effect on the mouth, which can help mask bad breath odors.
Does mint leaves have vitamin K?
Yes, mint leaves contain vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health, and mint leaves provide a small amount of this nutrient along with other vitamins and minerals.
What are the benefits of drinking mint water in morning?
Drinking mint water in the morning offers several health benefits. It aids digestion, reduces bloating, and can help freshen breath. Additionally, mint water has a soothing effect on the stomach and may enhance mental alertness and focus, providing a refreshing start to your day.
Is salicylic acid present in mint leaves?
Yes, mint leaves do contain salicylic acid, albeit in small amounts. Salicylic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and exfoliating properties, contributes to the therapeutic benefits of mint, making it useful in skincare remedies and as a natural pain reliever.
Can mint leaves effectively reduce pimples?
Mint leaves possess natural antibacterial properties and contain menthol, which can help soothe inflammation and reduce the appearance of pimples. Creating a homemade mint paste or applying mint-infused toner may aid in calming irritated skin and preventing future breakouts, but individual results may vary.
Are mint leaves acidic or alkaline in nature?
Despite their refreshing taste, mint leaves are mildly acidic in nature. They typically have a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, making them slightly acidic. This acidity can contribute to their ability to aid digestion and provide relief from indigestion.
Disclaimer:
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