Ajit Karn
Did you know there is more to mint than meets the eye? Mint is a plant species pertaining to the genus Mentha that is commonly used in foods like chewing gum and toothpaste. There are numerous forms of mint, such as spearmint and peppermint, each with its own benefits and applications. Mint is utilized in aromatic teas, delectable delicacies, and refreshing beverages.
Therefore, the true question is whether or not mint has any health benefits. Briefly, the answer is “yes!” There are numerous health benefits of mint, including enhanced cognitive function and digestive health. Better yet, choose organic mint and savor all these benefits without chemical residue or environmental impact, or combine it with other health-promoting foods. What do you think? Consuming a flavorful mojito while enjoying the health benefits of kombucha and mint? What success!
We’ll run you through some of the incredible health benefits of mint in more detail…
HEALTH BENEFITS OF MINT
- Filled with nutrients
- Improved digestive health
- Boost your immune system
- Better brain function
- Support your pregnancy
- Reduce cold symptoms
- Keep your mouth healthy
- Help manage stress
- Improve allergy symptoms
- Soothe irritated skin
1. FILLED WITH NUTRIENTS
Mint contains a number of different nutrients, such as:
- Fibre – maintains a healthy bowel
- Vitamin A – improves eye health and prevents cardiovascular disease
- Vitamin C – supports immune system and tissue repair
- Calcium – maintain strong bones
- Iron – supports healthy blood
- Folate – necessary for producing red and white blood cells
- Manganese – beneficial for brain and nerve function
Mint is also a fantastic source of antioxidants, which helps protect your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress can lead to fatigue, memory loss, joint pain, headaches and more unpleasant symptoms.
2. IMPROVED DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Mint can enhance your digestive health and even alleviate some of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Particularly, peppermint oil is known to alleviate IBS symptoms because it contains menthol, which can calm the muscles in your digestive tract. In turn, this can help enhance digestion and reduce stomach pain.
3. BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
As was briefly mentioned, mint contains antioxidants that protect against free radical damage and have a significant effect on the immune system. Maintaining a robust immune system is essential for maintaining overall health and preventing a variety of diseases.
In addition to mint, kombucha can also boost your immune system and promote good health throughout the body.
4. BETTER BRAIN FUNCTION
Mint is known to have a beneficial influence on brain function, enhancing mental alertness and memory and preventing mental fatigue. Inhaling the plant’s essential compounds is the most common way to obtain these benefits from mints, as opposed to consuming the plant.
5. SUPPORT YOUR PREGNANCY
Mint can also be used to support your pregnancy and make breastfeeding less agonizing, a lesser-known benefit. Yes, you read correctly! A natural remedy for lactation pain – praise the Lord! Some new mothers apply peppermint to their skin in the form of an essential oil or peppermint gel to alleviate breastfeeding-related discomfort and prevent skin fissures.
Some individuals also choose to consume mint to prevent nausea and anxiety during pregnancy.
Although many people swear by these remedies, we recommend consulting your physician before altering your diet or taking new medications or supplements, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing.
6. REDUCE COLD SYMPTOMS
Given that the common cold is caused by a virus, mint cannot cure it, but it can help alleviate its symptoms. According to studies, mint can improve nasal respiration, allowing you to decongest your sinuses and endure the worst of your cold. Why not try a pleasant cup of mint tea to warm you up as well?
7. KEEP YOUR MOUTH HEALTHY
It is scientifically proven that mint can mask bad odor, making it an ideal flavoring agent for toothpaste, mouthwash, and gum. And while these products only mask the odor, chewing genuine mint leaves or drinking mint tea will kill the odor-causing bacteria at their source and eliminate the odor. In fact, mint, specifically peppermint, possesses potent antibacterial properties and can also be beneficial for relieving mouth ulcers.
8. HELP MANAGE STRESS
According to research, mint can reduce feelings of frustration, fatigue, and anxiety. Some studies even suggest that the aroma of mint calms the nerves, so consuming a peppermint candy or diffusing mint oils in the air may be sufficient.
Additionally, research suggests that peppermint can lower blood pressure and prevent hypertension.
9. IMPROVE ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Mint can help reduce the symptoms associated with pollen allergies and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with anti-allergenic properties. Therefore, the next time you sense the wrath of pollen, reach for peppermint!
Also read: The Health Benefits of Tea
10. SOOTHE IRRITATED SKIN
Salicylic acid and vitamin A have gained immense popularity in the world of skincare, with numerous social media skin-care experts praising their purifying properties. Mint contains antibacterial properties, salicylic acid, and vitamin A, all of which are beneficial for acne-prone or irritated skin, making mint products an excellent addition to your hygiene regimen. Numerous products on the market contain mint and are known to unclog pores, reduce irritation, and diminish acne.
Mint, which contains high levels of carotene and antioxidants, is similarly beneficial for hair. Thus, mint is advantageous for treating dandruff and other conditions of the scalp.
All that being said, it’s important to note that pure menthol is not good for your health, whether that’s inhaling it, consuming it or applying it to your skin!
