Mint leaves benefits to have a lot. Mint leaves have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help treat acne and pimple on the skin. Mint leaves contain a high amount of salicylic acid which acts as anti-acne. It also acts as an effective skin cleanser. Mint leaves have antioxidant properties that help you get clean and youthful skin by removing free radicals from the body. Other ways mint makes your skin healthy is that it retains the moisture in the skin, clears off dead skin cells, and dirt from the skin pores, and makes the skin look radiant and toned. Here we are going to discuss the benefits of mint leaves.
Mint Leaves Benefits
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.
Relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder of the digestive system. It can cause stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, 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.
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.
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 odor. 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 keep your oral cavity clean.
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.
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 tumor formation by inhibiting some enzymes.
Beats Stress And Depression
Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. Its 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.
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 healing soreness and cracked nipples.
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.
Skincare
Mint is an ancient medicine 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 lowering the inflammation and redness associated with acne outbursts. Mint leaves contain high salicylic acid and vitamin A which control the secretion of sebum oil in the skin and help 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 tone the skin, soften dry and itchy skin.
Healthy Hairs
Mint leaves extract is a great source of carotene and antioxidants that promote hair growth and prevent 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.
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.
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.
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.
3.2 grams Mint Leaves Nutrition
- 2.24 calories
- 0.12 g of protein
- 0.48 g of carbohydrates
- 0.03 g of fat
- 0.26 g of fiber
- potassium
- magnesium
- calcium
- phosphorus
- vitamin C
- iron
- vitamin A
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.
