The Surprising Benefits of Mint Leaves You Never Knew About

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Fresh, fragrant, and flavoured, mint leaves are more than just a plate garnish. Known as Mentha or Pudina, they bring a pleasant, refreshing smell and cooling taste. Throughout history, people all over the world have used mint in cooking, medicinal, and therapeutic applications. Whether it's a sprig in your mojito or a flavour in your toothpaste, mint appears everywhere. Beyond its refreshing and aromatic qualities, have you considered the benefits of mint leaves?

This blog will examine mint's nutritional properties and several health advantages. It will also examine various beneficial applications of mint in everyday life. So why wait? Let’s begin the journey to a healthier future. 

What is Mint?

Mint, or Pudina, is a herb that falls under the Mentha genus. There are several kinds, but peppermint and spearmint are the most popular. Pudina is cultivated for its fresh leaves, essential oils, and its use in cooking. Mint leaves are easily identifiable by their bright green colour and refreshing taste. It is commonly used in kitchens and is often found in herbal remedies, teas, and skincare products.

Different types of mint plants have various antioxidant qualities and health benefits. Understanding the nutritional value of mint leaves can help one understand these qualities.

Nutritional Value of Mint

Despite being used in small quantities, mint is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Consuming a handful of fresh mint leaves can provide surprising health benefits. Here's a quick look at the nutritional value of mint for every 100 grams:

• Calories - 70 kcal
• Fat - 0.94g
• Fiber - 8g
• Protein - 3.8g
• Vitamin A - 4248 IU
• Vitamin C - 32 mg
• Carbohydrates - 14.9g
• Iron - 5.08 mg
• Manganese - 1.12 mg

Pudina is not just a flavour enhancer but also a tiny nutritional powerhouse due to these components. Together, these nutrients contribute to the health benefits of mint leaves in many ways. Let's explore them.

Health Benefits of Mint

Mint, a widely used green herb, has many therapeutic uses, vital nutrients, and antioxidants that can change your health from the inside out. Here's a comprehensive list of mint benefits, covering its impact on digestion, immunity, mental clarity, and more. Let's uncover them:

Aids Digestive Issues

One of the best benefits of mint is its positive effect on digestive issues. It can relax the stomach muscle, making things like gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, it helps kick-start digestive enzymes, improving nutrient absorption. Drinking mint tea or chewing on mint leaves can calm your stomach and ease discomfort.

Boosting Immunity

Pudina or Mint leaves are rich in antioxidants and nutrients like Vitamins A and C, which help the body fight off various infections. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can lower your chances of infections.

Enhance Brain Functions

Studies have shown that the smell of mint may improve memory, alertness, and overall brain function. Using mint essential oil for aromatherapy or drinking mint tea could help clear your mind and relieve tiredness.

Respiratory Relief

Menthol is the main ingredient in mint, and it works as a natural decongestant. It helps break up mucus in the lungs, which makes it easier to cough up. Therefore, mint can be a good option for dealing with colds, asthma, and bronchitis.

Fighting Bad Breath

Mint benefits your oral health. It is often found in toothpastes, mouthwashes, and chewing gums because it helps fight bacteria and freshens your breath. It's great for keeping your mouth healthy and clean.

Supports Weight Loss

While not a miracle solution, mint may aid in weight loss by improving digestion and speeding up metabolism. Drinking mint water or mint juice is a refreshing, low-calorie way to curb cravings and stay hydrated.

Relieves Headaches

Due to the hectic work schedule and stress, people are experiencing severe headaches nowadays. To prevent them, it is advisable to apply mint oil or crushed Pudina leaves to the temples. Additionally, people can inhale the fragrance of Pudina leaves to reduce tension and migraines.

Promotes Healthy Skin

Many skincare brands use Mint in their products to nourish the skin. One of the best benefits of mint leaves is its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which prevent acne, dryness, itching, and other skin concerns.

Improves Heart Health

In order to maintain good blood circulation, blood pressure, and other cardiovascular health, mint is always recommended. Mint is rich in potassium and magnesium, which takes care of your heart.

Relieves Breastfeeding Pain

After giving birth, breastfeeding mothers experience tender nipples and cracked skin. This can be painful and irritating. In order to prevent this, it is recommended to apply mint to their nipples. This can help soothe breastfeeding mothers..

In summary, there are various health benefits of mint leaves, which can help you enhance your well-being. From eating the leaves to applying them to the skin, mint leaves have always been the best natural companion for people's health. 

Uses of Mint in Daily Life

Mint is a highly versatile herb in India that can be used in every form. Whether it's in medicine, skincare, makeup, food, or fragrances, Pudina leaves can be used in routines in several ways:

Cosmetic

Mint is widely used in cosmetics or skincare items such as moisturisers, face masks, and scrubs. Due to its cooling, refreshing, and antibacterial properties, it smoothens and hydrates the skin.

Medicinal

Mint has several medicinal properties, which provide a number of health benefits. It is highly used in medicine due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps treat allergies and stomach irritations.

Culinary

Mint is one of the best flavourful herbs in India. It is commonly used to make chutneys, salads, teas, beverages, mint juices, and other foods. There are countless benefits to eating mint leaves. Adding mint to your diet will protect you from indigestion, improve oral hygiene, and reduce respiratory issues.

Aromatic

Due to its refreshing and soothing smell, mint is widely used in making room fresheners, scents, perfumes, and much more to reduce stress and anxiety.

Overall, Mint is much more than just a fragrance or flavour. It's a magical, life-saving and multitasking herb that refreshes your body in every manner. Whether you're struggling with indigestion or skin allergies, the nutritional value of mint will handle it all!

Read More: Sattu Health Benefits: High Protein Diet Food & Drink

Keep It Fresh, Keep It Mint!

Adding Mint to your daily routine is one of the best ways to boost your overall well-being. From aiding digestion and refreshing your breath to supporting mental health and enhancing skincare, the benefits of mint leaves are countless. However, natural remedies like mint offer great prevention; they work best when combined with medical attention and expert consultations.

That's where health insurance steps in to support your wellness journey. With the Care OPD feature under the Ultimate Care plan, you don't have to wait for a major illness to prioritise your health. Get the best consultations from both general physicians and specialists with a hassle-free reimbursement process.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.