Mint is an aromatic and delicious plant used in many food and drink products. Mint has many health benefits including indigestion relief, improved cognitive function and masking of bad breath.
Mint is a common name for more than a dozen different species of plants, including spearmint and Peppermint that belong to Genus Mentha.
The cooling effect that they produce is well-known. Both dried and fresh forms can be used to make food products.
Mint is an ingredient that can be found in many drinks and food items, from teas and beverages to sauces, desserts and salad dressings.
Research has shown that while eating mint can have certain health benefits for you, the majority of those benefits are derived from applying the oil to your skin and inhaling its aroma or by taking capsules.
This article examines the eight health benefits of mint.
Rich in Nutrients
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Mint contains nutrients, even though it’s not typically consumed in high quantities.
Only a third of an ounce (14 g) of spearmint can be packed in a single pound.
Calories: 6
Fiber 1 Gram
Vitamin A: 12% RDI
Iron: 9% RDI
Manganese: 8% RDI
Folate: 4% RDI
Mint is often used in small amounts in recipes due to its distinct taste. This can make it difficult to get just 1/3 cup. You may also get close to your required amount if you use mint with other ingredients in salads.
Mint contains vitamin A, a fat-soluble Vitamin that is necessary for healthy eyesight and night vision.
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Comparing it to other spices and herbs, it’s a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress. Free radicals can cause cell damage.
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Mint is a good source of nutrients, even though it’s not consumed much. It is particularly rich in vitamin A and antioxidants.
It may improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Constipation (IBS), is a common condition of the intestinal tract. Gastric pain, bloating, stomach cramps, and changes in bowel habits are all signs of IBS.
The treatment for IBS usually involves dietary changes and medication. Research has shown that peppermint oil could also be helpful as a natural remedy.
The chemical menthol is found in peppermint oil. The calming effect of the oil on the muscles of the digestive system is believed to help ease IBS symptoms.
Nine studies involving more than 700 IBS patients found that peppermint oil capsules improved IBS symptoms significantly more than placebo capsules.
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In one study, 75 percent of the patients who took peppermint oil for four weeks reported improvement in their IBS symptoms compared to 38% of those patients in a placebo group.
IBS is an extremely common digestive disorder. Many studies have shown that peppermint capsules can improve the symptoms of IBS.
May Help Relieve Indigestion
Mint can also be used to relieve other digestive issues like constipation and stomach upset.
Indigestion can be caused by food being stored in the stomach for too long before passing through your digestive system.
Many studies have shown that people who drink peppermint during meals digest food more quickly. It can alleviate the symptoms of this type indigestion.
In a study of patients with indigestion, it was found that capsules containing a mixture of caraway and peppermint oils produced similar effects to drugs prescribed for digestion problems. This reduced stomach pain and other digestive symptoms.
Peppermint oil can increase the speed of food passing into the stomach. This helps to alleviate digestive issues related to indigestion.
How to Improve Brain Function
It is also believed that the essential oils extracted by the mint plant, when inhaled, can have health benefits such as improved brain function.
Another study found that drivers who were exposed to the aroma of these oils during driving felt more alert and experienced less frustration, anxiety and fatigue.
Some studies, however, do not think that peppermint essential oil can improve brain function. In one study, the smell of the oil, while energizing the brain and reducing fatigue did not affect its function.
Peppermint may improve brain function, but more research is needed to discover its mechanism of action.
Some studies show that the smell of peppermint oil improves alertness and memory, while other studies show that it has no effect. It is important to understand the impact of mint oil on brain function.
Reduces Breastfeeding Pain
Breastfeeding mothers often have broken nipples and sores. It can make breastfeeding difficult and painful.
Applying mint to the skin has been shown to relieve the pain associated with breastfeeding.
The studies found that women who breastfed used different types of mint to treat the area around their nipple. The essential oils were used either on their own or in combination with water or gel.
In a second study, 3.8 percent of mothers who used a peppermint gel suffered from cracks on their nipples. This was compared to 6.9 percent of those who applied lanolin and 22.6 percent of mothers using a placebo. In another study, 3.8 percent mothers who used peppermint gel had cracks on their nipples. This was compared to 6.9 percent mothers who applied lanolin or 22.6 percent mothers who used placebo.
It is believed that the application of essential mint oils in various forms can be helpful in treating or preventing the nipple cracked and discomfort associated with nursing.
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Cold symptoms can be improved by using a subjective approach
Many over-the counter cold and flu treatments contain menthol. This is the main ingredient in peppermint oils.
Many people believe that menthol can be a powerful nasal-decongestant.Health It can relieve congestion, improve airflow and breathing.
Many studies have shown that menthol does not decongest. Research has shown that menthol can enhance nasal breathing.
It could at least provide some relief to those who suffer from colds or flu.
Although menthol can’t be used as a nasal dilute, it may help relieve cold and flu symptoms by improving breathing through the nose.
Can mask bad breath
People are looking for mint-flavored gum and breath mints to prevent or eliminate bad breath.
They do not reduce the amount of bacteria or other substances that cause bad breath. They can mask bad breath but do not eliminate the bacteria that causes it. Instead, drinking peppermint tea and chewing the fresh leaves may be able cover the smell and kill bacteria. Test-tube studies revealed that peppermint oil has antibacterial properties. The bacteria that causes bad breath can be reduced by drinking peppermint tea or chewing mint leaves.
Simple to Add to Your Daily Diet
Mint can be added to salads, desserts, water, smoothies and even in drinks like juice. Peppermint tea, a popular way to incorporate it into your diet, is one of the easiest ways. However, most studies that proved the benefits of eating mint leaves did not require them with food. The mint extract could be consumed as a capsule, applied to the skin or used in aromatherapy.
When using mint to improve your health, it is important to think about what you want to achieve and how mint has been used for that purpose.
This list will provide an overview of some of the above research.
Fresh or dried leaves can be used to fight bad breath.
By inhaling essential oils, you can improve brain function and fight colds.
It is applied to the skin to reduce the pain caused by nipples after nursing.
Constipation and IBS can be treated by taking capsules with food.
