Mint is a leafy healthy herb used to flavor dishes and beverages in addition to refreshing breath. However, there is more to mint than just acting as a refreshment. Let’s check out the many health benefits of mint plant
Mint Health Benefits
Mint has long been used to cure a number of illnesses in traditional medicine. Mint helps with digestion and relieves irritable bowel syndrome, although there isn’t much human research describing its effects on the body. In the future, studies might prove that mint is effective in treating a larger range of ailments. (Source)
May Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent condition affecting the digestive system. It is characterized by symptoms of the digestive system as gas, bloating, stomach pain, and changes in bowel patterns. Research suggests that using peppermint oil as a herbal cure may also be beneficial. Peppermint oil contains a compound called menthol, which is thought to help alleviate IBS symptoms through its relaxing effects on the muscles of the digestive tract. (source)
Mint Improve Brain Health
The consumption of mint may benefit brain health. Mint extracts may be used to treat the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, according to one study, but additional research is required. Although it is unknown if swallowing peppermint has similar effects, another study indicated that smelling it could improve memory and alertness.
Mint Helpful For Digestive Health
When it comes to therapeutic applications, mint is most well-known as a treatment for stomach issues. Peppermint oil can treat irritable bowel syndrome and ease stomach pain without causing any negative side effects.
Mint May Decrease Breastfeeding Pain
Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable and challenging for mothers who frequently have sore and cracked nipples. According to studies, rubbing mint on the skin can reduce breastfeeding-related pain.
After each feeding, women who were breastfeeding applied several types of mint to the region surrounding the nipple. They often utilized an essential oil either alone or combined with gel or water. According to one study, administering peppermint water rather than expressed breast milk after breastfeeding was more successful at preventing nipple and areola cracks, which lessened nipple pain. (Source)
Nutrition And Nutritional Value Of Mint
According to the National Nutrient Database of the United States Department of Agriculture, two tablespoon (tbsp) 11g of mint has the following nutrients (USDA). (Source)
- Calories 4.9 (20.5 KJ)
- Protein 0.4g
- Dietary Fiber 0.8g
- Fat 0.1g
- Omega-3 fatty acid 38mg
- Omega-6 fatty acid 6.1mg
- Vitamin A 456 IU
- Vitamin C 1.5 mg
- Folate 11.8 mcg
- Calcium 22.4 mg
- Iron 1.3 mg
- Magnesium 7.1 mg
- Phosphorus 6.8 mg
- Potassium 51.5mg
- Zinc 0.1mg
Side Effects
Mint is generally safe to consume and doesn’t usually have any negative effects. Mint allergy cases are rare. Contact with the herb can cause asthma symptoms in persons who are allergic to mint. Therefore, those who are allergic to mint should completely avoid it.
Heartburn, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting are some of the negative effects that peppermint can produce. It is probably safe to use peppermint oil topically. The use of peppermint oil as an enemy is probably safe. When used in aromatherapy, peppermint oil may be safe to breathe in.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Cumin Seed: Nutrition, Health Facts, Risk and Side Effects
