Mint leaves come from the mint plant, also known as mentha, a member of the Lamiaceae family. This family comprises approximately 15–20 plant species. Peppermint and spearmint are some of the popular varieties included in this family.
Mint leaves are commonly used in culinary dishes, beverages, and herbal remedies due to their distinct taste and potential health benefits. Incorporating fresh mint and a variety of other herbs and spices into cooking enhances flavor and simultaneously lowers the need for added sodium and sugar.
11 Reasons Why Should You Add Mint Leaves In Your Diet
Throughout history, mint plants have been an essential part of medicine. Varieties of mint plants possess different potential health benefits and antioxidant qualities. Consuming mint leaves is especially useful for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Helps In Digestion
The Mint’s ability to aid digestion stems from several factors. It contains menthol, which can relax the muscles in the digestive system. Thus alleviating discomfort linked to indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Treating IBS typically involves dietary adjustments and medication. Studies suggest that using peppermint oil as an herbal remedy may provide relief. Essential oils from mint exert antibacterial activities against Streptococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Offers Relief From Nausea
The calming effect of mint’s scent on both the stomach and the mind contributes to its ability to alleviate nausea and motion sickness. Inhaling mint’s aroma can stimulate the olfactory senses, prompting a response in the brain that diminishes feelings of nausea and discomfort.
Helps In Weight Management
Mint’s ability to support weight management is attributed to multiple factors. Initially, it enhances digestion by increasing bile flow, which aids in breaking down fats in the digestive tract. This improved digestion optimizes nutrient absorption and metabolism, potentially aiding in weight control. Intaking beverages infused with mint leaves – herbal teas provide a low-calorie substitute for sugary drinks. Thus aiding individuals in staying hydrated and feeling satiated without consuming surplus calories.
Improved Oral Health
Mint’s ability to ease allergic reactions is connected to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Allergy symptoms, like sneezing and congestion, often result from inflammation in the body. Oxidative stress is an outcome of an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Thus, it causes cellular damage and inflammation! Mint contains compounds that can reduce inflammation, lessening the intensity of allergic responses.
Relief From Allergy
Mint’s ability to potentially relieve allergic reactions is due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Allergies typically induce inflammatory responses in the body, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and congestion. Mint contains substances that can help reduce inflammation, diminishing the intensity of allergic reactions. The presence of menthol in mint does assist in widening the air passages, easing breathing, and alleviating discomfort linked to allergies.
Relief From Migraine
Also, menthol in mint leaves has gentle pain-relieving properties, capable of easing discomfort. It acts as a natural pain reliever, offering temporary relief from headache symptoms when applied to the skin or inhaled. One way mint might alleviate headaches is by promoting vasodilation, which involves the expansion of blood vessels. Constricted blood vessels are thought to contribute to specific headache types like tension headaches and migraines.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Studies indicate that specific fragrances, like mint, can stimulate the brain. Thus resulting in heightened alertness, concentration, and memory retention. Mint’s revitalizing aroma does awaken the senses, counteracting mental exhaustion and boosting focus. Research has investigated how certain compounds present in mint can positively influence cognitive functions by interacting with neurotransmitter systems in the brain.
Ability To Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Mint’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels may offer advantages for people with diabetes. It contains compounds known for their impact on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Mint can slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose and reduce glucose absorption in the intestines by inhibiting certain enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. This action helps to prevent post-meal spikes in blood sugar levels.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Mint’s capacity to regulate immune responses might contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of mint hold promise for addressing inflammation throughout the body, which is associated with a range of health conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers. Certain compounds in Mint leaves – rosmarinic acid and flavonoids accounted for their ability to reduce inflammation.
Helps In Staying Hydrated
The water content of mint contributes to the overall hydration offered by mint-infused beverages. Incorporating mint leaves into fluids can enhance the flavor and attractiveness of the drink, besides helping you stay hydrated. Mint is a great source of refreshment, particularly for individuals who find it challenging to consume adequate amounts of water on regular days because they find water to be tasteless!
Anti-Cancer Properties
Preliminary research suggests that mint leaves comprise anti-cancer properties, but further studies are needed to confirm this effect. Early findings have shown promising outcomes. Compounds like rosmarinic acid and menthol found in mint do act as anti-cancer agents. Additionally, antioxidants in mint help counteract oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are associated with cancer development and advancement.
Adding mint to various foods and drinks not only enhances their flavor but also contributes to their healthfulness. While incorporating mint into dishes is straightforward, most research highlighting its health advantages has focused on mint consumed in capsule form, applied topically, or used in aromatherapy. The benefits of the mint span from enhancing cognitive function and easing digestive discomfort to alleviating breastfeeding discomfort, symptoms of colds, and even halitosis. Overall, incorporating mint into your diet is a simple and beneficial choice.
