Mint is a leafy herb probably best known for its ability to freshen breath or add flavor to foods and drinks. It also has several potential health benefits.
9 health benefits of mint
1. Relieve cold symptoms
Menthol, which is a chemical compound found in mint, may help clear nasal congestion and relieve throat irritation associated with common colds.
2. Prevent allergy flare-ups
Studies suggest that mint leaf extract can help inhibit the release of certain substances that trigger allergy symptoms associated with hay fever.
3. Improve digestion
Mint can stimulate salivary enzymes, which aids the digestive process. A 2013 study showed that menthol may also alleviate diarrhea, which can help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
4. Relieve itching
Topical application of mint juice can help relieve the itching caused by insect bites, such as bites from mosquitoes, bees, and wasps.
5. Soothe cracked nipples
A 2007 study published in the International Breastfeeding Journal found that applying mint oil may help alleviate nipple cracks and pain caused by breastfeeding.
6. Freshen breath
Mint leaves have germicidal properties that can help eliminate harmful bacteria from the mouth and, thus, help with bad breath.
7. Ease nausea
Chewing mint leaves, mint candies, or mint-based chewing gum may help you prevent or relieve nausea and motion sickness.
8. Relieve headaches
Chewing mint or applying mint-based balms or mint oil on your forehead may help relieve headaches.
9. Relieve stress
The refreshing and pleasant aroma may help boost mood and help people with anxiety and depression. For this purpose, it can be ingested, inhaled as vapors, or put as drops on your pillow at night.
How to prepare mint leaves
Mint leaves can add flavor and aroma to a variety of foods and beverages, including:
- Lemonade
- Zucchini soup
- Squash soup
- Lettuce salad
- Bean salad
- Lamb dishes
- Chicken dishes
- Vegetable side dishes
- Chocolate cake
- Pork chops
Are there any side effects of mint?
Mint is safe for most people to use, and its consumption rarely leads to side effects. Allergies to mint are rare, although the possibility cannot be ruled out. Mint can trigger allergic symptoms of asthma in people who are allergic to it.
A 2013 study published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease suggests that mint may trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms.
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Newberry C, Lynch K. The Role of Diet in the Development and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Why We Feel The Burn. J Thorac Dis. 2019;11(Suppl 12):S1594-S1601. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702398/
Alam MS, Roy PK, Miah AR, et al. Efficacy of Peppermint Oil in Diarrhea Predominant IBS - A Double Blind Randomized Placebo - Controlled Study. Mymensingh Med J. 2013 Jan;22(1):27-30. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23416804/
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