Mint Leaves Benefits You Must Know

Mint or pudina is a highly beneficial herb used globally. It is added in various cuisines and is known for its therapeutic properties and distinct flavour. Mint leaves benefits are numerous – from enhancing the taste of food to supporting well being. Spearmint and peppermint leaves are the two most common varieties of mint. 

Mint leaves have low calories, minimal protein, and fat content. They are loaded with vitamins and contribute to healthy skin and immunity. Pudina leaves benefits may also include maintaining a good brain health and improving haemoglobin profile. It also contains antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage and support overall health.

8 Mint Leaves Benefits and Uses

Pudina leaves can be used both fresh and dried in a wide range of culinary dishes. It leaves a cool aftertaste and can be added to beverages, syrups, ice creams, etc. Mint-flavoured mouthwashes and toothpastes too are quite useful and mint essential oil is a quick fix for headaches. Some of the prominent mint leaves benefits are listed below:

1. Improving Digestion

This is one of the best medicinal uses of mint leaves. Mint leaves work as an appetiser, its aroma activates the salivary glands, stimulates enzymes, and promotes better digestion. Mint oil has calming properties and can soothe your stomach, ease indigestion, inflammation and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, uses of mint leaves include treatment of diarrhoea and the leaves prove to be functional in relieving nausea occurring due to motion sickness.

2. Promoting Respiratory Health

People who suffer from asthma must have pudina leaves everyday. The leaves ease chest congestion and have anti-inflammatory properties. Mint leaves can alleviate symptoms of sore throat and cold as well. It soothes the irritated nose as well as throat and cures cough. Pudina leaf extracts may also help prevent nasal irritation caused due to allergies. 

3. Relieving Headache

In addition to enhancement of respiratory health, mint leaves benefits include headache relief. Pudina leaves are a powerful adaptogenic herb and work wonders for headaches. Mint extract is also used in making pain-relieving and soothing balms to cure headaches and other body aches. This too is counted amongst the best pudina medicinal uses.

4. Supporting Dental Care

Mint leaves have the goodness of chlorophyll and antibacterial properties that fight bacteria that cause bad breath. Pudina leaves are beneficial in clearing plaque from the teeth. Menthol being the active compound in mint leaves, helps combat dental problems.  

5. Helping in Weight Loss

Mint leaves promote the secretion of bile acids and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. They can ensure the assimilation of nutrients and boost metabolism. Juice or tea that include mint can be added to your regular regimen for weight loss.

6. Boosting Memory

Consuming mint leaves can increase focus and cognitive functions. Mint has active ingredients which help in memory retention and have a positive impact on mental alertness.   

7. Combatting Stress and Depression

Pudina leaves play a significant role in aromatherapy, helping you have a stress-free and refreshed mind. The adaptogenic properties of mint leaves are beneficial for controlling the action of cortisol. This way, the body’s natural response is triggered and it can beat stress as well as depression.  

8. Maintaining Skin Health

Another one of the mint leaves benefits includes the maintenance of healthy skin. Benefits of mint leaves on skin are mostly based on its potent antibacterial and cooling properties. It is a key ingredient in cleansers, toners, astringents, and moisturisers. Mint can provide relief to irritated skin and may help cure acne. Mint can effectively control sebum production. It further removes dead skin cells or dirt, lessens blemishes, and improves skin tone as well as complexion.  

Mint Leaves Benefits in Juice Form for Skin

When used in the form of juice, mint leaves can be especially beneficial for your skin. Following are some of the benefits of pudina juice:

• The antioxidants and other vital vitamins shield the skin cells from damage and slow down the ageing process.
• It enhances the blood circulation, hydrates the skin, and may even reduce wrinkles to give you glowing and radiant skin.
• Pudina leaves extract helps lessen dark circles and makes the skin look healthy.

Conclusion

Now you know that apart from adding flavour in salads, desserts, chutneys, smoothies, and juices, uses of mint leaves are plenty. Mint or pudina leaves are highly valued for their medicinal properties. Please note that the aromatic herb is generally safe for consumption but must be taken with caution by people with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Menthol oil too must not be used in excess as it can lead to breathing difficulties.