More than a dozen plant species that are members of the genus Mentha go by the name “mint,” including peppermint and spearmint.
These plants are renowned for their cooling effects in particular. Both fresh and dried versions of them can be used as culinary additives.
Teas, alcoholic beverages, sauces, salads, and desserts are just a few of the dishes and drinks that include mint as a component.
Despite the fact that eating the plant has certain health benefits, research reveals that many of mint’s health advantages come from using it topically, breathing in its perfume, or taking a capsule.
In this piece, we’ll look more closely at some mint health advantages supported by science.
Mint has a considerable quantity of nutrients, despite not being ingested in big amounts.
In actuality, a little less than a third of a cup, or 14 grammes, of spearmint, includes (1):
6 calories
1 gramme of fibre
12% of the RDI for vitamin A
9% of the RDI is iron.
8% of the RDI for manganese
4% of the RDI for folate
It may be challenging to consume even 1/3 cup of mint because it is frequently used in little amounts in recipes due to its potent flavour. However, it’s likely that some salad recipes that call for mint among other ingredients will bring you quite near to this quantity.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be improved
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent condition affecting the digestive system. It is characterised by symptoms of the digestive system as gas, bloating, stomach pain, and changes in bowel patterns.
Although dietary modifications and medication are frequently used to treat IBS, research suggests that using peppermint oil as a herbal cure may also be beneficial.
Menthol, a substance found in peppermint oil, is thought to have a calming impact on the muscles of the digestive tract, hence reducing the symptoms of IBS.
Mint may be helpful in treating other digestive issues like indigestion and an upset stomach.
When food stays in the stomach for too long before moving on to the remainder of the digestive system, indigestion may result.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that taking peppermint oil with meals causes food to flow through the stomach more quickly, which may lessen the symptoms of this kind of indigestion.
There are reports that, in addition to consuming mint, breathing the perfume of the plant’s essential oils may have health advantages, including enhanced brain function.
One experiment with 144 young adults found that inhaling the scent of peppermint oil for five minutes before an exam significantly improved recall.
Hope it helps!
