11 Mint Leaves Benefits

You may have seen people growing mint leaves in their backyard or pots. Do you know why people prefer growing these tiny leaves?

Mint leaves are a famous aromatic herb that offers numerous health benefits to consumers. Generally, multiple species like peppermint, spearmint, etc., fall under the Mentha genus.

But, all these species provide numerous benefits that you may need to keep the body healthy and active.

Hence, this article will list some of the benefits of mint leaves.

1. Contains a Variety Of Nutrients

   Mint leaves are a prominent source of various essential macro and micronutrients.

   A few leaves of the mint plant are enough to nourish the body with vital nutrients like Vitamin A, manganese, iron, etc.

   The nutritional values^[1] of mint leaves show a diversity of elements like manganese, iron, folate, etc.

   On the other hand, it contains a high amount of fiber essential for several metabolic activities in the body.

   It is a low-calorie food; hence, you may consume them with a weight loss diet.

   It has been observed that mint leaves could be the highest supplier of Vitamin A, a vitamin responsible for better vision and eye health.

   Alongside, it offers several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to several compounds that may help for better health.

2. May Help Digest Food Faster

   Due to several circumstances, the food stays in the stomach for hours without being digested.

   Hence, the undigested food causes multiple digestive issues like indigestion and uneasiness in the stomach.

   Here, mint leaves could be a great way to fasten digestion^[2]. During a normal digestion process, the consumed food takes at least 6-8 hours to move towards the intestines after absorption.

   But, in the case of indigestion, the food stays in the stomach for more than eight hours.

   Here, you may consume a few mint leaves or mint extract like peppermint along with food to speed up digestion.

3. May Reduce Breastfeeding Pain

   Generally, breastfeeding mothers experience cracked or sore nipples after breastfeeding the infants. These cracks may turn highly painful while feeding the baby.

   Here, applying mint leaves juice or mint extracts to the sore and cracked nippled may help lower the pain and heal the crack faster.

   The study^[3] has reported that mothers who apply peppermint water to the nipple after feeding the baby experience less pain.

   Moreover, it has also been shown that regular application of mint extract may completely heal the nipples.

   Mint leaves could be better than lanolin and placebo in treating cracked and sore nipples.

4. May Help Lower Cold And Cough

   Mint leaves, and their extract could be great medicine to lower cough and cold symptoms.

   The mint leaves contain a primary compound called methanol, an effective decongestant responsible for reducing cold-like symptoms.

   The clinical trial^[4] has shown that the mint may help relieve the runny and stuffy nose.

   Moreover, methanol is also used in commercially prepared cough syrup as it helps soothe the sore throat and reduce cough.

   It further revealed that inhaling methanol during cold may allow you to breathe easily and comfortably.

   Experts believe the result could be due to the cooling effect or sensation it offers while inhaling.

   Another beneficial compound, rosmarinic acid, found in mint leaves, could help lower several allergic symptoms^[5], including runny nose and watery eyes.

5. May Help Lower Anxiety And Stress

   Mint leaves could significantly reduce stress and anxiety and help you feel relaxed.

   Mint leaves have a refreshing and soothing fragrance that could potentially cause reduced stress and anxiety.

   Moreover, the odor may positively affect your mood and suppress tension in your mind.

   A study^[6] conducted by some experts revealed that peppermint fragrance might induce high alertness while driving.

   Additionally, the mint may benefit from frustration, anger, and fatigue caused due to a normal lifestyle.

   Hence, an individual may consume some mint candies or drink mint tea to relax the mood.

   Also, you may add a few drops of mint leaves juice or peppermint to the water before bathing for a cooler and calmer effect.

6. May Prevent Multiple Skin Conditions

   Mint leaves are primarily applied and consumed to treat several skin conditions like rashes, acne, etc.

   Generally, mint leaves contain a high amount of salicylic acid and Vitamin A that may lower the secretion^[7] of sebum oil, the primary cause of acne.

   Moreover, the methanol and antioxidant content of mint leaves could benefit as a natural moisturizer, toner, cleanser, etc.

   Some users have also reported that the mint leaves application helps soften the dry and itchy skin.

   Mint is a great plant that offers consumers antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties^[8].

   These properties may help in the easy removal of acne and reduce the inflammation and redness caused due to acne growth.

7. May Promote Healthy Hair Growth

   Hair fall is a significant concern for a majority of adults. But, you may prevent hair fall by using some natural medicines like mint leaves.

   A study^[9] concluded that mint leaves contain essential compounds like carotene and antioxidants that nourish the hair follicles and reduce falls.

   Moreover, mint leaves’ antimicrobial and antifungal properties may help prevent the growth of head lice, dandruff, etc.

   This study also mentioned that mint leaves may improve the fluid supply to the hair roots resulting in stronger hair follicles without causing any toxic signs.

   It would be best to directly apply mint leaves paste and lemon juice to the scalp. But, let the scalp soak the mixture for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.

8. May Cover The Bad Breath

   Bad breath in humans could be due to poor oral hygiene and allowing the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

   Here, mint leaves or mint extract could be beneficial in suppressing bad or foul breath.

   It could be said that chewing mint-flavored products has helped suppress bad breath for a few hours.

   But, people chewing raw mint leaves or consuming peppermint tea may minimize the foul breath.

   Some experts^[10] believe that the mint’s antibacterial properties may kill the bad breath causing bacteria to mask the condition fully.

   Hence, mint may be a primary ingredient in various commercial toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other dental hygiene products.

9. May Help Lose Weight

   Mint leaves could be highly beneficial in reducing fat concentration and increasing calorie burning in the body.

   The research^[11] shows that mint leaves promote healthy weight loss due to multiple beneficial nutrients.

   Mint leaves contain various antioxidants that may help burn excessive fat. Moreover, these antioxidants may enhance metabolic activities resulting in increased calorie burning.

   Some experts also say that mint leaves contain many compounds that stimulate^[2] the digestive enzymes to improve their absorption abilities.

   People may also consume mint leaves tea to lower body fat by utilizing them to gain energy.

   Mint leaf tea is a low-calorie beverage that may induce inflammatory reactions and increase calorie burning.

10. May Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    Mint leaves may help suppress multiple symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome.

    It has been found that the antispasmodic properties of mint may help lower constipation, diarrhea, bloating, etc.

    Moreover, methanol content in mint leaves may help give a cooling and relaxing effect to the smooth muscles of the intestine.

    This research^[12] has shown that people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome pain may feel relieved by consuming mint leaves or mint extract.

    The antispasmodic effect of these leaves could be responsible for reducing stomach pain.

    Hence, you may observe multiple medicines for stomach pain containing mint leaves as an active ingredient.

11. May Improve Respiratory Issues

    Some experts believe that mint leaves could be beneficial for lowering^[13] asthma symptoms. The mint leaves compounds are helpful for relaxation and easing chest congestion.

    Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of the mint leaves may help lower congestion and restrictions during breathing.

    The methanol’s presence in mint leaves provides a cooling effect^[14] on the throat and nasal region, resulting in reduced uneasiness and a clear pathway for air movement.

    Some essential compounds in mint leaves prevent the release of irritating chemicals responsible for allergic reactions.

    Hence, you may consume mint leaves extract or juice with water to get a clear throat.

Mint leaves could be consumed raw or as juice to get the cooling sensation. But, besides cooling, the green leaves offer numerous health benefits to the consumers.

You may go through the above article to get a brief idea of the potential benefits of mint leaves.

But, you must consult any dietitian or healthcare expert before using or consuming mint leaves for some health benefits.

• About the Author
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Alisha Matthew Nutritionist

Alisha Matthew has been a practicing nutritionist since 2016. She holds a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of IOWA. She is a staunch believer in improving the human health index by educating people about nutrition and the importance of nutrition in leading a healthy and happy life. Her long-term goal is to keep educating people on general health and keep herself updated with the latest trends in the field of health.

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