Benefits of Mint a wonderful herb

Mint a wonderful herb

The benefits of mint a wonderful herb are amazing. The scientific name of mint or pudina is Mentha belonging to the family, Lamiaceae. With two dozen species, Mentha has quite a few hundred species. The edible part are bright green leaves either raw or as additives in drinks and culinary dishes.

Nutrient Properties of Mint a wonderful herb

Benefits of mint are due to its high-value nutrients evaluated by USDA. A 100 g fresh weight contains only 70 Kcal and no cholesterol or fat. The combination and balanced proportions of vitamins and minerals make it an excellent spicy, minty additive in many foods. Mint contains 4248 IU of vitamin A which fulfills 141% of RDA (required daily diet). Besides, it contains substantial amounts of sodium and potassium that regulates electrolyte of the body. Mint or pudina has a very low glycemic index (GI).

 

Phytonutrients of mint a wonderful herb

Peppermint and spearmint are the two major kinds that contain essential oil. The leaves contain 1-3%) essential oil, rich in menthol, flavonoids (timonina), derivatives of caffeic acid including an important ingredient romárico acid.

The flavor of mint

Besides the medicinal benefits of mint, the distinct flavors make mint the desired addition in salad and savories. Peppermint and spearmint are the two major kinds that contain essential oil. The leaves contain 1-3% essential oil, rich in menthol and menthone. The active ingredient of peppermint is known as L-carvone that gives it the special minty flavor. Mint also contain compounds such as pulegone, peryllyl alcohol, cis and trans carvil acetate, 1-8 cineole, flavonoid and romarico acid.

 Medicinal Properties of mint a wonderful herb

While each of these herbs has its own special medicinal properties and specific uses, almost all mints share the following medicinal actions:

Mints in herbal medicine

Mints have strong medicinal properties and, therefore, mint is a wonderful herb.  Mint or pudina is universally used for herbal remedies to get rid of fevers, migraines, headaches, sore throat, sinuses, and chest congestion ointments. With all the nutrients, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients in one plant mint is a gift of nature.

Mint a wonderful herb in food

The essential oil extracted from peppermint is used as an aromatic in many pharmaceutical bakery preparations, food, chutneys, toppings, and flavor for drinks. Mint tea gives relieve from cold and cough instantaneously. We all have tasted the minty flavor of peppermint chocolates.

 

Mints in cosmetics

The cosmetic industry uses peppermint in shaving creams and lotions, toothpaste and other oral products. The fresh mint leaves share properties with the peppermint essential oil that we use in our perfume. The fresh face mask of mint leaves blended directly into the face as an antiseptic and cooling effect.  Fresh mint makes a skin-soothing mask that makes skin clean, smooth and fragrant.