Mint: What are the Health Benefits? Hanife Mehmet

Did you know that mint is the term used for many plant species including peppermint and spearmint?

Hanife Mehmet yazdı..

They belong to the genus Mentha in the family Lamiaceae which is also referred to as the mint family. These plants have been commonly used in cooking and added to foods in both fresh and dried forms. It has been added to a variety of foods and beverages such as teas, drinks, salads, sauces and deserts. Mint is known for its cooling sensation and has several health benefits including:

• It is rich in nutrients: mint contains a good source of Vitamin A which is beneficial for eye health. It also contains iron, manganese, folate and is potent in antioxidants; 
• It may relieve indigestion: mint may be effective in relieving an upset stomach and indigestion. Studies have shown that food is able to pass through the stomach quicker when peppermint oil is taken with meals. 
• It may improve brain function: inhaling the aroma of essential oils from mint may help with improving brain function; however, more research on this is required to understand the mechanism involved;
• It may reduce breastfeeding pain: during breastfeeding some mothers may experience sore and cracked nipples causing pain. According to studies, applying mint in the form of an essential oil to the skin around the nipple may help relieve this pain;
• May cover up bad breath: mint has been found to mask bad breath through drinking peppermint tea and chewing on fresh mint leaves. It may also kill bacteria in the mouth, studies have found that peppermint oil has antibacterial effects. 

Mint is a great plant and easy to add to your food or to have as a tea such as peppermint tea. Mint has great health benefits but if you have any health conditions or taking any medications it is important for you to consult with your general practitioner or Chinese medicine practitioner before consuming it in your diet for the safety of your health. So, what have you learnt about mint? 

Hanife Mehmet

(BBiomedSc, BHlthSc/AppSc [Chinese Medicine], PhD candidate)