Mint, An Herb with Remarkable Medicinal Properties

Mint (Minta Spacata) is a plant that has been long known in diverse cultures, such as India, Middle East and Europe, because of its rich aroma, soothing flavor and curative properties. It is cultivated all across the globe, in different forms of environments. Generally, mint has a sweet flavor, with a cooling after-sensation. Both, fresh and dried mint finds its usage in preparing a large number of recipes, including curries, soups, chutneys, salads, juices, candies and ice creams. Read more about mint, including its nutritional value and various health benefits associated with eating the plant.

Nutritional Value of Mint

Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 100g of mint

• Moisture - 84.9 g

• Protein - 4.8 g

• Fat - 0.6 g

• Minerals - 1.9 g

• Fibre - 2 g

• Carbohydrate - 5.8 g

• Calcium - 200 mg

• Phosphorus - 62 mg

• Iron - 15.6 mg

• Carotene - 1620 ?g

• Thiamine - 0.05 mg

• Niacin - 1 mg

• Riboflavin - 0.26 mg

• Folic Acid (Free) - 9.7 ?g

• Folic Acid (Total) - 114 ?g

• Vitamin C - 27 mg

• Magnesium - 60 mg

• Copper - 0.18 mg

• Manganese - 0.57 mg

• Zinc - 0.44 mg

• Chromium - 0.008 mg

• Oxalic Acid - 33 mg

• Phytin Phosphorus - 4 mg

• Energy - 48 Kcal

The health benefits of mint include the following:

Digestion: Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion, due to its typical aroma. It also soothes stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation etc. This aroma of mint activates the saliva glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. Thus it is extensively used in culinary.

Nausea & Headache:

 In fact, many people keep mentha oil or mint flavored products with them to avoid nausea, particularly when they are traveling. Balms based on mint or simply mint oil, when rubbed on forehead and nose, gives quick relief in headache.

Respiratory Disorders, Cough etc.: The strong aroma of mint is very effective in opening up congestion of nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, giving relief in respiratory disorders resulting from asthma, cold etc. As it cools and soothes throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it gives relief in cough too. Many balms are based on this property of mint. Unlike other inhalers which are based on aerosols, those based on mint are more effective and eco-friendly too.

Asthma: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and gives relief in congestion. But, over dosage may irritate as well.

Skin Care, pimples etc.: While mint oil is a good anti septic and anti pruritic, mint juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin, cures infections, itching etc., and is also good for pimples. Its anti pruritic properties can be used for treating bites of insects like mosquitoes, honey-bees, hornets, wasps, gnats etc.

Oral Care: This is a well known property of mint. Being a germicidal and breathe freshener, it takes care of oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside mouth and by cleaning tongue and teeth.

Cancer: Current researches show that certain enzymes present in mint may help cure cancer.

Mint for Sore Throat and Cold: It is assumed that the presence of menthol in mints can help in thinning of phlegm. Being an effective expectorant, mint can also help in removing mucus and phlegm from the respiratory tract. This can help in treating sore throat and cold.

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Taken from:

lifestyle.iloveindia.com

organicfacts.net

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