Pudina or mint is one of the oldest known culinary herbs. In addition to its amazing medicinal properties, Indians have used it in chutney, raitas, and sherbets. Pudina is a rich source of polyphenols and has a unique taste and fragrant smell.
“Pudina leaves are low in calories and low in protein and fat. It contains a large amount of vitamins A, C, and B-complex that promote skin tone and lift immunity. Another nutritional benefit of pudina is that it is rich in iron, potassium, and manganese which increases hemoglobin, and improves brain activity, ”said Dr Saurabh Arora, Pudhinaa Engineer and Snec30, director at Arbro Pharmaceuticals.
He says pudina helps with indifference. It has carminative and antispasmodic properties. Chewing pudina helps in getting relief from bloating and gas. The essential oils present in pudina can be beneficial for toothache problems.
Below, he shares the various health benefits of pudina / mint leaves
Here are the 10 health benefits of pudina that you must have:
* Helps with digestion – Pudina is full of antioxidants, menthol, and phytonutrients that help the enzymes digest food. The essential oils in pudina possess strong antibacterial and antiseptic effects that cure stomach cramps and help reduce acidity and flatulence.
* Treating asthma – Taking pudina regularly can reduce breast congestion. The methanol in pudina acts as a decongestant, it helps to release mucous that has accumulated in the lungs and also shrinks swollen membranes in the nose so that you can breathe more easily. When using pudina, make sure not to take too much of it, otherwise your airway will become humble.
* Cures headaches – Pudina contains menthol which helps to relax muscles and reduce the pain. Applying pudina juice in front of you and temples can relieve you from a headache. Also, balms of pudina base or mint oil are effective in curing headaches.
Here’s how mint can help. (Source: Getty Images / Thinkstock)
* Reduces stress and depression – Mint is the most widely used herb in aromatherapy. It has a strong, refreshing scent that can reduce stress and refresh the body and mind. The apoptogenic activity of mint helps to regulate cortisol levels in the blood which stimulates the body’s natural response to weight reduction. Ingestion of pudina essential oil can instantly release serotonin in the blood which is a neurotransmitter known for relieving symptoms of stress and depression.
* Makes your skin healthy – Pudina has it anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that help treat acne and pimple on the skin. Pudina leaves contain a lot of anti-acne salicylic acid. It also works as an effective skin cleanser. Pudina has antioxidant properties that help you get clean and youthful skin by removing free radicals from the body. Pudina also retains the moisture in the skin, cleanses dead skin cells, and dirt from the skin pores, and makes the skin radiant and thin.
* Oral care – Chewing pudina leaves is a great way to improve oral hygiene and dental health. The essential oils in pudina can help you breathe fresh air. Also, using the mouthwash which contains peppermint oil can help you kill bacteria in the mouth and give you healthy gums and teeth.
* Improves memory – “Research has shown that pudina can improve memory and restore the brain’s mental activity. Consuming pudina regularly can increase brain power by improving awareness, memory retention, and other mental functions, ”he said.
* Promotes weight loss – The essential oils of pudina stimulate the digestive enzyme to increase bile flow and promote digestion. It also helps in getting better nutrition from the food. When the body is able to properly align and absorb nutrients, your metabolism increases. This increase in metabolism is stimulated weight loss.
* Treating a common cold – If you are struggling with a cold and find it difficult to breathe, pudina is the best remedy for it. Most vapor rubs and inhalers contain mint. Mint naturally cleanses the throat, bronchi, and lung tissue. In addition to respiratory channels, mint also reduces pollution caused by whooping cough.
* Eases nausea symptoms – Pudina is an effective treatment for nausea that often occurs in morning sickness. Eating a few pudina leaves or smelling it every morning can help pregnant women prevent or cope with a feeling of infertility.