What is Mint?
Mint is a an aromatic herb which has
* Refreshing fragrance
* Pleasing taste
* Sweet flavour, and
* Cool aftertaste
These are the virtues of mint due to which it makes its presence in toothpastes and chewing gums, candies and ice-creams as well as salads, drinks and chocolates. Scientifically known as ‘mentha’, this herb is available all through the year. Well known as ‘phudina’ by the vegetable vendors, this fresh herb is used in making tea too.
1. Treats Indigestion : Mint (pudina) being an anti-inflammatory reduces the inflammation in the stomach and shows a cleansing effect. The best effect is seen by chewing fresh mint leaves. This is because chewing mint activates the salivary glands which in turn produces digestive enzymes. This will help relieve indigestion and soothe your stomach.
2. Aids Weight Loss : Mint (pudina) is a leafy vegetable which is sure to create nourishing dishes without piling on calories, carbs or fat for that instance. What is has to offer instead is FIBER. This nutrient profile in totality will help you achieve your weight loss target without any thought process.
3. Safeguards Against Bad Breath : You have just gobbled on garlic soup or onion paratha, so what’s next you will do? Pop up a chewing gum or have mukhwas. Next time try chewing on some mint leaves. It will give you the same oral freshness as the mint chewing gum would lend.
4. Improves Skin Health : The salicylic acid present in the mint shows potent anti-bacterial effect. While including mint in your diet does help, applying fresh mint juice is a majestic face mask for acne. It can help achieve your goal of a clear and youthful skin.
5. Relieves Nausea / Morning Sickness : Sipping on a healthy drink is the best option to overcome nausea for mums-to-be. And if you have some mint leaves at home, do try and make an instant drink with it and keep sipping it at intervals. In fact, some women overcome nausea just by the fragrance of mint leaves.
6. Dismisses Depression : Mint is highly aromatic herb which gives you a boost when inhaled in the form of vapour. It is quite energizing and reliable way of enhancing mood.
7. Keeps Respiratory Disorders at Bay : This strong flavoured herb is known to clear the congestion and give relief from respiratory disorders. Moreover its vitamin A (10% of RDA) and vitamin C (20.25%) serve as an additional boost to bring relief from cough, sore throat and also cold. Doubtlessly that’s the reason why mint is used in oils and ointments.
8. Immune Boosting Benefits : The antioxidants, vitamin A and Vitamin C, protect your cells from harmful damage of free radicals. These if not stripped off the right way, can damage your organs and lead to chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, liver disorders etc. So including mint will help boost immune power.
Buy them fresh, chop them and Include it by way of…
1. Salads
2. Raitas
3. Fresh Juices
4. Dips
5. Dressings
6. Infused Water
7. Chutney 8. Chaas / Buttermilk
What Can I Cook Healthy with Mint Leaves?
1. Roti
2. Paratha
3. Non-fried Tikkis
4. Fat-free Soup
5. Herbal Tea
What ingredients pair absolutely well with Mint?
In reality mint is the flavour enhancer when combined with most ingredients. However the ingredients with which it matches splendidly are…
1. Chick peas (kabuli chana)
2. Paneer (cottage cheese)
3. Ginger (adrak)
4. Coriander leaves (dhania)
5. Lemon (nimbu)
6. Curd (dahi)
To know about Recipes using Mint Leaves, Pudina, check out our collection.
Nutrition Information of Pudina, Mint Leaves?
1 cup of chopped mint leaves is about 30 grams
RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.
Energy - 14 calories
Protein – 1.4 g
Carbohydrate – 1.7 g
Fat – 0.2 g
Fiber – 1.9 g
See full nutritional details of mint leaves in Mint leaves glossary click here.