Mint Leaves Benefits and Side Effects – Fresh Mint Tea Benefits
Mint Benefits and Side Effects – Mint Leaves Uses
The mint or Mentha family is known as Lamiaceae. In this article, we are going to talk about the uses of mint or how to use mint leaves benefits and peppermint and the various side effects and health benefits. Many of us often mistake mint and peppermint to be the same thing, however, you must know that mints are kind of leaves which has many varieties such as peppermint, orange mint, apple mint, pineapple and much more. Peppermint is a type of mint which is stronger as it contains menthol. Mint contains omega 3 fatty acid, magnesium, iron, calcium, vitamin A and C, manganese and copper. There are totally eighteen varieties of mint and each has unique flavors.
One of the most common uses of mint leaves is mint tea. There are a lot of benefits of mint leaves and hot water. The fact that mint tea is a product of mint leaves in hot water makes it a plus point. Let us first know the health benefits of mint tea.
How to use Mint Leaves
Peppermint Tea For Weight Loss
Mint leaves have a lot of benefits for weight loss. Mint tea is said to reduce overall calorie consumption and also remove toxins from the body hence leading to weight loss. Mint has anti-oxidant properties when mixed with hot water it passes this property to the mint tea that enhances weight loss. Immunity system- Mint tea is known to boost immunity system.
Mint leaves if soaked in water overnight and consumed in the morning can help to lose weight. Mint consumes fat and transforms it into usable energy. Soak one sliced Cucumber, one tablespoon of grated ginger, one sliced lemon and one teaspoon of fresh mint leaves in filtered water 6 cups, keep it in the refrigerator in the night and consume in morning. This will give an immediate result for getting rid of the extra flab from your body.
Mint For Stomach Healer
Mint is a stomach healer as it controls irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, stomach aches, diarrhea or constipation.
Peppermint Leaves for Stress
Mint gives relieve from stress. Peppermint tea before bed can relieve stress and help in inducing sleep. The taste and smell of peppermint also help to sleep.
Mint Leaves Reduce Bad Breath
Mint having an aromatic fragrance helps to remove bad breath. This is one of the key fresh mint tea benefits. Mint is an excellent herb that has been used from hundreds of years for its remarkable medicinal properties, and for refreshing and invigorating the breathe.
Peppermint Tea For Fever and cough
Peppermint tea gives a lot of comforts when consumed during fever or a cough. Its antibacterial and antiviral properties prevent and heal colds and flu, as peppermint soothes muscle aches, alleviates coughs, and opens nasal passageways.
Peppermint tea for a headache
Peppermint tea opens up blood vessel that supplies blood to the head and hence it reduces headache. Peppermint tea is often effective in stopping headaches that are caused by stress or poor diet. These headaches typically restrict blood vessels in the brain, causing intense pain.
Peppermint Tea Benefits Skin
Mint leaves are very good for skin. Drinking mint tea can prevent skin cancer. Mint with water is good for fair skin. Hence mint tea can whiten skin tone. However, mint tea can also have side effects.
Mint Leaves Harmful For Gastroesophageal Reflux Patients
Mint tea can be harmful to gastroesophageal reflux patients because it may increase the symptoms.
Mint Tea During Pregnancy
Mint may cause the uterus to relax and can increase the chances of miscarriage. Also, mothers who breastfeed must avoid drinking mint tea. Drinking moderate amount peppermint tea is beneficial for health if the above conditions are kept in mind. One may ask how many cups of peppermint tea must be consumed in a day- The answer to this is 2-3 cups a day with only 1 teaspoon of mint leaves benefits for each cup. As we have understood the various benefits and side effects of mint tea, we must also know that mint or mint leaves, in general, have a lot of other benefits and side effects.
Mint Helpful in Asthma
Mint is very helpful for keeping asthma in control. Inhalers contain mint which aids breathing hence clears the respiratory tract.
Mint Leaves for Whitening Teeth
Mint leaves benefits can be used for whitening teeth and eradicate yellow tinge on teeth.
Peppermint Oil for Muscles Pain
Mint or peppermint oil is very helpful for muscle pain. Rosmarinic acid is a dominant anti-oxidant in mint which helps to reduce aches, sprains, and cramps.
Mint Leaves for Digestion
Mint leaves are known to soothe digestive tract and also make it easier to eliminate gas and improve digestion. Mint is cooling carminative that helps to relieve pain in the digestive tract by removing gas.
Peppermint Oil For Hair Growth
Remedy for dry scalp. Penetrate the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles, circulation of blood in scalp, hair root stronger, moisturizing,
Mint Leaves for Skin
Mint gives a cooling sensation to the skin. Along with it mint controls secretion of excess oil and hence prevents acne(mint leaves for acne).
Other side effects of int Leaves
1. Mint Leaves Benefits For Allergy
Mint can cause allergy in people who are prone to allergies. Soars in the mouth, swelling lips, tongue or face are common allergies caused by mint.
2. Mint Leaves Reaction on Baby’s Skin
mint oil on babies’ faces can lead to seizures and it inhibits breathing. So it’s better to keep mint oil away from kids
3. Effects of mint with other medication
If an individual is going through certain medication or is under supplements then it’s better to avoid mint as it may have adverse effects on the body. However, one can have the consultation of the doctor regarding the same.
4. Mint for Gallbladder and Lever
Consumption of excessive amount of mint can cause blockage in gallbladder and bile ducts, it can also lead to gall inflammation and gallstones, Mint can sometimes also lead to a hiatal hernia and liver damage.
5. Peppermint For Pure Menthol is Poisonous
Peppermint has menthol and that is what gives it a strong flavour. However, pure menthol can be considered poison and hence it is not advisable to have a high quantity of mint.
Other Benefits Of Mint Leaves/Peppermint
Mint has various other uses. For instance, it is a basic element for Aromatherapy products like candles, oils, soaps and balms which works as a relaxant, reducing anxiety and stress.
Mint, when grown in large quantity, can act as rats and mice deterrent in the garden. Mint is also used for adding flavours to many dishes. It can also be used as a refreshment beverage by making it iced drink.
Now that we know almost all the benefits and side effects, it is necessary to know a few recipes that will help you make mint a part of your diet.
Mint recipes:
1- Mint tea
• Dry the leaves
• Crush the leaves and store in air tight container in cold and dry place
• Boil 1 teaspoon mint leaves, 1 cup of water for 3-4 minutes.
• Serve hot and refreshing beverage in a cup and enjoy
2- Mint Lemonade
• Ingredients- 1/3 cups of mint leaves, 2 tablespoon sugar, 2 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4th teaspoon salt, 6 ice cubes, plain soda water- 1 cup, plain water – 1/3rd cup.
• Dissolve sugar in a cup and keep
• Take half of the mint leaves and extract its juice.
• Put the remaining fresh mint leaves in a glass
• Add the mint juice, 2-3 ice cubes, the sugar syrup, the lemon juice, salt to taste and soda water.
• Serve with few more ice cubes and feel the freshness.
3- Mint Chutney/ Mint Leaves Chutney
• Roast half cups of Cumin seeds, coriander seeds, 3-4 dry red chilies and make a powder to make the masala.
• Fry the mint leaves in oil till the leaves change its colour.
• Blend the fried mint leaves with the masala, add salt to taste, soaked tamarind and water.
• Preserve it and have it with sandwich, any other Indian bread or rice
4- Mint Flavoured Chocolates
• Melt 200 g of chocolate in the microwave (be sure to stir it in every 30 secs till it melts.
• Pour half of the melted chocolate into an ice tray and freeze it for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Mix 1 cup of powdered sugar, half tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of milk. Heat it in the microwave 2 to 3 times for 30 seconds each.
• Add ¼ teaspoon of peppermint essence to the above solution to prepare the middle mint layer.
• Take the same ice tray where the first layer of chocolate is ready. Put the mint flavour in the center and freeze it again 10-15 mins.
• Then put another layer with the remaining chocolate and freeze it again for 10-15 mins.
• Take the chocolate cubes out of the ice tray and yummy mint chocolate is then ready to be relished When something so healthy can be so delicious, what are waiting for? Start including mint/peppermint in your daily diet and be healthy. But also be cautious about the side effects and have accordingly. Some amount of it will definitely do no harm at all and instead give benefit in various ways.
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