What Is Mint and What Are its Benefits?

Introduction

Mentha, often known as mint, belongs to the Lamiaceae family (mint family). There are 13 to 24 species, though their differences are unclear. Hybridisation happens spontaneously.

Europe, Africa (Southern Africa), Asia, Australia and Oceania, North America, and South America all comprise the subcosmopolitan distribution of the species.

The genus Mentha contains a variety of widely dispersed plants that thrive in various habitats. Mints can cover an arbitrary amount of space and grow to 10-120 cm (4-48 inches). Some mints are regarded as invasive due to their propensity to spread unrestrained.

Description

Mints are fragrant, primarily perennial herbs. They have upright, square, branching stems widely dispersing underground and aboveground stolons. The leaves range in shape from oblong to lanceolate, are paired oppositely, frequently downy, and have a serrated border. Dark green, gray-green, purple, blue, and occasionally pale yellow are some of the different leaf colors. The blooms are formed in false whorls called verticillasters and range in color from white to purple. The upper lobe of the corolla’s two-lipped, four subequal lobes is typically the biggest. A nutlet, the fruit has one to four seeds.

Taxonomy

Mentha belongs to the Nepetoideae subfamily’s tribe Mentheae. About 65 genera make up the tribe, and its internal links are still a mystery. On the boundaries of Mentha, authors have disputed. For instance, M. cunninghamii has been assigned to Micromeria, while M. cervina has been assigned to Pulegium and Preslia. In 2004, molecular phylogenetic research suggested that Mentha should contain both M. cervina and M. cunninghamii. M. cunninghamii was, however, left out of a 2007 treatment of the genus.

In the genus Mentha, over 3,000 names, ranging in rank from species to forms, have been published, most of which are regarded as synonyms or false names. The genus’s taxonomy is complicated because many species hybridize easily or come from potentially long-ago hybridization episodes. The offspring produced by hybrid seeds can be propagated vegetatively and are varied. As a result of the variety, there have been “paroxysms of species and subspecific taxa”; for instance, between 1911 and 1916, one taxonomist produced 434 new mint taxa for central Europe alone. According to recent reports, there are 18 to 24 species.

Nutritional Profile

• Mint leaves are rich in phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, and B complex, calcium, and phosphorus, and have antibacterial capabilities. They are also loaded with antioxidants.
• It is one of the abundant sources of potassium, iron, and manganese, which raise haemoglobin levels and support cognitive function.
• Mint leaves are simple to include in a diet plan because they have few calories, minimal protein, and little fat.

Benefits

Mint is a leafy herb that, due to the chilly sensation it gives off in the mouth, is probably most known for its relationship with having fresh breath. Therefore, mint is a typical flavoring for chewing gum, breath mints, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

Mint is popular for giving lamb meals, mojito cocktails, and mint chocolate chip ice cream a bright flavor. Mint plants increase rapidly, so gardeners typically cultivate them in containers. They can spread and take over a garden if planted directly into the ground.

Except for Antarctica, all continents have native mint plants. The most widely used mint kinds are probably peppermint and spearmint, but there are many more, including water mint and wild mint. The Monarda genus includes some plants commonly referred to as “mint.” The Lamiaceae family includes both the Mentha and Monarda genera. Horsemint, catmint, and stonemint are among the monarda mints.

All mint species can be used fresh, dried, and brewed into tea, essential oil concentrates, or dried herbs.

Health Benefits

For many years, mint has been used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. Sadly, very few researchers have looked at the effects of mint on the body beyond helping digestion and alleviating irritable bowel syndrome. However, research may eventually demonstrate that mint effectively treats a larger range of diseases.

Brain Health

Mint consumption could benefit brain health. Mint extracts may be able to cure Alzheimer’s symptoms, according to one study, but additional research is required. While it is unknown whether peppermint might have similar effects when consumed, another study indicated that just smelling it can improve memory and attentiveness.

Digestive Health

The most well-known therapeutic application of mint is a treatment for stomach issues. Without any negative side effects, peppermint oil helps treat irritable bowel syndrome and lessens abdominal pain.

Studies on animals and in vitro indicate that mint leaves might be used medicinally in more contexts than are now understood. Mint has been found to have antimicrobial, stress-relieving, and anticancer effects, according to this research. To ascertain whether mint likewise has these benefits on the human body, human experiments will be necessary.

The Other Benefits are:

Eliminate Digestion – Mint leaves are renowned for being a fantastic appetiser. Encourage digestive enzymes, and it supports the digestive system. In addition, mint oil has antiseptic and antibacterial characteristics that help to treat stomach infections, indigestion, and other conditions.

Dispatch Irritable Bowel Syndrome – An irritable bowel syndrome is a typical digestive system disorder. A change in diet is the primary and most effective treatment for irritable bowel syndroMint int oil may also be beneficial.

Menthol, a substance found in mint oil, has calming effects on the gastrointestinal tract muscles.

Reduce Complaints About the Breath – People living with Asthma are advised to consume mint leaves frequently since it helps chest congestion and is an excellent relaxant. In addition, patients with asthma can have a calming effect from daily consumption of mint leaves.

Both mint and menthol are said to make breathing easier. Additionally, it relieves the irritation brought on by a prolonged cough.

What would you do next after devouring a bowl of garlic soup? Grab a piece of gum. Its minty qualities could help freshen your breath.

Plaque accumulation on teeth can be helped by extracting from mint leaves. Additionally, mouthwash, menthol toothpaste, and gum can prevent the growth of oral bacteria and keep your mouth healthy.

Boost Your Brainpower – Mint leaves stimulate the brain. According to various studies, eating mint may enhance alertness and cognitive ability. Additionally, mint leaves may improve memory and mental clarity.

Increases Immunity – Mint has many vitamins and antioxidants that boost immunity. These plant-based vitamins help in preventing cell damage. Mint leaves also inhibit specific enzymes, which can limit tumor growth.

Beats depression and stress – Mint plays a crucial role in aromatherapy. Its powerful and stimulating perfume may lessen tension and energize the intellect. When you breathe in mint’s aroma, your mind becomes instantly calm.

Add some mint to your tea, inhale mint extract from a vaporizer, or take a mint bath to relieve tension and despair quickly.

Promotes Weight Loss – For healthy weight loss, mint leaves are essential. By enhancing digestion and metabolism, mint leaves can help with weight loss. To promote weight loss, mint tea is a superb, calorie-free, calorie-refreshing beverage.

Mint leaves negative effects.

Most of the time, mint leaves are safe to eat; however, people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux illness should limit their consumption since it may aggravate their stomachs. Additionally, as menthol oil may cause respiratory difficulties in children, they shouldn’t be exposed to it topically.

Conclusion

Scientists claim that mint is a fascinating herb with a variety of applications. First, mint is a healthy addition to your diet because it contains antioxidants, vitamins, iron, and other nutrients. So if you want to be healthy and happy, include mint in your diet.