KNOW 31 MAGICAL BENEFITS OF MINT

THE HERB IS LOW SATURATED FAT, CAN BE GROWN ALL OVER PUNJAB

While discussing the world’s healthiest foods, fruits and vegetables are often top of the list because of their antioxidant properties, the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they contains and myriad health benefits with which they are associated.

Unfortunately, fresh herbs are often ignored when talking about what it takes to make up a healthy diet. Herbs contain a wide variety of nutrients and have numerous health benefits. CROPSFARMING.COM brings you the magical benefits of MINT, is an aromatic perennial herb, popularly known as “Pudina” and scientifically known as “Mentha”.

Mint can be grown all over the Punjab state, wherever assured irrigation is available. Mint or pudina is synonymous with freshness. Mint can add that extra zing to almost anything you cook. The market is full of products like tooth pastes, chewing gum, beauty products, breath fresheners, candies and inhaler which have mint as their base ingredients. But mint is more than just a garnishing agent or a breath freshener.

WHATS MAGICAL IN MINT The herb is low in saturated fat, and very low in cholesterol. It is also a good source of protein, thiamin, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, dietary fiber, riboflavin, folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. It is a herb that is in use for hundreds of years for its remarkable properties.

BENEFITS

IMPROVES ORAL HEALTH Mint is packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It improves oral health by eliminating bacteria in the mouth and preventing tooth decay, beats bad breath and keeps your tongue and teeth clean naturally.

PROMOTED DIGESTION A great appetizer Mint promotes digestion. It is a calming and soothing herb which increases bile secretion and encourages bile flow, thus speeding and easing digestion. For example, pudina chutney that is served with samosa is not only just to enhance our taste buds but for better digestion of the junk food.

BENEFICIAL FOR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Mint is beneficial for the respiratory system, including cough, cold, asthma, allergies and tuberculosis.

TREATS NAUSEA Aids weight loss and treats nausea, depression, fatigue and headache.

NATURAL STIMULANT A natural stimulant and the smell alone can be enough to charge your batteries and get your brain functioning on a high level again. If you are feeling sluggish, anxious, depressed, or simply exhausted, mint and its derivative essential oils can help.

RETIANS MEMORY Mint has positive effect on alertness, retention and cognitive function. It is found that people who frequently use mint based chewing gum had higher levels of memory retention and mental alertness. The stimulant qualities of mintuplift your mood when you are feeling less than brilliant.

MAINTAINS EYE CARE Mint also has significant amount of contained vitamin- A. One of its functions is to maintain health and eye care. Those who had the disorder or are myopic they are encouraged to consume foods that contain lots of vitamin A, one with mint and carrot.

BENEFITS TO SKIN

CLEARS ACNE PRONE SIKH Works It is anti- inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties work wonders on acne-prone skin. Mint is often used in a number of cleansers, toners and lip balms as well. The salicylic acid present in mint helps in curing acne.

ADDS NATURAL GLOW The strong antioxidants present in mint leaves add a natural glow and rehydrate dull and dry skin.

SOOTHES BURNS Mint juice can also be applied to heal and sooth burns.

CALMS ITCHY SKIN It also soothes and calms itchy and infected skin. Using mint juice on the skin can help sooth mosquito bites too.

TREATS DRYNESS Boil mint leaves in water and soak your feet in it to treat dryness and odour.

EXCELLENT HAIR CONDITIONER Mint is an excellent hair conditioner. Rinse your hair with mint water to get frizz-free and shiny hair.

GET RID OF LICES Apply mint oil to hair three-four times every week. Massage and keep it on for 30 minutes (before shower), doing this will help you get rid of lice.

TREATS DANDRUFF A hair pack of mint leaves, lemon juice and fuller’s earth helps treat dandruff.

MORE BENEFITS

ROOM FRESHNER helps good smell in the home as by adding a few drops of mint essential oil to home cleaner.

BUZZ IN GARDEN Growing mint will keep the yard and garden buzzing with beneficial insects. Mint is rich in nectar and pollen and its small flower cluster keep these sweet treats easily accessible for helpful bugs such as honeybees and hoverflies.

REPEL INSECTS AND FLEAS Keep the home free from pests by placing spring

of mint by doors and windows. It is sure to repel mosquitoes, ants spiders etc.

ESSENT KITCHEN INGREDIENT Mint/pudina is an essential ingredient of cooking. There are some amazing things which can do with mint and are very useful:

FOR SALADS Chop up a few leaves and add them to salad along with some freshly grated ginger and lemon.

JAZZ UP WATER Flavour water or lemonade with some smashed mint leaves.

FANCY ICE CUBES Adding chopped mint leaves or even mint tea to ice cube tray is super cute and makes for fun summer.

JUICE Mint adds an amazing freshness to any pressed juice. Try it with some apple, cucumber and lemon.

TEA Fresh mint, chopped or even just mashed up a little and added to hot water makes a delicious digestive soothing tea.

Not anymore! mint itself is a complete herb. Growing mint is one of the most cost-effective ways to eat well and add a gourmet touch to food, beauty and other domestic chores.

(The writers of the article Magical Benefits of Mint are Rajinder Kaur Sidhu and Mandeep Sharma of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Mansa and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Fatehgarh Sahib)