Health Benefits of Mint

Mint, a well known mouth and breath freshener, in Hindi known as PUDINA, is an herb with remarkable medicinal properties. The market is full of products like tooth paste, chewing gums, mouth & breathe fresheners, candies and inhalers etc. which are based on mint. The health benefits of mint include the following:

•    Digestion:
Due to its typical aroma, Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion. It also helps stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation etc.

•    Nausea & Headache:
The strong and refreshing aroma of mint is an excellent remedy for nausea. Whenever you feel breathing problem, smell the oil of mint or crushed  mint leaves or use any other product with mint flavor, whatever is available near you, and it will be gone  Mint based Balms or simply mint oil, when rubbed on forehead and nose, gives quick relief in headache.

•    Cough:
As Mint cools and soothes throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it gives relief in cough

•    Asthma:

Regular use of mint is very useful for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and gives relief in congestion. But, over dosage may irritate as well.

•    Skin Care
Mint  juice is an excellent skin cleanser. It soothes skin, cures infections, itching etc., and is also good for pimples. It  can also be used for treating bites of insects like mosquitoes, honey-bees, hornets etc. For curing pimple , you can make paste of mint and mix it face pack or apply directly.

•    Oral Care:
This is a well known property of mint. Being a germicidal and breath freshener, it takes care of oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside mouth and by cleaning tongue and teeth.

Nutritional Value of Mint
Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 100g of mint

    * Moisture - 84.9 g
    * Protein - 4.8 g
    * Fat - 0.6 g
    * Minerals - 1.9 g
    * Fibre - 2 g
    * Carbohydrate - 5.8 g
    * Calcium - 200 mg
    * Phosphorus - 62 mg
    * Iron - 15.6 mg
    * Carotene - 1620 μg
    * Thiamine - 0.05 mg
    * Niacin - 1 mg
    * Riboflavin - 0.26 mg
    * Folic Acid (Free) - 9.7 μg
    * Folic Acid (Total) - 114 μg
    * Vitamin C - 27 mg
    * Magnesium - 60 mg
    * Copper - 0.18 mg
    * Manganese - 0.57 mg
    * Zinc - 0.44 mg
    * Chromium - 0.008 mg
    * Oxalic Acid - 33 mg
    * Phytin Phosphorus - 4 mg
    * Energy - 48 Kcal

Cook With Pia also has many mint based recipes. You can use mint in form of chutney, refreshing drinks, mix it in the rice, biryany or vegetable. It add a refreshing taste in both snack and main course prepration .
Some of the mint based preparations I am adding in the article

 Dhaniya Pudina Chutney

Pudina Dhania Chutney

Lemon Mint Ginger Refresher 

Lemon Mint Ginger Refresher

Source [ source 1 source 2]

Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (Mint Coriander Chutney)

 I like to make it chutney very often. It adds a refreshing taste to our dinner. I also use it as sandwich spread , and on the rolls. This is a right combination for snack. I mostly store it for 1 week to 10 days.

Ingredients

100 gm Mint (Pudina)
100 gm Coriander (Dhaniya)
4-5 Green Chilly
2 tps lemon juice
Salt  according to taste.

Method
Wash Mint and coriander  leaves .
Put  mint and coriander in the grinder
Add green chilly and salt.
Add little water and make smooth paste.
Now add lemon juice and grind it once again
Tasty Mint and Coriander Chutney is ready

Note - Image is for indicative purpose only. it is take from the web