Mint leaves - Mine of Antioxidants

Mint leaves are one of the most refreshing and gut-relaxing herbs available in Indian households, especially during summers. From helping with indigestion to aiding in inflammation,  mint leaves benefits are endless due to their nutritious composition. Read on to find some refreshing and healthy mint recipes to keep you cool during the summer.

Mint leaves - Mine of Antioxidants

Introduction

Mint leaves (Pudina), also known as mentha, are a popular herb that belongs to the family Mentha Longifolia L. It is the richest natural source of polyphenol, which exhibits strong antioxidant properties. It also contains traces of B-carotene and folic acid.

It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that make it a popular element in the beverage and food industries. There are various uses for mint leaves, such as using them as an edible ingredient or adding them to medicines.

Mint leaves are also termed as functional food as they enhance the taste of other foods and impart refreshment to them. Mint can be used in a variety of ways and is extremely beneficial for your health. To know more about pudina uses and healthy mint recipes, read on!

Mint Leaves Nutrition

According to IFCT (2017), below nutritional components are categorised that are present in Mint leaves.

Mint leaves, or pudina, can be used as a chutney, tea or refreshing beverage, in smoothies, ice creams, candies, parathas etc. Let’s read below about some basic and easy-to-make refreshing drinks that are made using mint leaves.

Health benefits of mint leaves

As discussed above, there are numerous mint health benefits that improve our immunity and protect our body against ailments. Below, we have discussed some of the major pudina benefits. Let’s go through them to understand this herb better:

1. Antioxidant properties: It has natural antioxidants that rejuvenate your body and act as an immunity booster to protect your body from numerous infections.
2. Helps in indigestion: This herb acts as a curing agent to treat gastrointestinal disorders like indigestion and abdominal pain as it has relaxant effects on stomach linings and muscles. It can also provide relief from colic pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, gas formation etc. 
3. Antimicrobial and anti-viral properties: Another one of mint benefits is that it slows down and to some extent, inhibits antimicrobial activities in the body. It can also be used in treating pinworm infections thanks to its insecticidal properties. It has antiviral abilities too, which can help in curing common cold infections and viral infections. Most Indian households use pudina/mint leaves to tackle cold infections. 
4. Anti-inflammatory properties: Mint tea is a proven homemade remedy for relieving bodily pain and also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Pudina helps in relieving stress and reducing headache: Pudina leaves are an effective cure for reducing headaches. Daily consumption of mint tea and mint soups relieves stress and has a calming effect on your nervous system.

Thus, pudina can play a potential role in improving your diet and bring a plethora of mint benefits to your plate. It is also considered an excellent daily refreshment drink. However, it is advised to use it wisely in moderation.

How to add mint leaves to your food for a healthier summer

There are numerous uses of mint leaves, and one of those is preparing tasty summer drinks. Besides drinks, however, you can also create a zesty pudina chutney and consume it as a condiment with almost everything. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or want to save yourself from the scorching summer heat, the below listed mint leaf recipes are sure to entice you.

1.  Ginger-mint rejuvenating drink - A refreshing drink to start your day. 
Benefits: It rejuvenates your body and also aids in digestion, helping to prevent nausea and stomach upset. This is one of the primary pudina benefits. 

2.  Mint Guava Kiwi summer drink - A refreshing summer energizer drink
Benefits: This drink gives off a soothing effect and is high in fibre, which keeps your cholesterol level under control.

3.  Banana mint Shake Recipe - Healthy banana mint shake for energy
Benefits: It is a high energy smoothie that will keep you energised and provide plenty of potassium that will contribute to your health.

Conclusion

Pudina is a popular herb that has been used since ancient times in India as a traditional medicine. It has an effective therapeutic effect and can be easily included in our diet in various forms. However, moderation is the key here. It is always advisable to use it wisely to avoid any allergic reactions and heartburn. Mint is also high in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties that prevent infections and treat your stomach woes. So add pudina to your daily diet and leverage all the medicinal mint benefits that it offers.