11 Health Benefits of Mint Leaves For The Summer

During the summertime, it is vital to take care of your health and protect yourself from the harsh sun. As temperatures soar, you may face problems like dehydration and skin conditions, which can get worse if left unchecked. While taking precautions like wearing sunscreen or loose clothing is a must, you should also alter your diet to beat the heat! Here, mint is a great addition to consider, especially because it has many benefits. Read on the benefits of mint leaves in summer.

Loaded with vitamins A, C, and B complex along with calcium, phosphorus, and antioxidants, mint is a great way to introduce a refreshing twist to your diet. The aroma and taste alone add value to most dishes, and these traits shine brightest when used in drinks. For instance, simply crushing it up and adding it to your fruit mixes or salads can add a whole new flavor and refreshing element. Best of all, mint is low in calories, meaning you can include it in your diet with ease. 

However, these are just a few benefits of mint leaves. To know more and to learn how you can make mint a star component of your diet this summer, read on. 

Mint leaves are an integral part of our diet because of their natural aromatic quality. Apart from imparting freshness and flavor to your juices, salads, biryanis and curries, there are many benefits of mint leaves. Knowing these can give you a better understanding on how to use them to boost your health. Here are some of the standout benefits of mint leaves.  

1. Works as an Active Decongestant

The menthol in mint is an incredible decongestant for when you have a cold or allergies. In fact, menthol is the common component of many OTC medications that work to this effect. What's more, it can give you much-needed relief from sore, itchy throats and a blocked nose. Finally, it is also a known remedy for certain allergy symptoms like asthma, difficulty breathing, or itchy eyes. This is primarily due to the fact that it contains rosmarinic acid, a special plant compound that is commonly found in rosemary. It helps deal with allergic reactions naturally.  

2. Helps Deal with Headaches and Allergy-Related Symptoms

The summer heat has many downsides, among which are dehydration and dry weather. These factors combined can be very problematic and cause you to experience headaches a lot more frequently. These can get very uncomfortable to endure, and one way to deal with it is with mint. Of the many health benefits of mint, it works as a potent remedy for headaches because of its incredibly refreshing aroma. In fact, it is a key component of ayurvedic treatments for headaches. 

3. Minimizes Acne and Scars 

The menthol, combined with antioxidant properties, has another benefit besides relieving congestion. It actually works to promote better skin health. It serves as a natural moisturizer and cleanser of the skin while also enabling other mechanisms. For instance, your skin needs sebum to keep acne in control, and mint can help ensure that this function is carried out optimally. Thanks to the salicylic acid and vitamin A content, mint is able to help your skin while also helping with aging. Better skin is thus one of the benefits of mint tea, which is among the reasons why it is one of the most popular drinks in the summer! In fact, you can combine both mint and basil leaves to make tea, hot or iced, and boost your skin health.

4. Relieves Symptoms of IBS 

The summer heat can bring out a number of digestive issues, be it nausea, indigestion, or even issues of bloating. Thankfully, you can enjoy relief from these by introducing mint to your diet. In fact, a good way to enjoy the benefits of mint tea is to have it after meals in the summer. This helps settle any issues while also addressing issues related to IBS. 

In fact, studies show that a compound in mint is known to reduce the incidence of spam in the tract, helping minimize such issues [1]. Additionally, mint leaves can be used as appetizers too. The special compounds stimulate digestive enzymes in the gut, and this is crucial to avoid issues such as indigestion. What's more, the antibacterial properties help deal with many stomach infections.

5. Bolsters the Immune System

Chock-full of essential nutrients and vitamins, mint can do wonders for your immune system. For instance, the body needs a healthy supply of micronutrients to protect against cell damage, and you can get these with mint. What's more, it can even help keep tumors at bay. By restricting enzymes responsible, mint can help you avoid deadly diseases. 

6. Maintains the health of your hair 

Mint leaf extract is a good source of antioxidants and carotene that promote hair growth and prevent hair fall [2]. Adding to its list of benefits is that it has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. When it comes to your hair, this means reduced dandruff and hair lice. In fact, just a 30 min scrub of mint leaf paste with lemon juice can help you keep your hair healthy all through the summer.

7. Boosts Respiratory Functions

Mint leaves help promote respiratory functions and are recommended for people suffering from asthma. This is because mint works as a good relaxant and is capable of relieving chest congestion. Among all the mint leaves benefits, their capability to empower the respiratory system is vital. You can easily consume mint leave daily by adding them to your herbal teas or shakes or as mint chutney to keep away the harmful effects of asthma.  

8. Improves Brain Power 

While considering the health benefits of mint, most of us focus on its ability as a mouth freshener, but we shouldn’t miss out on the fact that it is an excellent brain tonic. Studies have produced valid evidence that mint improves alertness and your body’s cognitive functions. Mint leaves, when consumed on a daily basis, are also known to improve memory and mental focus.  

9. Supports Weight Loss 

When following a regime for weight loss, you may count on the health benefits of mint leaves and include them in your diet on a daily basis. Mint plays a crucial role in reducing body fat and helps you lose weight in a healthy manner. Mint supports digestion and increases metabolism, which in turn boosts calorie burn.  

10. Reduces Signs of Depression

Mint with its strong aroma and other beneficial properties, works well with the nervous system. In other words, its aroma is the therapeutic backbone that makes it a strong nerve soother. Counted among the most pronounced mint leaves benefits is its strong and refreshing smell that is known to keep you stress-free. The aroma of mint leaves also helps rejuvenate your mind. So, by breathing in the aroma of mint, you can instantly calm your mind and ease yourself in minutes after a stressful day!  

11. Helps with Oral Care

Mint leaves work effectively at eliminating strong odors from the mouth. In fact, it is a natural mouth freshener that you can rely on when dealing with a hot summer day. Just a few leaves work instantly, freshening your breath and even protecting your mouth against certain germs. Additionally, some experts suggest that mint can clear plaque deposits on your teeth. To get the maximum benefits of mint leaves, simply chew them fresh!  

Make sure to reduce your mint leaves consumption if you experience stomach irritation. Other than this, mint is an excellent source of nutrients and provides a lot of relief during summers. For more advice on how to keep yourself healthy during summers, get a doctor's consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health. By booking a video consultation, you can avoid stepping out of your home in all this heat and still give your health the attention it deserves!