10 Health Benefits of Mint
Did you know there’s much more to mint than you may think? Commonly found in foods such as chewing gum and toothpaste, mint is a species of plant belonging to the genus Mentha. In fact, there are a variety of different types of mint, such as spearmint and peppermint, each with their own uses and […]
Did you know there’s much more to mint than you may think? Commonly found in foods such as chewing gum and toothpaste, mint is a species of plant belonging to the genus Mentha. In fact, there are a variety of different types of mint, such as spearmint and peppermint, each with their own uses and benefits. Mint can be enjoyed in aromatic teas, delicious desserts and refreshing drinks – like our Virgin Mojito Kombucha, which contains natural mint flavour in addition to organic mint leaves and cold pressed juice!
So, the real question is: does mint have any health benefits? In short, the answer is yes! There are a wide range of health benefits of mint, from improved brain function to digestive health. Better yet, opt for organic and enjoy all these benefits without the chemical residue or environmental burden, or mix your mint with other health-boosting foods. How about that? Drinking a fruity mojito and reaping all the health benefits of kombucha and mint? What a win!
We’ll run you through some of the incredible health benefits of mint in more detail…
Health benefits of mint
- Filled with nutrients
- Improved digestive health
- Boost your immune system
- Better brain function
- Support your pregnancy
- Reduce cold symptoms
- Keep your mouth healthy
- Help manage stress
- Improve allergy symptoms
- Soothe irritated skin
1. Filled with nutrients
Mint contains a number of different nutrients, such as:
- Fibre – maintains a healthy bowel
- Vitamin A – improves eye health and prevents cardiovascular disease
- Vitamin C – supports immune system and tissue repair
- Calcium – maintain strong bones
- Iron – supports healthy blood
- Folate – necessary for producing red and white blood cells
- Manganese – beneficial for brain and nerve function
Mint is also a fantastic source of antioxidants, which helps protect your body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress can lead to fatigue, memory loss, joint pain, headaches and more unpleasant symptoms.
2. Improved digestive health
Another amazing benefit of mint is that it can help improve your digestive health, and even relieve some of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Peppermint oil in particular has been known to alleviate IBS symptoms, since it contains menthol which can relax the muscle in your digestive system. In turn, this can help improve digestion and reduce stomach pain.
Did you know that kombucha can also help reduce the symptoms of IBS?
3. Boost your immune system
As touched upon briefly, mint contains antioxidants that help against free radical damage and have a huge impact on your immune system. Maintaining a strong immune system is essential for overall good health and preventing a multitude of illnesses.
In addition to mint, kombucha can also boost your immune system and promote good health throughout the body.
4. Better brain function
Mint has been known to have a positive effect on brain function, helping increase alertness and memory capabilities, as well as prevent mental fatigue. These types of benefits of mints are typically obtained through inhaling the plant’s essential oils, rather than from consumption.
5. Support your pregnancy
Another lesser-known benefit of mint is that it can be used to support your pregnancy and help make breastfeeding less painful. Yes, you read that right! A natural cure for breastfeeding pain – hallelujah! Some new mothers apply mint to the skin, in the form of an essential oil or peppermint gel to relieve breastfeeding pain and prevent skin cracking.
Some people also choose to chew mint as a way to prevent pregnancy nausea, and combat pregnancy anxiety.
Although many swear by these remedies, we recommend checking with your doctors before changing your diet, taking new medications or supplements, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.
6. Reduce cold symptoms
The common cold is caused by a virus, which means mint cannot cure your cold, but it can certainly help relieve the symptoms. Studies reveal that mint can help improve nasal breathing, helping you decongest your sinuses and get you through the worst of your cold. Why not try a cosy cup of mint tea to warm you up as well?
7. Keep your mouth healthy
Mint is proven to mask bad breath, making it a great ingredient to flavour toothpaste, mouthwash and gum. And, while these products only mask the smell, chewing real mint leaves or drinking mint tea will actually kill the bad-smelling bacteria at the source and neutralise the smell. In fact, mint has strong antibacterial properties, peppermint in particular, and can be great for relieving mouth ulcers, too.
8. Help manage stress
Research suggests that mint can help combat feelings of frustration, fatigue and anxiety. Some studies even suggest that the aroma of mint calms your nerves, which means simply eating a peppermint sweet or diffusing mint oils in the air can do the trick.
Studies also suggest that peppermint can reduce blood pressure and prevent hypertension.
9. Improve allergy symptoms
Mint can help reduce the symptoms associated with dust allergies and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid that has anti-allergenic effects. So, next time you’re feeling the wrath of pollen, reach for some peppermint!
10. Soothe irritated skin
Salicylic acid and Vitamin A have become extremely popular in the world of skincare, with many social media skin-care gurus preaching their cleansing properties. Mint products can make a great addition to your skincare routine since it contains antibacterial properties, salicylic acid and Vitamin A, which are all beneficial for acne-prone or irritated skin. There are a variety of products on the market that contain mint and are known to unclog pores, reduce redness and break down pimples.
Similarly, containing high amounts of carotene and antioxidants, mint also does wonders for your hair. As such, mint is beneficial for treating dandruff and other scalp conditions.
All that being said, it’s important to note that pure menthol is not good for your health, whether that’s inhaling it, consuming it or applying it to your skin!
Summing up
Is mint good for you? Absolutely! Mint is a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals, and makes a healthy addition to your diet. Incorporating mint into your daily routine may not be for everyone, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying the benefits of mint. Not a fan of peppermint tea? Hate the taste of minty sweets? Why not treat yourself to a tasty organic Kombucha Virgin Mojito? Or add a splash of white rum – that still counts, right?
