Mint is one of the oldest herbs that is known for its freshness and coolness. It also has excellent medicinal properties that have made it one of the most commonly known and used herbs ever. It is a main ingredient in our Indian diet and can be used in various dishes including chutneys, raita, and even for garnishing your meals such as biryanis, pulao and dal. Mint contains very powerful antioxidant properties that are helpful for many bodily functions. Mint is also used to control blood sugar levels and for treating many skin problems. During the summer season, you can add mint to your diet through various juices as well. Mint is very cooling and helps in digestion and breathing disorders too. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dietician Arushi Gupta, Associate Dietician, Dayanand Medical College and hospital, Ludhiana, about the benefits of Pudina and why you should include it in your diet.
Why you should include Pudina in your diet?
Pudina has the power to keep your breath fresh and cool for longer periods as it is packed with a number of benefits and properties. It cannot just make your mouth feel fresh, but can be added in your diet through mocktails chutney, raita and much more. As per Dietician Arushi, here are the 5 main reasons why you should have Pudina:
1. Loaded with antioxidants
Pudina or mint is packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants release free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation. It also slows down ageing process. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against free radicals, which may promote diseases. Free radicals are molecules which are produced when our body breaks down food or when you're exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation. Including pudina in your diet occasionally will not only help your body reduce inflammation but will also help the skin to repair itself naturally.
2. Helps in digestion
Menthol, which is the active oil in mint, contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help in treating indigestion and also soothe stomach ache and lose motions. Therefore, mint or Pudina can effectively help in digestion and regulate the whole process. You should include it in your diet to improve digestive health.
3. Reduces acne
With a high amount of antioxidants present in it, Pudina is considered extremely beneficial for your skin as well. It can reduce acne and slow down the appearance of signs of ageing. You should include it in your diet in a healthy way by putting it in rice or raita. You can talk to your dietician about ways to incorporate this medicinal herb in your daily diet schedule.
Also read: Strengthen Your Respiratory System As Per These Ayurvedic Norms Suggested By The Ministry of AYUSH
4. Freshens breath
Some food items may leave an unpleasant taste or bad breath in our mouth. It is one of the most common side effects of consuming food items with ingredients like onion, garlic, fish oil, etc. Mint can be very useful in getting rid of that bad breath and is good for oral hygiene. You can have a couple of Pudina leaves to treat bad breath immediately. It will freshen up your mouth and leave a cooling sensation.
5. Treats cough and cold
Mint or mint leaves have an extremely strong smell that can provide relieve from cough and cold. It can help in opening up the nasal passages and airways in order to breathe properly without any blockage. It helps in the elimination of phlegm, if you are suffering from productive cough. It contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help in relieving you from the inflammation that is caused by coughing.
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