Lemons are high in heart-healthy vitamin C and several beneficial plant compounds that may lower cholesterol. Animal studies show that lemon extract and plant compounds may promote weight loss, but the effects in humans are unknown. Lemons contain vitamin C and citric acid, which help you absorb non-heme iron from plants. This may prevent anemia.The soluble fiber in lemons could help improve digestive health. However, you need to eat the pulp of the lemon, not just the juice.
Refreshing, zingy and delightful, a dash of mint can set almost anything right. Mint is one of the oldest culinary herbs known to mankind. Its remarkable medicinal properties have made it one of the most commonly known and used herbs ever. Mint is excellent to manage blood sugar levels and treat skin conditions. Mint is very cooling and aids in digestion and breathing disorders too.”
From boosting digestion to keeping your breath fresh for long, mint is packed with a number of benefits that make its more than just a cocktail, chutney or raita ingredient.
Here are some mint benefits you may not have known:
1. Aids Digestion
Mint can work wonders for almost all your digestive woes. The active oil in the mint, has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help relieve indigestion and also soothe an upset stomach.
2. Treats Asthma
Consumption of mint has also been linked with bringing in soothing effect for asthmatic patients. Mint is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. It is a good relaxant and relieves congestion.
3. Treats Common Cold
Mint is known to clear congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi, and lungs. Mint has umpteen antiviral and antibacterial properties that can keep mild flu and cold.
4. Cures Headache
The strong and refreshing aroma of mint could help ease headaches. Balms with a mint base or basic mint oil, when rubbed on the forehead and nose, are effective in curing headaches and nausea.
5. Oral Care
Chewing on mint tablets or mint leaves could help freshen your breath instantly due to the presence of germicidal properties. It also does wonders for our overall oral health. It inhibits bacterial growth inside the mouth, and cleanses the plaque deposition on teeth. This is the very reason why so many of the toothpastes in the market also come in mint base.
6. Aids Weight Loss
Mint could also play its own sweet role in weight loss, and the reason is tied with its much famed digestive properties. Mint promotes quick weight loss.
7. Improves Brain Power
Mint could also boost your brain power. According to various studies, consuming mint may up alertness, cognitive functions and memory retention.Mint could also rev up your brain power
8. Skin Care
Mint is a traditional remedy for treating acne and pimples. It has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which work wonders on acne prone skin. The juice obtained from mint works as an effective skin cleanser. The high quantum of antioxidants also help prevent free radical activity, giving you clearer and youthful skin. You can use mint in the form of face masks as well. Combine crushed mint leaves and honey. Apply on your skin and leave for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
9. Help Ease Symptoms Of Morning sickness or Nausea
Mint is an excellent remedy to treat nausea. It is also effective for treating nausea that happens in morning sickness. According to nutritionists, “Eating a few leaves or smelling some leaves of mint every morning, could help expecting mothers to get past the nauseous feeling and cope better.”
10. Beats stress and depression
Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy. It’s strong and refreshing smell could help beat stress and rejuvenate mind. By breathing in the aroma of mint, your mind is instantly calmed. According to studies, it also helps release small amount of serotonin in the brain that may help beat depression. You can add mint to your tea, use mint extract on a vaporizer or draw yourself a mint bath for immediate relief.Mint is an essential part of aromatherapy.Blend them in smoothies or add them to chutneys; this summer make sure you don’t miss out on the refreshing herb.
Here is mint lemonade recipe for you. It is very refreshing.
ingredients:
1 cup of mint leaves
1 cup lemon juice
2 cups water
Half cup sugar
Salt (add to taste)
1 cup ice cubes
Method:
In a blender, add mint leaves, lemon juice, 2 cups of water, sugar, a pinch of salt and ice cubes altogether. Blend them all and pour the lemonade in glasses and voila.
