Freshens breath and facilitates digestion: do you know how to use mint?

Mint is a medicinal plant known for its health-promoting properties. And it can be useful to people in many ways.

With a significant role in relieving digestive problems such as indigestion, acidity, nausea and vomiting, mint also has calming and sedative effects that can reduce anxiety, improve mood and quality of sleep.

In addition to helping fight intestinal gas, it is an ally in home remedies against flatulence, thanks to its antispasmodic properties, which reduce intestinal movements and prevent the formation of gas.

Mint can be consumed in various ways, such as tea, juice and smoothies, or used to flavor soups and desserts.

It is also available in oil, capsules and cosmetic products. Discover, then, some of the benefits of mint.

Compounds found in mint, such as carvone, have an antispasmodic action and help relieve colic, poor digestion, gas and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint oil, with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, is effective in treating headaches, muscle and joint pain, being beneficial for patients suffering from osteoarthritis.

Studies suggest that drinking peppermint tea can help balance hormone levels in women, especially in cases of PCOS, by reducing androgens.

Mint has properties that fight gram-positive bacteria, helping to prevent intestinal and respiratory infections.

The phenolic compounds present are beneficial for cognitive and emotional health, helping to improve mental capacity and mood.

The menthol present in mint is relaxing and sedative, helping to relieve mental stress, anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.

Chewing mint leaves or gargling with its infusion can help eliminate bad breath, thanks to its strong aroma and antibacterial properties.

Mint tea is useful in treating coughs, sore throats and colds, thanks to its essential oils that clear the airways. To prepare it, add three tablespoons of dried mint leaves to 250 ml of boiling water, cover for 5 minutes and filter.

Mint can be purchased in health food stores, pharmacies or markets and can also be grown at home.

However, there are contraindications. Mint should be avoided by people with severe reflux, hiatal hernia, children under 5 years of age, and individuals with kidney or liver problems, consuming it only under medical supervision.

During pregnancy, using mint in large quantities can be harmful, and safety during breastfeeding is not well documented.

Present in various products such as chewing gum, sweets and drinks, mint is also widely used as a condiment.

There are more than 25 species of mint, the best known in Brazil are Mentha piperita and Mentha spicata. The differences between them include the shape of the leaves, stems, color and flavor.

Mint is rich in nutrients, including vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C, phosphorus, iron and potassium. They contribute to the health of the eyes, skin, nervous system and immune system.

It can also be consumed fresh in salads, soups or as a condiment in various dishes. The recommended quantity is approximately 50 grams of leaves per day.

However, it is important to be careful when consuming it, especially in people with anemia or certain health conditions, as iron absorption can be impaired and excessive use can cause uterine contractions and other health problems.

With these benefits and applications, mint stands out as a versatile and powerful medicinal plant, deserving a special place in nutrition and natural medicine.