Spearmint is also known as common mint, mackerel mint, garden mint, and lamb mint. It is usually used as a flavoring in food and herbal teas. As per research, the aromatic oil named spearmint oil is also used as a flavoring and sometimes as a scent. Spearmint is rich in phytochemical compounds. Which is used to treat various ailments and problems. Spearmint is a rich source of polyphenols and belongs to the family Lamiaceae. While polyphenols have many biological activities and health benefits. It preserves biodiversity and manages to enhance soil and plant health.
Nutritional Value Of Spearmint
- Spearmint leaves are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients.
- It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and B-complex. Spearmint leaves are a good source of phosphorous, and calcium, and have anti-bacterial properties.
- According to research spearmint is a rich source of iron, potassium, and manganese which eventually improves hemoglobin levels and promotes brain function.
- Spearmint leaves are low in calories and contain a minimal amount of protein and fat so an individual can add mint leaves to a weight loss diet program easily.
Health Benefits Of Spearmint
1. Boosts Memory
Spearmint leaves have powerful polyphenols and antioxidants that boost brain activity. It helps the brain make neurotransmitters that improve mood like serotonin and dopamine. Spearmint properties help improve a person’s memory, concentration, focus, calmness, and alertness. This is the reason that this herb is considered a brain booster. Spearmint can be helpful in treating psychotic conditions like depression and insomnia. It can even treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
2. Improves The Lung Health
Spearmint is loaded with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties which is good for respiratory health. This herb can treat asthma, bronchitis, sinus problems, and headaches. Spearmint even helps a sore throat feel better, clears up stuffy noses and chests, and soothes a dry, irritated throat.
3. Regulates Hormonal Imbalance
According to research consuming spearmint can effectively lower male hormones like testosterone and raise female hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone luteinizing hormone, and oestradiol. These hormones are needed for ovulation. If individual hormones are out of balance drinking spearmint tea regularly can help a lot.
4. Relieve Stress
Spearmint leaves have a chemical called menthol that works as a natural way to calm down. When an individual drink spearmint tea or breathe in spearmint oil vapors the herb binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. This plant makes people feel calmer and less anxious because it is a sedative. It also makes the body make more serotonin and melatonin, which help with chronic anxiety and stress and treat problems such as hysteria, nightmares, and sleeplessness.
5. Prevents Bacterial Infections
Spearmint is a rich source of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are good for treating mouth sores, bad breath, and dental infections. These properties kill bad bacteria that cause gum infections and treat tooth decay and gingivitis. Spearmint oil can stop the growth of different types of bacteria in the body. This can make the body’s immune system stronger. If an individual drinks spearmint tea every morning will not have symptoms of viral fever.
6. Increase Skin Glow
Spearmint contains a huge amount of antioxidants that protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and help with allergic conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, sunburn, and rosacea. While the natural polyphenols and phytochemicals present in this herb stop aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. It gives the skin a natural glow that is bright and free of flaws.
7. Ease Morning Sickness
Spearmint is considered an excellent remedy to treat nausea. As per studies, it is even effective for treating nausea that happens in morning sickness.