It's a popular ingredient in Indian Cuisine!
Mint, a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, is an aromatic and medicinal herb. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, one from 15-20 species. While it has been consumed in gums, sweets, drinks and toothpaste, mint can help in reducing sodium and sugar intakes. With grey green to green leaves, mint has white to purple flowers and lives more than two years. Used by its stems, fresh as well as dry leaves, mint has a number of medicinal as well as hygiene benefits.
In Mexico, mint is called “Yerba Bueno” or “good herb"
Some Amazing Benefits
- The plant contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help in fight against allergies.
- Mint oil helps in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and gastrointestinal issues as well.
- Peppermint oil when consumed with caraway oil helps in improving digestion.
- Applying mint to the breastfeeding nipples can reduce pain caused due to sore or cracked nipples.
Frequently asked questions
● How to cook with Mint?
Mint has a cooling and intense fragrance, thus is popularly used in teas and drinks. In Indian cuisines, mint is generally used in Indian sauces and relishes, with other spices and vegetables like tomatoes and green chilies. You can flavor other dishes or toss it with salads as well.
● Does mint flavored chewing gums really clean the teeth?
Chewing gums through the process of chewing helps in cleaning teeth and mouth, while the mint flavor helps in fresh and minty breath. Chewing gums tends to produce more saliva, which helps in neutralizing acid in the mouth. Though it is suggested to consume sugar free chewing gums to avoid sugar and cavities.
● Can mint cure COVID-19?
Due to its antibiotic properties, inhaling the steam of mint and oregano can give you relief in lung infection, but there are no proven effects of mint on COVID-19 cure. It might give you a slight relief, but not a total cure.
● What’s the ideal way to use mint in any recipe?
Ideally mint leaves should be either used as a whole, or cut with a sharp knife, without crushing them. Avoid crushing leaves on chopping board, or cutting them finely, that will make them lose their flavor on the board itself.
Fun facts about Mint
- Romans believed eating mint enhances intelligence.
- The first man ever cured a skin condition through mint, accidentally smeared the herb all over his face.
- In the middle age, Christians used mint to embalm the funerary rites.
- This first recipe of a toothpaste which included mint as an ingredient was written in the 4th century on a palm leaf.
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