Mint, the well known mouth and breath freshener that is scientifically known as Mentha, has more than two dozen species and hundreds of varieties. It is a herb that has been used for hundreds of years for its remarkable medicinal properties.

Rich in menthol and anti-bacterial properties, mint is a precious gift of mother nature which is bestowed upon us. Being a herb loaded with innumerable beauty benefits, mint is used in various cleanser, toner, astringent and moisturizer.

The market is full of products like moisturisers, toners, tooth paste, chewing gum, breath fresheners, candy and inhalers which have mint as their base element. Most of us are familiar with the refreshing application of mint, but it has far more to offer than that.

Vitamins and Minerals
Fresh mint, including spearmint and peppermint, contains several key vitamins and minerals you need for good health, though they’re not present in huge amounts. For example, fresh mint contains trace amounts of iron, a mineral you need to make red blood cells. Mint also has small amounts of fiber, vitamin A and potassium.

Antioxidant Power
One of the primary benefits of fresh mint is that it contains potent antioxidants. Peppermint, for example, has perillyl alcohol, which might stop the formation or spread of cancer, according to Michael T. Murray and Joseph E. Pizzorno, authors of “The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods.” Peppermint also contains another antioxidant called rosmarinic acid, which can help prevent and treat certain allergies.

Digestive Benefits
Eating fresh mint leaves might help promote digestion, according to Murray and Pizzorno. Mint, most notably peppermint, also acts as a carminative, which means it can help ease gas and its associated symptoms. Peppermint makes the flow of bile more efficient, which means that you digest your food more quickly, and it also helps relax the muscles in your digestive tract, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Fresh Mint In Your Diet
Chop fresh mint leaves and scatter them over a tossed green or grilled chicken salad. Fresh Mint tea is ideal to help digestion, helps boost the immune system as well as aid sleep and promote relaxation. It will help improve your skin so it looks fresher and more vibrant.