Mint leaves are a popular ingredient in several foods and beverages, ranging from teas and alcoholic drinks to sauces, salads, and desserts, smoothies as well as in water. Locally and easily found in food markets and grocery stores, mint leaves are pocket friendly at only Rwf 200 a bunch. The plant is particularly known for their cooling sensation. And, they can be added to food in fresh or dried form. The plant offers many health benefits, research also shows that several of mint’s health benefits come from applying it to the skin, inhaling its aroma, or taking it as a capsule. David Rukerabigwi, a dietician and nutritionist, says from boosting digestion to keeping your breath fresh for long, mint leaves are packed with a number of other benefits that make it more than just a leaf. The leaves, he says, contain fair amounts of several nutrients and they are particularly a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. Rukerabigwi, who also works with Slim n’ Fit, a weight loss and wellness centre in Kigali, notes that mint leaves are a potent source of antioxidants, especially when compared to other herbs and spices. Antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress, a type of damage to cells caused by free radicals. Rukerabigwi says that this plant is a particularly good source of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is critical for eye health and night vision. He adds that they may also be effective in relieving some digestive problems, such as upset stomach and indigestion. For instance, according to the book ‘Healing Foods’ by DK Publishing; menthol, which is the active oil in the mint, has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help relieve indigestion and also soothe an upset stomach. Indigestion may occur when food sits in the stomach for too long before passing into the rest of the digestive tract. Multiple studies have shown that food passes through the stomach quicker when people take peppermint oil (which is derived from mint) with meals, which could relieve symptoms of this type of indigestion. Many breastfeeding mothers experience sore and cracked nipples, which can make feeding painful and difficult. Studies have shown that applying mint to the skin can help relieve pain associated with breastfeeding. “It has been approved that applying essential oils including that from the mint in various forms appears to be effective in preventing and treating nipple cracks and pain typically associated with breastfeeding,” says Rukerabigwi. To do away with that bad breath, nutritionists advise using mint leaves. Normally, mint-flavoured chewing gum and breath mints are some of the first things people go for when trying to prevent or get rid of bad breath. Experts agree that most of these products can mask foul-smelling breath. Rene Tabaro, a nutritionist at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali, says consumption of mint has also been established to be a soothing effect for asthmatic patients. He says this is so because mint is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties. It is a good relaxant and relieves congestion. For long, mint has been known as a traditional remedy for treating acne and pimples. Tabaro says it has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which work wonders on acne-prone skin. Also, mint leaves contain a high content of salicylic acid, which is excellent in combating acne too. The juice obtained from mint works as an effective skin cleanser. According to Tabaro, the high quantum of antioxidants also helps prevent free radical activity, giving one clearer and youthful skin. How to apply mint as a face mask Put mint leaves and oats in a blender and make a smooth paste by adding some water. Now mix honey to the mint and oatmeal paste. Apply it on the face and neck and gently massage the face for 2-3 minutes. Then rinse it off after 20-30 minutes with normal water. Repeat it twice a week to get a good result. Or, combine crushed mint leaves and honey and apply on the skin and leave for 20 minutes, then wash off with warm water.
