薄荷: 用途、營養、健康益處和副作用

Mint is a popular herb. Mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which contains about 15-20 species of plants. Known for its refreshing flavor and numerous health benefits, people can use the fresh or dried herb in many dishes and infusions. Here is a comprehensive overview of its usage, nutrition, calories, health benefits, and potential side effects:

usage

cooking

Thin is widely used in sweet and savory dishes, including salads, soups, drinks (such as mint tea and mojitos), desserts, and sauces. It pairs perfectly with fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products, adding a fresh and aromatic flavor.

Medicinal

Mint has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to relieve digestive problems, respiratory ailments, headaches, and more. It is commonly consumed as an herbal tea or applied topically in essential oil form for aromatherapy and skin care purposes.

Nutrition

nutritional value

2 tablespoons fresh mint provides:

  • 2.24 calories
  • 0.12 grams protein
  • 0.48 g carbohydrates
  • 0.03g fat
  • 0.26g fiber

Peppermint also contains trace amounts of:

  • Potassium
  • magnesium
  • calcium
  • phosphorus
  • Vitamin C
  • iron
  • Vitamin A

Although peppermint contains a variety of nutrients, the amount a person typically uses in their diet is not enough to meet a person's daily needs.

Vitamins:

Peppermint contains vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune function, vision, and skin health.

Minerals:

It provides small amounts of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Antioxidants:

Peppermint contains several antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Calories:

Fresh mint leaves are extremely low in calories. One tablespoon of chopped mint leaves contains only a few calories, making it a calorie-friendly addition to meals and drinks.

Health benefits:

Digestive Health:

Peppermint may help relieve digestive discomfort, including indigestion, gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has carminative properties that can help relax the digestive tract and relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.

Respiratory support:

The menthol compound found in peppermint has a cooling effect and may help relieve respiratory congestion, coughs, and sinus congestion. Inhaling peppermint or inhaling the vapor of peppermint oil can help open your airways and promote easier breathing.
Oral Health: Peppermint has natural antibacterial properties that can help freshen breath, prevent plaque buildup, and inhibit the growth of oral bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.

Relieve stress:

The aroma of peppermint has a calming effect on the mind and may help reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. Peppermint tea or aromatherapy with peppermint essential oil can promote relaxation and improve your mood.

side effect:

allergic reaction:

Some people may have an allergic reaction to mint, especially those allergic to other plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as basil, sage, or oregano. Allergy symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, or respiratory symptoms.

Gastrointestinal problems:

In some cases, consuming large amounts of peppermint or peppermint oil may cause heartburn, acid reflux, or worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms in susceptible people.

Skin irritation:

Applying concentrated peppermint oil directly to the skin may cause irritation or allergic reactions, especially in sensitive people. Before using it topically, peppermint oil must be diluted with a carrier oil and patch tested to check for skin sensitivity.

Precaution:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of peppermint or using peppermint supplements, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

Drug interactions:

Peppermint supplements or concentrated peppermint oil may interact with certain medications, including antacids, acid reflux medications, and blood pressure medications. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before using peppermint supplements, especially if you are taking prescription medications.

in conclusion:

Mint is a versatile herb with a wide range of culinary uses and potential health benefits. When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it can contribute to overall health and well-being. However, people with known allergies to mint or other plants in the Lamiaceae family should exercise caution and avoid excessive consumption. As with any herbal supplement, it's important to consult a health care professional before taking peppermint medicinally, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are taking medications.

Review

All comments are moderated before being published

HealthyPIG Magazine

View all
皮質醇管理:如何控制皮質醇?我們能夠自行管理或調節劑量嗎?

皮質醇管理:如何控制皮質醇?我們能夠自行管理或調節劑量嗎?

皮質醇是一種在壓力反應中發揮重要作用的激素,適量的皮質醇可以幫助我們應對壓力和維持健康。然而,過量或長期的高皮質醇水平可能會對身體帶來負面影響。以下我們將探討如何控制和管理皮質醇,包括自然方法、藥物干預、以及測量皮質醇的方式。 1. 自然方法調節皮質醇 壓力管理技術:研究顯示,冥想、深呼吸...
皮質醇是什麼?它如何影響我們的身體與日常生活?

皮質醇是什麼?它如何影響我們的身體與日常生活?

皮質醇(Cortisol)是一種由腎上腺分泌的激素,通常被稱為「壓力荷爾蒙」。它的主要功能是幫助身體應對壓力情境,並且在多種生理過程中扮演重要角色。皮質醇的釋放受腦部下丘腦-垂體-腎上腺軸(HPA軸)控制,這是一個調節人體反應於壓力的系統。 皮質醇對身體的影響 當我們處於壓力下時,皮質...
為什麼我們在緊張時總是忍不住吃零食?科學解密壓力性飲食行為

為什麼我們在緊張時總是忍不住吃零食?科學解密壓力性飲食行為

當人們感到緊張或壓力時,經常會無意識地吃零食,這種行為主要涉及大腦的多巴胺系統、情緒反應以及身體的生理需求。以下是背後的幾個主要原因: 壓力荷爾蒙的影響:壓力會觸發皮質醇的釋放,這種壓力激素會引發人們對高糖和高脂肪食物的渴望。這些食物能帶來短暫的愉悅感,因為它們能刺激大腦分泌多巴胺,讓人感...
光學治療濕疹 - 全面總結

光學治療濕疹 - 全面總結

簡介 光療使用光波來治療某些皮膚問題。皮膚會暴露於紫外線 (UV) 光下一段設定的時間。光療利用人造的紫外線光源,紫外線也來自陽光。當與一種叫做甲氧補骨脂素的藥物一起使用時,這個程序稱為 PUVA 光療。 紫外線光能夠抑制皮膚中的免疫系統細胞,對於因免疫系統過度反應引起的皮膚問題有幫助。可以使...
什麼是「操縱者」?

什麼是「操縱者」?

操縱者,也可以說成「擅用手段的人」,「心機重的人」。操縱者利用欺騙、影響或者其他形式的心理操控來控制或影響他人,以達到自己的目標。他們的行為通常包含使用隱蔽、間接或偷偷摸摸的手法來獲得他們想要的東西,往往是以犧牲他人為代價。以下是一些常見的特徵和手段: 欺騙: 他們可能會說謊或扭曲事實來誤...
什麼是肌肉抽搐?你需要去看醫生嗎?

什麼是肌肉抽搐?你需要去看醫生嗎?

肌肉抽搐,也稱為肌束顫動,是指身體各部分出現不自主的肌肉收縮。以下是肌肉抽搐的原因、症狀及管理方法的詳細介紹: 肌肉抽搐的原因 壓力和焦慮 高水平的壓力和焦慮會導致肌肉緊張和抽搐。身體對壓力的反應會觸發神經系統,導致肌肉不自主地收縮。 疲勞 過度使用或劇烈運動後的肌肉疲勞會導致肌...
蘋果與牙齒健康:保護牙齒的小技巧

Apples and Dental Health: Tips to Protect Your Teeth

Apples are widely loved for their rich nutritional content and refreshing taste. However, apples' acidic and sugary content may also have an impact...
蘋果籽的毒性:它們真的有毒嗎?

Apple Seed Toxicity: Are They Really Poisonous?

Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, compounds that break down in the body to produce cyanide, which has raised concerns about the toxicity o...
有機蘋果與傳統蘋果:哪個更健康?

Organic apples vs. conventional apples: Which one is healthier?

Apple is one of the common fruits in our daily life, but when choosing, many people are confused whether to choose organic apples or traditional ap...