Why should you include pudina (mint) in the summer diet?

With scorching heat taking a toll on health and well-being, people often fall back on traditional remedies to revive health and prevent sunstrokes. In most traditional households, mint has been an inseparable part of the day-to-day summer diet, which helps in preventing the effect of excessive heat by replenishing lost nutrients and boosting overall health. In fact, from chutneys to drinks to sherbets to chutneys to simple home remedies, mint can help in many ways, but why is it so important to add these aromatic leaves to the summer diet? Read on to find out…

Why Pudina?
Pudina is a nutrient-rich herb packed with several essential vitamins and minerals. It contains a good amount of vitamin A, important for eye health and immunity, and vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and supports skin and immune health. Mint is also a source of B-complex vitamins like folate and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, all of which play key roles in maintaining bone strength, hydration, and metabolic functions. Moreover, mint contains dietary fiber and bioactive compounds like menthol and flavonoids, which contribute to its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and cooling properties.


Cool potency
Mint, or pudina, is nature's best cooling herb. The menthol content produces an immediate refreshing effect and reduces inner body temperature. Drinking mint-flavored beverages or eating chutneys in the summer season aids the body in fighting heat and avoiding diseases such as heat exhaustion and sunstroke and is, therefore, a natural cooling agent in summer seasons.

Digestion aid
Summer heat retards digestion and may cause acidity and bloating. Mint is a carminative and does stimulate digestion, digests well, and calms the stomach lining. As mint tea, in salads, or as an addition to chutneys, pudina keeps the digestive system going even on hot summer days.


Reduces dehydration and fatigue
Mint gives essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus. All these are beneficial in regulating the body's electrolyte balance and hydration. Consuming pudina as part of a beverage like lemon-mint water or buttermilk keeps energy levels constant, diminishes fatigue, and makes the body well-fitted through heatwaves during summer.

Respiratory health
The menthol in pudina is a decongestant and calms the throat and lungs. It comes in handy, especially during the summer when the dust, pollution, and allergens are higher in the air. Mint can repel or relieve seasonal allergies, sinus congestion, and mild respiratory discomfort.

Skin health
Summer is tough on the skin and causes it to secrete acne, rashes, and irritations. Mint is an extremely antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herb that cleanses the skin from within. Have mint water or use mint paste on the skin to reduce acne, cool down the skin, and provide it with a healthy glow.


How to add to the diet?
Pudina's usability is that it can be easily incorporated into your diet. Pudina can be added to curries, raitas, chutneys, smoothies, or even steeped in water to make a delicious mint infusion and green tea.

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