Why Does Eating Mint Cause Itching?

Mint, or Vietnamese coriander, is a humble herb that packs a nutritional punch with its rich vitamin and mineral content. While it is commonly used in sour soups, many people experience itching after consuming it. In this article, Bach Hoa Xanh will delve into the reasons behind this mysterious mint-induced itch.

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1Nutritional Value and Benefits of Mint

Before delving into why eating mint can cause itching, let’s take a brief look at the nutritional value of mint. In 100g of mint leaves, you’ll find the following components: 95g water, 0.25g fat, 3.8g protein, 0.5g minerals, 25mg calcium, 300mg potassium, 48mg phosphorus, 16mg magnesium, 0.03 mg copper, 0.4mg iron, various vitamins, and 14 Kcal of energy.

Overall, mint is low in nutrients but rich in trace elements.

Mint is low in nutrients but rich in trace elements

Mint has a wide range of culinary and medicinal uses. You can use mint leaves in salads, appetizers, boiling, stir-frying, stewing, sour soups, hot pots, and pickled dishes, all of which taste delicious. In medicine, mint can treat colds, swollen joints caused by rheumatism, and wounds from venomous insect bites.

2Why Does Eating Mint Cause Itching?

Although it’s a familiar ingredient in many dishes, people often experience itching after eating mint without knowing why. According to research, mint leaves contain substances such as Calcium oxalate, Alocasin, and Sapotoxin in low amounts, which can cause itching, especially when consumed raw.

If you cook the mint, these substances will be partially broken down, reducing their itch-causing effects. However, no one enjoys the itchy sensation that mint can sometimes cause, even if it’s mild.

Mint contains substances that can cause itching in low amounts

3How to Prevent Itching from Mint

To prevent itching from mint, it’s important to prepare it properly:

  • First, wash the mint leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt. Remove any fibrous outer parts. Then, cut off the curved inner portions of the mint leaves.
  • Next, chop the mint into bite-sized pieces and mix them with a teaspoon of salt for about 15 minutes.
  • Afterward, add cold water to the salted mint and rinse and gently knead it to remove excess water (wearing gloves is recommended). Finally, blanch the mint in boiling water.
  • Soaking the mint twice in a strong salt solution and then rinsing it a few times with cold water should eliminate the itching sensation.

Proper preparation of mint can prevent itching

Now you know why mint can cause itching and how to prepare it to avoid this issue. Go ahead and try it out for your family! Good luck!

Frequently asked questions

Mint contains a compound called menthol, which is a known irritant. When consumed, menthol can cause a cooling sensation and itching in the mouth and throat.

Some people may experience a more severe reaction to mint, including hives, swelling of the tongue and throat, and anaphylaxis. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

The sensitivity to menthol varies from person to person. Some people may have a higher tolerance to the compound, while others may be more susceptible to its irritant effects.

Mint is often used to freshen breath and aid digestion. It is also said to have cooling and soothing properties, which can be helpful in relieving headaches and nausea.

If you know you are sensitive to menthol, it is best to avoid consuming mint altogether. You can also try consuming smaller amounts of mint at a time to see how your body reacts.
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