The beauty of Mouth fresheners
Mouth Freshener is like a return gift in any party meal. It is a deodorant for oral hygiene and freshness. Quality attributes present in mouth fresheners not only mitigate bad breath issues but also help in improving digestion. Mouth fresheners are also named as Mukhwas in India and are preferred to be eaten after a meal. Mouth fresheners are generally the combination of certain seeds and nuts mixed with mint and sugar substitutes and flavors.
Historical Importance
The ancient mouth freshener of India is the Paan. Paan along with other mouth fresheners like mixtures of sugar candy and mint or Tulsi were considered auspicious and offered while worshiping ceremonies.
Categories of Mouth Freshener
The apex food regulatory authority of India (FSSAI) has specified mouth fresheners into two categories.
- Nut Based Mouth Freshener – A mixture of processed nuts including coated nuts viz. Paan Masala.
- Spice-based Mouth Freshener – A mixture of herbs, spices, and different masalas.
Some nutritive and flavorsome Mouth Fresheners are
- Banarasi Paan
A famous and timeless mouth freshener that has its traditional value in India, is a combination of gulkand, fennel seeds, coconut, and supari. It is refreshing and delightful.
2. Mint leaves
Most of us prefer the taste of mint leaves. A mixture of dried mint leaves with sugar candy gives a great taste and freshness.
3. Dried Amla
Dried amla can be relished as a sugar coated candy or salty tangy amla candy. This healthy after-meal snack will keep you in good health.
4. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are a major ingredient used as spice and as a mouth freshener. This is the most common mouth freshener available. Sugar coated and peppermint flavor fennel seeds can be cherished after meals.
5. Anardana (Pomegranate seeds)
Dried Anardana is a great combination of sweet and sour taste coated with masalas. Apart from its acceptable taste, it improves oral health.
6. Imli Candy (Tamarind)
Imli candy is the pulp of imli coated with sugar and salt. One can enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of tamarind along with its varied health benefits. It is an immunity booster and a great agent to subside acidity.
Take away
A healthy personality with fresh breath is what most of us aspire to be. Mouth fresheners like Aam papad (Dried Mango), Fennel seeds and Roasted Alsi (Flax seeds), fruit candies, Sesame seeds and many more nutritive and ethinic varieties are great appetizers that can be stored at home. They are a good after-meal snack, which provides freshness to the breath and digestive health benefits.
