You can find mint in everything from breath mints and toothpaste to teas, coffees, and cocktails. But, is there more to mint than just a fresh flavor? Absolutely, and the minty benefits of this superfood are as refreshing as they are surprising!
Mint has been used as a remedy for indigestion since ancient Egyptian times. In fact, dried peppermint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1000 B.C.
Are you curious what mint has to offer and how it can be added to your diet? It’s mint to be! Read on to discover six health benefits of this cool and refreshing herb.
1. Mint is good for digestion.
Mint has been used for centuries as an aid for stomach aches, indigestion, and other digestive troubles.
One reason mint is good for digestion is it can help stimulate bile release into the digestive system and help relax the muscles in the digestive tract. This can reduce uncomfortable bloating and cramping.
Some studies have also shown mint capsules and mint oil may help relieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Mint can help fight inflammation.
Like many other herbs and spices, mint is a good source of antioxidants. Because of this, mint has anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower the risk for several chronic diseases.
A 2019 review suggests mint may have some anti-inflammatory benefits against allergies. One of mint’s antioxidants, rosmarinic acid, has been shown to help fight seasonal allergies.
3. Mint can provide symptom relief from the common cold.
Did your mother ever rub menthol cream on your chest as a kid? That’s because the menthol in mint can act as a natural decongestant when inhaled, which can help relieve cold symptoms.
Mint can also act as a numbing agent which can bring relief to a cough or sore throat. This is why mint tea and menthol cough drops provide some comfort when you have a cold.
4. Mint provides protection from harmful microbes.
Besides digestive health, mint has also been used to fight various illnesses for centuries. Current research shows that drinking mint tea when you are sick with a bacterial infection may help your antibiotic be more effective.
5. Mint helps alleviate pain.
A recent review found that mint may provide some arthritis pain relief. Studies have shown spearmint oil to be safe and effective in reducing pain severity in osteoarthritis patients. Doctors say much research is needed, but many patients report they find relief from putting a few drops of mint essential oil on achy joints.
6. Mint protects brain health.
Another study suggests that simply sniffing mint may help protect brain health and enhance memory and learning.
That’s because smelling mint causes an increase in alertness and cognitive function. Researchers are hopeful that additional studies may provide insight into ways to use mint to support Alzheimer’s patients.
Adding Mint To Your Diet
Here are some easy ways to add fresh mint leaves to your diet:
- Add chopped mint leaves and sliced cucumber to a glass of still or sparkling water.
- Add a sprinkle of mint leaves to a smoothie for a refreshing mint flavor. Combine chocolate protein powder and mint for a peppermint mocha-inspired smoothie.
- Enhance cubed watermelon or a fruit salad with chopped mint.
- Use fresh or dried mint leaves to make a homemade seasoning mix to be used for meats or roasted vegetables.
- Make your own mint tea by steeping mint leaves in hot water for about 5 minutes. Add a squeeze of lemon and honey for additional flavor.
- Add chopped mint leaves with other leafy greens in salads, spring rolls, or grain-based salads.
- Use fresh mint leaves in a homemade green goddess dressing.
- Enjoy a mint-forward cocktail like a mint julep or pimms cup.
- Savor a peppermint patty as an after-dinner treat.
Senior Star + Superfood
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