Whichever way one eats it, drinks it, or prepares it, mint is an herb with many beneficial uses for good health. In fact, the reason most of our ancestors grew this pungent herb was for its many health benefits. Even today, naturalist still employ peppermint to treat gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome and the common cold.
The Greeks believed mint could clear the voice and cure hiccups. In fact, mint is part of Greek mythology and according to legend - "Menthe" originally a nymph, and Pluto's lover angered Pluto's wife, Persephone, who in a fit of rage turned Minthe into a lowly plant, to be trod upon. Pluto, unable to undo the spell, was able to soften it by giving Minthe a sweet scent, which would perfume the air when her leaves were stepped on - thus aromatic herb Mint.
Vitamins and Minerals
Fresh mint, including spearmint and peppermint, contains several key vitamins and minerals you need for good health, though they're not present in huge amounts. Fresh mint contains trace amounts of iron, a mineral you need to make red blood cells. Mint also has small amounts of fiber, vitamin A and potassium.
Antioxidant Power
One of the primary benefits of fresh mint is that it contains potent antioxidants. Peppermint, for example, has perillyl alcohol, which might stop the formation or spread of cancer, Peppermint also contains another antioxidant called rosmarinic acid, which can help prevent and treat certain allergies.
Digestive Benefits
Eating fresh mint leaves might help promote digestion. Mint, most notably peppermint, can help ease gas and its associated symptoms. Peppermint makes the flow of bile more efficient, which means that you digest your food more quickly, and it also helps relax the muscles in your digestive tract.
Fresh Mint In Your Diet
Chop fresh mint leaves and scatter them over a tossed greens or grilled chicken salad.
Stir chopped mint into soups, salads, pasta, stews, in place of basil for pesto, and fruit salads.
As a garnish or chopped for summer drinks like lemonade and brewed iced tea. |