Health Benefits of Mint

Did you know mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food? Its true...in fact all those potent antioxidants add up to some great health benefits that we'd like to share with you in this week's edition of What's That?! Wednesday. Mint or "mentha" in a genus group of about 15-20 plants - some of the most common ones are those we see in our grocery stores like peppermint and spearmint. If you've never really used it, here are a host of reasons why you should consider incorporating it into your diet.

Health Benefits of Mint:

1. Helps to alleviate allergy symptoms - One of the antioxidants contained in mint is called rosmarinic acid which studies show helps to reduce and prevent allergic immune responses.  
2. Assists to improve digestion - Mint actually stimulates bile production which can help to improve and speed up digestion and decrease gas and bloating. Mint also has a calming effect on the muscles used in your digestive tract which can help to decrease inflammation, nausea,  and stomach pain.  IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), check with your physician before using mint to ease digestive distress. Mint can exasperate symptoms of GERD.
3. Relieves common cold symptoms - Mint contains menthol, which is a natural decongestant that helps to break up mucus and phlegm. Mint can also soothe a sore throat - like via mint tea.
4. Soothes and calms skin and muscles - When used as an oil, ointment, lotion, or other beauty product it can calm and cool the skin and relax your muscles. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not apply mint oil directly to face or any delicate skin. Use only 1-3 drops combined with a lotion or other oil (like coconut oil). If using it in the bath to calm and relax sore muscles, 3-5 drops will go a long way, if you do more, you feel like you are sitting in Icy Hot or Bengay which is kind of intense (trust me on this one...I learned from experience).
5. Improves mood and energy  - Mint is known to be a natural calming-stimulant and can help to fight fatigue and depression. It can also help to alleviate anxiety.
6. Reduces salt and sugar cravings - Research indicates incorporating more fresh herbs like mint into your diet will help your body to crave less salt and sugar. 

You can incorporate fresh mint into your diet in many ways. It is used more heavily in ethnic dishes like Thai and Greek meals, but I love to use it during the summer with fresh fruits and vegetables. You can add freshly chopped mint to fruit salads, green salads, roasted vegetables, curries, stir fries, herbal teas, or adult beverages. 
Check out a few of our favorite recipes:

Summer Herbal Mint Iced Tea
Roasted Vegetable Tabbouleh
Seasonal Fruit Salad with Citrus-Mint Dressing
Mint Chocolate Chip Green Smoothie

So what are you waiting for? Go grab handfuls of mint from your garden and get cooking! 
~Billie

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