A registered dietitian explains five mint benefits, including how the herb is helpful for digestion and brain health.
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Clearly, mint benefits are long well-established.
registered dietitian nutritionist and author ofAnti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep
Its so well-liked that its the flavor profile of choice for chewing gums and after-dinner candies crafted to linger.
This includes peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, wild mint, and pennyroyal, to name a few.
Something else you might not know about mint is that its one of the easiest herbs to grow.
That way, the leaves will stay fresh as long as possible.
5 mint benefits, according to a registered dietitian
1.
It helps with digestion.
The ritual of popping a mint in your mouth after a meal isnt just for fresh breath.
Scientific studies show thatmint helps with the digestive process.
So its very soothing on the digestive tract.
registered dietitian nutritionist and author ofAnti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep
Clearly, cooking with mint can help with digestion as well as enjoying it after a meal.
But this research also means that mint can help soothe the stomach even when it isnt mealtime.
Think of it as the all-natural alternative to Tums.
It can be beneficial for people with IBS.
Mint could boost your mood.
Besides helping soothe the stomach, consuming mint could also result in a mood boost.
In fact, even just the smell of it hasbeen shown to help people feel less anxious or depressed.
GABA receptors play an important role in the bodys response to stress, helping to control fear and anxiety.
So the fact that mint supports these crucial mood receptors is powerful.
It could help with brain function.
Mint (specifically spearmint) has also been shown tohelp improve cognitive function and memory.
In addition to supporting cognitive function, polyphenols also play a role in protecting against certain diseases and cancers.
So the fact that mint is such a good source of them is a major positive.
Mint could help with athletic performance.
One study showed that consuming peppermint before exercisingsignificantly improved athletic performance.
In other words, mint makes it easier to breatheand proper breathing is crucial for exercise exertion.
Rounded up here are five recipes to get you started.
The video above shows an easy way to brew some, also incorporating antioxidant-rich cacao.
Made with rolled oats, cashew butter, and almonds, these cookies are full of fiber too.
Fresh mint dressing
Incorporating mint into an easy salad dressing will brighten up your whole bowl of greens.
Get the recipe:fresh mint dressing
4.
Watermelon mint salad
Mint can also be worked into the salad itself, as this summer recipe shows.
The herb is paired with watermelonanother seasonal faveplus cucumbers and feta cheese.
Get the recipe:watermelon mint salad
5.
Vegan mint chocolate ice cream
What would a mint recipe roundup be without ice cream?
This recipe has a super simple ingredients list and is entirely vegan.
The secret is using full-fat coconut milk, which makes the ice cream extra creamy.
With its many benefits, its definitely worth experimenting with.
The best past is that the perks of mint are as good as the taste.
Talk about a win-win!
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