Do you love the fresh taste of mint in a mojito?
Well, you may want to consider adding mint to other aspects of your life.
Mint is much more than just a tasty drink ingredient. Mint is also extremely beneficial for your health.
So, what’s so great about mint? Read on to learn about the top 5 benefits of mint.
1. It’s Rich in NutrientsÂ
One little leafy green of mint is actually packed with a lot of nutrients.
In just a third of a cup of mint you can find the following nutrients:
- 1 gram of fiber
- 12 percent of your recommended daily value of Vitamin A
- 9 percent of your recommended daily value of iron
- 8 percent of your daily recommended value of magnesium
- 4 percent of your daily recommended value of folate
Don’t worry, you don’t have to eat a third of a cup of raw mint every day to get these nutrients. There are a bunch of recipes that you can add mint to.
2. Helps With an Upset TummyÂ
Before you down a bunch of Pepto Bismol the next time you have an upset stomach, consider using some mint instead.
The methanol in mint helps calm an upset stomach, and it can even help reduce symptoms of IBS. That being said, most of these benefits have been observed in capsule form, so be sure to pick some up at the store next time you have a stomach ache.
However, no one can deny that a nice mug of warm peppermint tea will at least help you stay warm and hydrated while you’re getting over your illness.
3. Could Help Improve Your Brain FunctionÂ
Mint isn’t just great for your body, it’s also great for your mind.
There have been studies conducted that suggest the aroma of mint, which you can inhale through essential oils, can help improve brain function.
In fact, one study found that 144 adults who inhaled the aroma of mint before an exam had improved memory while taking the exam.
Mint essential oil is widely available for purchase on the internet. And you can also learn more about the benefits of essential oils here.
4. Can Help You Cut Back on SodiumÂ
Are you someone who oversalts your dishes?
Consuming too much sodium can wreak serious havoc on your health. An overconsumption of sodium not only makes you feel bloated, but it also puts you at an increased risk for a stroke, heart failure, stomach cancer, and kidney disease.
We love salt because of the flavor it provides to dishes. However, there are are other ways you can make dishes that pack a powerful flavor without adding an excess amount of salt.
Mint is the perfect substitute for salt in many dishes. You can add it to veggie salads, fruit salads, fish and poultry dishes.
5. It Boosts Your Immune SystemÂ
We could all use a boost to our immune system, and mint is the perfect herb to provide that boost.
Just like other vegetables, mint contains phytonutrients that contain antioxidant properties. The antioxidant properties in the phytonutrients can help reduce cellular damage that is caused by oxidative stress.
Even better, the anti-inflammatory properties found in mint can also help with reducing chronic inflammation.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of benefits you’ll receive by adding mint to your diet. If you have any questions about these benefits, be sure to drop us a comment below.
