Herbs for Health: Mint – Mentha

Herbs for Health: Mint – Mentha

Herbs for Health · Reading Time : 3 mins ·
The Whole Health Practice

Mint, a refreshing and aromatic herb, offers culinary and health benefits that have made it a cherished ingredient in cuisines around the world. From sweet desserts to savoury dishes, mint's versatile flavour profile adds a delightful touch to various culinary creations. The name ‘mint ‘covers more than a dozen species, here we will focus on the common (mild) form known as spearmint, Mentha spicata.

Mint's cool and invigorating taste complements both sweet and savoury dishes. It is commonly used to garnish salads, desserts, and fruit platters, providing a burst of freshness. Mint also enhances the flavour of savoury dishes such as lamb, poultry, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Mint is a rich source of health-promoting polyphenols. One of the key polyphenols found in mint is rosmarinic acid, which exhibits powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Rosmarinic acid helps combat oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage, and may aid in reducing inflammation in the body.

    Mint also contains menthol, a compound responsible for its cooling sensation. Its stronger-tasting cousin, peppermint (Mentha. piperita L), has much higher levels. Menthol not only adds to the refreshing taste but also has soothing effects on the digestive system, making mint beneficial for relieving indigestion and stomach discomfort. In addition to its polyphenols, mint provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, contributing to its nutritional value.

    As part of a nutritionally rich, whole health lifestyle, at The Whole Health Practice we advocate enjoying herbs (and spices) as a regular part of one’s diet. While some herbs have shown positive results for specific health outcomes, nutrition science and the interaction of polyphenols from different plant sources are incredibly complex. Enjoy a healthy eating pattern with a variety of herbs, spices and whole foods that work in synergy to promote maximum health. Think fruits, berries, beans, vegetables, and whole grains; add colour to your dishes wherever possible.  

    Incorporating mint into your culinary repertoire not only elevates the taste of your dishes but also offers potential health benefits through its polyphenols and other essential nutrients. Enjoy mint to add a touch of freshness to your meals while supporting your overall well-being.

    Stay Healthy,

    Alastair

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    Bonus Read:

    More than just taste, herbs can bring health and joy to our lives. Stay tuned for our complete collection of articles, recipes and more...

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    This content is brought to you by The Whole Health Practice. Alastair Hunt (NBC-HWC) is the Founder and Chief Wellbeing Officer at The Whole Health Practice. Based in Singapore, The Whole Health Practice supports individuals and teams around the world to improve their health, performance and vitality. Want to learn more about healthy living or sign-up for regular health content? Visit www.thewholehealthpractice.com


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