While some herbs that are rich in benefits may not be exactly pleasant on the palette, mint is downright refreshing. It’s so popular that it’s the flavor profile of choice for chewing gum and after-dinner candies that are made to linger.

Here’s What You May Not Know About Mint: There are several types of it – as many as 13 to 24 different types. These include peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, wild mint, and pennyroyal to name a few. These strains offer slightly different flavor profiles so it can be fun to experiment with different strains to determine your favorites.

Something else you might not know about mint is that it is one of the easiest herbs to grow. For this reason, it is grown all over the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, Southern Africa and Australia. If you want to grow it yourself, plant it in a container – e.g. B. a pot – in a place where there is morning sun but afternoon shade. Mint is one of those plants that can take over, so it’s best to grow it separately from other plants. As for storing mint, whether you grow it yourself or buy it from the store, it’s best to put the leaves in an airtight plastic bag in the refrigerator. This will keep the leaves fresh for as long as possible. To really extend their lifespan, wrap your mint leaves (stem attached) in a damp paper towel before placing them in the bag.

Mint has been extensively studied by researchers, and there is plenty of scientific evidence pointing to the many ways it can be used for the good of the body. (Peppermint in particular has been extensively studied and is the variety of mint we focus on unless otherwise noted.) Hier, Ginger Hultin, RD, author of Anti-inflammatory Diet Meal Prep ($ 12) and Cookbook How to Eat to Conquer Disease ($ 18) explains five benefits of mint. Below is recipe inspo for creative and delicious uses.

5 mint benefits, according to a registered dietitian

1. It helps with digestion.

The ritual of putting a mint in your mouth after a meal is not just for fresh breath. Scientific studies show that mint helps with digestion. “Research shows that mint is easily absorbed by both stomach and intestinal tissues, where it has a calming effect,” says Hultin. “It has been shown to have anticonvulsant effects and slow peristalsis – also known as the natural movement of the bowel that helps digestion. So it’s very calming for the digestive tract. “

Of course, cooking with mint can aid digestion and can also be enjoyed after a meal. But this research also means that mint can help calm the stomach even when there are no meals. Think of it as the natural alternative to tums.

2. It can be beneficial for people with IBS.

Since mint can help calm the stomach by soothing cramps in the intestines, it can be an especially helpful herb for people with irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have shown that peppermint – especially in oil form – can be a safe and effective way for people with IBS to manage their abdominal pain and relieve symptoms.

3. Mint could improve your mood.

In addition to calming the stomach, consuming mint can also boost mood. In fact, even just smell has been shown to help people feel less anxious or depressed. “The study specifically names GABA receptor binding properties and this happens in the brain, which has a calming effect and can even reduce feelings of stress and anxiety,” explains Hultin. GABA receptors play an important role in the body’s response to stress and help control anxiety and anxiety. So the fact that mint supports these crucial mood receptors is strong.

4. It could help with brain function.

Mint (especially spearmint) has also been shown to help improve cognitive function and memory. Researchers attribute this to the herb’s high polyphenol content. Polyphenols are active ingredients that benefit the body by fighting harmful substances such as ultraviolet rays, radiation and some pathogens. 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 for it is a huge plus.

5. Mint could help with athletic performance.

One study showed that consuming peppermint before exercise significantly improved athletic performance. “[This] could be due to the effects of peppermint on bronchial smooth muscle tonicity, with or without affecting the pulmonary surfactant. In other words, mint makes breathing easier – and proper breathing is essential for exercise. So if you want Um To really crush your next workout, it might be worth sucking on a peppermint before you lace up your sneakers.

5 ways to consume mint

With a resume like the one above, Mint proves it is worth enjoying on a regular basis. Here are five recipes to get you started.

1. Mint tea

If you’re looking to use mint to calm your stomach or aid digestion, enjoying it in a tea form is one of the best ways to get its benefits. The video above shows an easy way to brew something that also contains antioxidant cocoa.

2. Chocolate peppermint cookies

You certainly can’t make thin mints without peppermint, and this recipe shows how to make a batch that is both gluten-free and low-sugar. Made with oatmeal, cashew butter, and almonds, these cookies are also full of fiber.

3. Fresh mint dressing

Incorporating mint into a simple salad dressing will brighten your whole bowl of veggies. Here it is used together with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, sea salt and pepper in a Dijon mustard dressing. In just five minutes, you have a homemade dressing that you can use all week long.

Get the recipe: fresh mint dressing

4. Watermelon and Mint Salad

Mint can also be incorporated into the salad itself, as this summer recipe shows. The herb is paired with watermelon – another seasonal favorite – as well as cucumber and feta cheese.

Get the Recipe: Watermelon and Mint Salad

5. Vegan mint and chocolate ice cream

What would a mint recipe round-up be without ice cream? This recipe has a super simple ingredient list and is completely vegan. The secret lies in the use of full-fat coconut milk, which makes the ice cream extra creamy.

Get the recipe: vegan mint chocolate ice cream

As you can see, there are so many ways to use mint than just sucking on it in the form of candy. With its many advantages, it is definitely worth experimenting with. The best past is that the benefits of mint are as good as the taste. Talk about a win-win situation!

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