I am sure you have come across mint leaves. Usually they are just sitting on the shelves in supermarkets looking all pretty and you wonder what people do with these.
Like most people, I used to associate mint leaves with mojitos and let’s admit, mint leaves make cocktails look cooler and taste better.
Mint or mentha originates from the plant species Lamiaceae, which includes peppermint and spearmint.
It is a common ingredient in toothpastes, chewing gum and beauty products.
Most people prefer their mint leaves fresh and raw; this way they can reap all their benefits from this herb. To help it last longer, it can be dried and used in oils, infusions and tea.
Did you know that fresh mint like most herbs not only adds flavour to your food but also helps reduce sugar and salt concentration in your body?
Mint as its name may suggest, is used for different medicinal purposes as an antioxidant and a digestive soother. Also ever wondered why mint oil is used in massage parlours? Yes, mint leaves help you calm down and regulate muscle relaxation.
Mint leaves will also play a key role in soothing allergies and colds, if you are looking for a natural cure.
WebMD adds that mint has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments for many years.
And that consuming mint might promote brain health: “One study found mint extracts have potential to treat Alzheimer’s symptoms, although more research is needed. Another study found that smelling peppermint could enhance memory and increase alertness, although it’s unknown if ingesting it has similar effects.”
lbunde@standardmedia.co.ke
