Mint is an herb that is greatly underestimated because not only does it taste great, but it is also rich in nutritional properties. When people think of mint, they tend to think of mint sauce, chewing gum, or menthol toothpaste, and so on. Mint leaves, however, have so much more to offer.
An article in Medical News Today said: "Mint has one of the greatest antioxidant capabilities of any food: learning to use fresh herbs and spices like mint when cooking can also help to reduce sodium intake.
Mint, also known as "Mentha", actually refers to about 15-20 types of plants, including peppermint and spearmint. Mint oil is often used in toothpaste, sweets and cosmetics, while leaves are used fresh or dried for tea and dishes.
What is the difference between spearmint and peppermint?
Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint and aquatic mint. It contains 40% menthol and is the plant with the most pungent flavor of the Mentha family, hence its term "peppered".
As for spearmint, containing less than 1% menthol, it is considered the most delicate with a subtly sweet flavor.
The benefits of peppermint
To boost digestion and detoxify the liver:
Peppermint helps your body better treat food, relieves indigestion and speeds up your metabolism. As a result, you can better digest food and burn the calories you consume faster. This plant has the power to stimulate bile secretion and promote perspiration. Thanks to these two actions, we manage to eliminate the toxins and thus to cleanse the liver which will then be able to work optimally.
Preparation
First, wash the mint leaves well and put them in a container with water. Then light the fire and let them boil for 10 minutes (so that the leaves release their healing properties). Turn off the heat and let it rest.
In the meantime, you can extract the juice of a lemon. Grate the equivalent of half a spoonful of lemon peel and mix it with the other ingredients. You can sweeten this beverage with honey when it is hot.
The citric acid as well as the mint properties will make sure that the liver will eliminate all the accumulated fat. At the same time, honey will give you a very relaxing effect. This infusion is also effective for any digestive and intestinal disorder.
How to use it ?
Drink 1 cup of this infusion of mint each day until you notice improvements.
To lose weight :
If you're looking to lose a few pounds and get rid of fat, peppermint tea can be the ultimate solution. Peppermint compounds help the body break down fats faster and digest food easily, especially when combined with healthy eating, restful sleep, and regular physical activity.
For a better performance:
In addition, a recent study in The International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism has shown that even the smell of peppermint has benefits. Specifically, the researchers found that adding a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the drinking water dramatically increased the performance of the athletes.
To fight migraine:
According to a study conducted by the University of Kiel (and the National Institute of Health), topical local treatment with peppermint essential oil is effective in treating headaches and migraines. The study showed that peppermint was favorably compared to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and paracetamol (acetaminophen). Just put a drop on your temples for a guaranteed result.
To purify the skin:
Hormonal imbalance can also be the reason you have acne or painful skin conditions. The peppermint infusion can be very effective in treating these irritations. Simply infuse a handful of leaves of this plant in a large glass of water and use, once the infusion filtered and cooled, as a lotion. The astringent properties of this lotion will help fight the skin's bacteria, leaving skin feeling soft and younger.
Warning
Excess consumption of peppermint can cause relaxation of peristaltic movements of the colon.
People with achlorhydria, bile duct obstruction, gallbladder disorders, gallstones, acid reflux or esophagus problems should not use peppermint oil internally. This oil is also not recommended for children.