I visited my local Farmer's Market here in Danville, IN on Saturday morning. There was a nice variety of fresh veggies, along with other natural odds and ends. The herb cart caught my eye, as I pictured fresh basil on my tomatoes, or fresh mint in my lemon water. I purchased a bag full of mint, along with my other delicious finds and headed home to get creative!
Mint is obviously well known for it's oral care benefits. But, here are things about mint you might not know:
Mint is well known for its ability to sooth the digestive tract and reduce the severity and length of stomach aches. It soothes the stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation etc. The aroma of mint activates the saliva glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. Also, balms based on mint, or mint oil, when rubbed on forehead and nose, give quick relief to headaches.
In addition, mint teas and other herbal preparations have shown great promise at easing the discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and even at slowing the growth of many of the most harmful bacteria and fungi. The well-documented antifungal properties of mint are thought to play a role in the treatment of asthma and many allergy conditions as well.
It is even thought that mint may have benefits as an anticancer food. Mint is known to contain a phytonutrient called perillyl alcohol, which has been shown in studies on animals to prevent the formation of colon, skin and lung cancer.
So eat, or drink it up! Here's a recipe to get you started:
MINTY SWEET SMOOTHIE
1 LARGE CUCUMBER
2 STALKS CELERY (OR 1 LARGE)
1 LARGE GOLDEN DELICIOUS APPLE
1-2 KALE LEAVES
1/2-1 CUP WATER OR NUT MILK
10-15 LEAVES OF FRESH MINT
2 tsp AGAVE NECTAR
YUMMMM.....
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