Two summers ago, I planted peppermint in my herb garden so that I could have fresh mint to add to my iced and hot tea. Although most herbs are annuals and have to replanted each year, mint is the exception to that rule. I quickly learned that mint was a hardy and invasive perennial that will quickly take over your herb garden. I did not mind its invasive nature because such growth allowed me to enjoy this wonderful sweet and cooling herb well into the winter months.
Although I carry a small bottle of peppermint oil in my purse to help guard against colds, I never really gave much thought to its nutritional profile. I believe it is safe to say that mint is seen by many as a garnish and an herb used to add flavor to drinks and lamb recipes, and not a nutritional healing powerhouse.
The nutritional content of 100 grams of mint (approximately 7 tablespoons or ½ cup) looks like this:
- Calories – 48
- Protein – 4.8 g
- Fat – 06 g
- Fiber – 2 g
- Calcium – 200 m
- Iron – 15.6 mg
- Vitamin C – 27 mg
- Carbohydrates – 5.8 mg
Mint also contains good amounts of Vitamin A, B12, folic acid, thiamine and riboflavin, as well as, minerals such as, calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and zinc.
Mint has many health benefits.
Brewed in tea or hot water, mint is a great digestive aid and can help relieve IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and stomach cramps. Inhaling peppermint oil during cold season is a great way to arrest breathing problems, including asthma, and to relieve chest and head congestion.
As you can see, mint is much more than a pretty garnish! Knowing its nutritional profile gives me even more pleasure when I add it to my morning smoothie. You can count on even the smallest amount doing to do the body good! Here is an awesome way to enjoy the cool and refreshing taste of mint while simultaneously boosting your immune system. Enjoy!
Green Mint Smoothie -Makes 24 ounces
(place all ingredients in a blender until well blended)
2 cups of Chopped Green Kale
½ Banana
1 Kiwi – peeled
1 Cored Green Apple with skin
½ cup Organic Apple Juice
6-8 fresh Mint Leaves
½ cup of Filtered Water
1 cup of ice
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing Fourth Edition – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Copyright 2006 Penguin Croup (USA) Inc. 375 Hudson Street New York New York 10014
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