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Oct 9, 2022 · Current studies indicated that Mentha species phytochemicals possess unique antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and antioxidant potential, which can be used as herbal medicine directly or indirectly (such as food ingredients) and are effective in controlling and curing cardiovascular diseases.
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A poor diet, resulting in malnutrition, is a critical...
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Essential oil composition and biological activities of some...
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Mar 14, 2024 · Whether they are herbs or spices, these leaves, seeds, fruits, buds, stems or bark of plants and trees often have a long history of use to boost flavor. Herbs and spices also can help lessen the need for salt and fat in many recipes. Here are a few common examples and ways you might use them in your next meal.
- Overview
- Possible health benefits of spearmint
- Spearmint’s nutritional profile
- Spearmint essential oil
- Serving suggestions for fresh spearmint
Spearmint, or Mentha spicata is a pleasant-smelling species of mint. Potential health benefits include improving digestion, being high in antioxidants, and helping with memory.
Spearmint is often present in health-food products, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and cosmetics. It is a common ingredient in medicine for its claimed therapeutic properties.
Spearmint contains vitamins, antioxidants, and vital nutrients. Its aroma is very similar to that of peppermint. It contains less menthol than peppermint, but it is rich in limonene, dihydrocarvone, and cineol. It has a sweeter taste than peppermint.
Like other herbs of the mint family, spearmint has a square-shaped stem. Its leaves are around 5 centimeters to 9 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters to 3 centimeters wide. The tips of the leaves are pointed, like spears, hence its name.
Many health benefits have been attributed to spearmint, whether consumed fresh or used as an essential oil.
Some people use spearmint to help alleviate symptoms of nausea, indigestion, gas, headache, toothache, cramps, and sore throat.
It is also applied topically, to the skin, to help reduce swelling due to nerve or muscle pain.
A report published in the journal Food Chemistry indicates that spearmint extract has “good total phenolic and flavonoid contents” and “excellent antioxidant activity.”
Spearmint essential oil has antifungal properties, according to a study presented at the 2011 International Conference on Environmental and Agriculture Engineering.
Spearmint may help to relieve symptoms of digestive problems, by relaxing the stomach muscles, reducing symptoms of nausea, and other digestive problems.
The nutritional value of 100 grams of fresh spearmint is:
•Energy – 44 kilocalories
•Carbohydrates – 8.41 grams
•Fat – 0.73 grams
•Protein – 3.29 grams
•Iron – 11.87 milligrams
Spearmint essential oils have antifungal and antioxidant properties. They can be used in natural food preservation and as an insecticide.
Unlike fresh spearmint, spearmint essential oil is not edible. Before use, it must be diluted with a carrier oil. It can irritate if it comes into contact with the skin or the eyes.
Fresh spearmint leaves contain a much lower level of menthol than other mint species, which makes it less pungent and more suited to health drinks and cooking.
Some serving suggestions are:
•Chopping the leaves and sprinkling it onto food
•Using the leaves to make mint sauce
•Preparing spearmint tea.
For a more adventurous idea, try fresh spearmint ice cream, or a spiced salad of braised beef with roasted rice.
Sep 7, 2021 · Mayo Clinic doctors recommend eating a variety of seeds. Adding a tablespoon or two a day to your diet can bring big nutritional benefits without breaking the bank or sacrificing taste. Here, you’ll find a fab-four list of seeds and how to use them. Flaxseed — Ground flaxseed is best because whole flaxseed may pass through the body undigested.
Apr 12, 2022 · Pharmacological properties of M. spicata extracts and essential oils were investigated for different health benefits such as antioxidant, anticancer, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic effects.
- 10.1155/2022/7990508
- 2022
Nov 16, 2023 · Spearmint (mentha spicata), on the other hand, contains up to 70% carvone and only up to 1% menthol. Both plants may help alleviate digestive symptoms and nausea. They also provide some...
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Oct 24, 2018 · It may help balance hormones, lower blood sugar and improve digestion, and can also reduce stress and improve memory. Spearmint, or Mentha spicata, is a type of mint similar to peppermint. It’s...
