While there are many varieties of mint, the two main ones we consume are peppermint, more pungent and tonic, and spearmint or sweet, which is the delight of Moroccan mint tea. Both have the same active ingredients (menthol, menthone…) and therefore the same health benefits, peppermint being just more interesting in the morning for its invigorating side and spearmint more suitable for evening infusions.
Mint calms the intestine
Mint is the digestive plant par excellence: “It helps empty the stomach and reduces bloating and intestinal spasms. Menthol is an antiseptic that fights bacteria responsible for gas production” explains dietitian and phytotherapist Caroline Gayet. It also acts on the liver and increases the secretion of bile, necessary for the digestion of lipids.
“Mint is interesting after a slightly fatty meal, as an infusion for example. But also after a strong meal (garlic, cheese, etc.), because it reduces bad breath. You can then chew one or two leaves at the end of the meal. adds the specialist. In summer, we also appreciate its refreshing side, in homemade water flavored with lemon or in a green gazpacho.
Mint wakes up the plates
For the kitchen, nothing beats fresh mint: it must be chosen with very green leaves and firm stems. It is rather chopped with a knife (or cut with scissors), because the electric chopper heats its leaves and tends to puree it.
Sprinkle it over a cold dish or a hot dish at the end of cooking to preserve all its aromas and benefits. Be careful not to put too muchbecause it risks taking over the other flavors.
In video: the recipe for pineapple carpaccio with mint
In what form do we find mint?
- Fresh: it grows easily in the garden or on a balcony in the sun. It is the best for summer recipes: tabbouleh, cold soup, fruit salad…
- Dried : it is practical for infusions: we put 1 c. in 25 cl of boiling water, leave to infuse for 5 minutes, covered, before filtering. It forms a good digestive duo with liquorice or lemon balm.
- In essential oil: Peppermint HE is interesting in detox: 1 drop morning and evening, 5 days a week for 2 weeks, on a piece of bread or a neutral tablet. It is also digestive: 1 drop on the hand that is lapped up at the end of the meal. And it fights migraine and nausea: 1 drop in a handkerchief that you breathe. Note: it does not spread and is contraindicated in cases of hypertension, epilepsy, asthma, pregnant women and children under 12 years of age.
- In hydrosol : on the skin to purify it, but also to fight the hot flashes of the menopause.
Our expert: Caroline Gayet dietitian and phytotherapist, co-author, with Michel Pierre, of I am learning herbalism (ed. Leduc)
Read also :
- Video: peppermint remedy for headache
- I make my own digestive herbal tea