Seasonal Superfood: Mint
Keeps You Focused: An invigorating whiff of peppermint has been shown to heighten concentration.
Fights Nausea: Its menthol helps calm your tummy and relaxes your muscles, which eases stomach cramps.
Freshens Breath: Besides masking bad breath with its minty scent, the herb has antibacterial tannins that prevent odor-causing bacteria from setting up camp in your mouth.
Chills You Out: Menthol, mint's essential oil, is stored in the fuzzy hairs on the underside of the leaf. When this oil hits the nerve-cell receptors in your mouth, it sends a message to the brain that the cells are 7 to 13 degrees cooler than they actually are.
TRY THESE RECIPES Double-Mint Barley Tabbouleh
Use spearmint. It's the kind you'll usually find in grocery stores. It can be used in practically any dish, sweet or savory.
Use lemon mint. It adds a bright, slightly tart flavor to any dish.
Use chocolate mint. It has an initial blast of cool mint that is mellowed by an earthy, chocolaty sweetness that's ideal in desserts.