The popularity of Green Tea and its variants is widely escalating in the commercial forums. One such variant is the Mint Green Tea. When I think of mint, I recall the small garden patch of my old home were mint leaves thronged. If we needed to flavor our tea or lemonade or even spice up our dishes, all we did was tarry up to the backyard, nip a few leaves, and throw it into our food to add that something “extra” that we all keep looking for. Mint generally sufficed.
Mint, as known to all, is one of the most common garden herbs; easy to grow and replenish. It is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. The Lamiaceae family has 236 genera and more than 7,000 species of aromatic herbs used widely for their sweet-smelling properties across the globe. The most common herbs of the Lamiaceae family are Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, Savory, Lavender, and many more. And of course, Mint.
Out of the 236 genera of the Lamiaceae family, mint belongs to the Genus Mentha. There is an interesting anecdote behind the etymology of this genus. It’s a derivative of the Greek word Mintha. Mintha, in greek mythology, was the name of a mythical nymph who was said to have metamorphosed into this plant. That is how mint gets its generic name. There are over 25 species of mint plant, the most common being Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata). Peppermint and Spearmint has very subtle differences. Peppermint is stronger, more peppery flavoured (as can be deciphered from its name) due to the presence of higher level of menthol. Spearmint, though very similar to peppermint in flavour, is milder.
Use of mint is multifarious. It is widely cultivated for its aromatic essential oil extracted from its stems and leaves. Mints are largely used as perfumes and cosmetics, for flavouring and many a number of culinary purposes. It has been known from generations as a plant with immense medicinal value.
The culinary aspect of mint is found in the leaves. Mint is used for its refreshing property in a number of beverages from teas to mojitos. Mint teas are one of those easy-to-make beverages and is universally liked. This green tea is no exception. Made from Peppermint and Spearmint, mint green tea is an excellent dose of immunity combined with refreshment.
Health Benefits
Below are outlined some of the main benefits of mint green tea:
- Stress Relaxant: The menthol present in mint eases off stress and helps fight anxiety. Menthol is antispasmodic and is used as a muscle relaxant as well.
- Aids Digestion: Mint has antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help in the overall process of digestion. It also acts as a great appetizer.
- Helps Burn Fat: Green tea is known for its ability to burn fat. When combined with mint, it helps boost metabolism which ultimately results in weight loss.
- Reduces Headaches and Nausea: Mint green tea helps fight nausea and headache. The menthol present in mint is used to calm the system and its refreshing aroma is used many times as an antidote to nausea.
- Helps treat Asthma: Mint green tea can work wonders for asthma patients. Mint is known for its relaxant properties and is known to relieve congestion.
Buy good quality Mint Green tea from The Chayi)
(Read about Chayi’s Lemongrass Green Tea)
