Saving the environment through what we eat series: 4. Mint

One of the first and best ways to help the environment is to go vegan. What you put in your body is not only critical to living a healthy life but can be critical to save the planet too. Let's have a look at mint. 

I just love this healing, smoothing herb. It is estimated that there are 16 - 18 species of mint and that hybridisation occurs naturally, so there are many other hybrids and cultivars on the market. But they all have that wonderfully distinct minty smell. Mint is a pretty nifty little plant.

The benefits of mint
1. It has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food.
2. It contains an anti-inflammatory agent that relieves seasonal allergies.
3. Using mint in cooking can also help reduce sodium intake.
4. Mint water can help soothe nipples of breastfeeding mothers.
5. Mint tea can help relieve a sore throat.
6. It aids digestion and helps with an upset stomach.
7. It can cool the skin inflamed by insect bites or even sunburn.
8. It assists in oral health, and keeps your breath fresh.
9. It's a great room freshener and you can add a few drops of oil to your cleaning agent.
10. It is also a great source of Vitamin A therefore good for your eyes!

Mint is also an easy plant to grow, they thrive in light soil with good drainage. They also require minimal care. Growing mint will keep your yard and garden buzzing with beneficial insects. Mint is rich in nectar and pollen, and its small flower clusters keep these sweet treats easily accessible for honeybees and other bugs. It also deters bad bugs and will even reduce flees in animals.

Be sure to keep fresh minute and essential mint oil in your home for all these wonderful uses. It has been used for its medicinal properties for hundreds of years, and they were definitely onto something good!

**Saving the environment through what we eat series was written to inspire people to change their eating habits in order to save the environment and the world we live in from climate change. Eating more plant-based foods can stop deforestation, soil degradation and greenhouse gas emissions, help slow climate change and secure global food supply.