Cool Off with Fresh Mint

This past weekend I was in NYC for school, and the weather was unbelievably gorgeous! It was sunny, warm, breezy, and the sky was bright blue. I took the opportunity to eat my lunch outside on Sunday and sat on a park bench to people watch.

I had hummus and whole wheat pita bread, tabbouleh salad with quinoa, and some fresh iced mint tea from a tiny restaurant called Hummus Place. My food was delicious, but the mint iced tea was my favorite. They brewed the tea on the spot, swirled in big mint leaves, and poured it over ice right before handing it to me in a to-go cup. It was the perfect drink for my lunch outside. So, um, can you tell how much I loved it?

It helped me feel fresh and energized after sitting in a lecture all morning. As far as I’m concerned, mint is the perfect herb for this time of year.

Mint actually helps cool your body off, giving you a refreshing sensation when you smell, eat, or drink it. It’s wonderful for your digestive system and helps ease your stomach during and after eating. Even better, studies show that mint is helpful in reducing stress and tension in the body.

Try picking up some fresh mint the next time you’re at the grocery store or market. There are close to 20 different varieties (though you’ll probably only find one or two). You can add it to iced tea, water, or juice for added flavor, health benefits, and fresh breath.

If you’re attending a summer BBQ, try adding mint to a fruit salad, or be everyone’s favorite guest when you show up with mint mojitos!