Apple mint - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Apple mint (Mentha suaveolens) has a refreshingly distinct flavour while yet providing all the health advantages of other forms of mint. It grows easily in the sun or the shade, in pots or in the garden, and it tastes great in a variety of meals and mint teas.

What is apple mint?

Apple mint, often referred to as pineapple mint, woolly mint, or round-leafed mint, is a plant whose scientific name is Mentha suaveolens. It is a member of the scientific family Lamiaceae, which also includes many other significant aromatic kitchen herbs, including catnip, basil, rosemary, sage, and oregano. It is a perennial plant that is a member of the Mentha genus. The plant has naturalised in central and northern Europe but is native to southern and western Europe, especially the Mediterranean region.

Apple mint plant description:

The mint plant, often known as apple mint, is a perennial herb with thick hair and a powerful rhizome. 40 to 100 cm of growth is possible. It thrives in damp soil and frequently dries up in the summer. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and does well in clay. The main reasons for growing apple mint are for culinary use and to protect the soil against weed growth.

The mint plant has brilliant green leaves and grows from a rhizome that infiltrates the earth. While the leaves are oblong, with some also being ovate. The leaves can range in size from 2 to 4 cm in width and 3 to 5 cm in length. The leaves have a hairy upper surface and serrated edges similar to murbey leaves. These green leaves can be used to flavour teas and other liquids because of their delicious scent.

Other names of apple mint:

Apple mint, Pineapple mint, Round-leaf mint, Round-leaved mint, Big-leaved mint, Horse mint, and Woolly mint are some more names that are sporadically used.

Nutritional value of apple mint:

• Mint leaves are rich in phytonutrients, vitamins A, C, and B complex, calcium, phosphorus, and have antibacterial capabilities. They are also loaded with antioxidants.
• It is one of the abundant sources of potassium, iron, and manganese, which raise haemoglobin levels and support cognitive function.
• Mint leaves are easy to incorporate into a diet plan for weight loss because they are low in calories and contain little protein and fat.

Difference between apple mint and peppermint:

Apple mint and peppermint have different flavour profiles, which is the first significant distinction between them. Each's mint flavour primarily comes from menthol. In terms of its low menthol content, apple mint is the milder of the two. Additionally, it has a subdued fruity undertone that some have compared to the taste of apples. Because peppermint has a higher menthol content, its mint flavour is more potent. The pepper portion of the name derives from this robust flavour; some people even describe the herb's minty flavour as spicy.

Health benefits of apple mint:

1. Use as herbal tea

The ability of mint leaves to treat a number of mild illnesses, including fever and headaches, is one of their many advantages. Making mint leaves into tea powder is the secret. While dried mint leaves are used to make tea powder, fresh mint leaves will also give your beverage the characteristic mint flavour.

2. Use as an organic disinfectant

The essential oils found in mint leaves can be extracted from the leaves. Mint oil has a wide range of medicinal uses, particularly as an antimicrobial.

3. Decreases cancer risk

The leaves of apple mint are rich in vitamins C, A, and B2. This vitamin works as an antioxidant and is beneficial for stopping the development of cancer cells, particularly colon and rectal cancer.

4. Helps in digestion

The apple mint plant also has a portion that is good for your health in addition to the leaves, which is the blossom. The benefits of the flowers include treatment from digestive issues like bowels, stomach aches, and others. The blossoms can be dried and used as tea. Additionally helpful for clearing the mind and treating headaches is mint tea.

Other benefits of apple mint: 

• Mint leaves are effective in treating a variety of mild illnesses since they have antibacterial properties and improve digestion.
  
  
• Headaches, fevers, dyspepsia, and other mild illnesses can all be treated with tea brewed from mint leaves.
  
  
• It can treat acne, the flu, colds, cramps, shock, asthma, and stress. Mint oil is derived from the leaves of the apple mint plant.
  
  
• Monks thought that the herb mint might treat epilepsy.
  
  
• A flower from apple mint can be added to tea to promote digestion, treat intestinal conditions, and energise the brain.
  
  
• Apple mint essential oil can be used by researchers to treat vaginal candidiasis issues.
  
  
• Additionally helpful for treating gastrointestinal problems, intestinal issues, and a number of other medical conditions is mint tea.
  
  
• The body's metabolism can be accelerated by drinking herbal tea produced from mint leaves.
  
  
• Although mint leaves are antiseptic and contain essential oils, excessive amounts are poisonous.
  
  
• This essential oil offers cancer-preventing qualities.