Here we are in the last week of August, and all I can think (like I always do at this time) is where did the summer go? I am surely going to relish up in these last weeks of warm days and longer sunlight.
Before it’s over, I wanted to share a little taste of summer with you today 🙂
For me, that equates to mint.
There is something about the smell of mint that brings sensations of summer to my mind. I remember smelling it growing outside as a child, when summers were all about lounging and having fun 🙂
These days I appreciate the natural coolness mint provides, which is welcome on a hot summer day.
Benefits of Mint for Endometriosis
There are many benefits of adding mint into a diet for endometriosis. It helps with a lot of the side effects that come along. Check out some of these benefits…
Helps with Digestion
Mint helps ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It helps with indigestion and helps to calm the muscles in your colon that can cause painful bowel movements and intestinal cramping.
Reduces Nausea
Peppermint really helps if you are feeling nauseous. Its numbing properties help calm the muscles of your stomach and improves the flow of bile so food passes through your stomach quickly.
Source of Vitamin C & Manganese
Both vitamin C & magnesium are powerful antioxidants. It has been suggested that oxidated stress contributes to many aspects of endometriosis, so the more antioxidants we can get, the better 🙂
Stops the Growth of Bacteria, Including H Pylori
Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) is a nasty bacteria that can get into your stomach and cause havoc including inflammation, low stomach acid, ulcers and more. The presence of this bacteria is a deterrent to digestive health: the pathway to overall healing.
Helps Soothe Bladder Flares
When I used to struggle with bladder pain (related to Interstitial Cystitis or IC) peppermint tea was always a savior. This again has to do with the numbing effects of mint.
Blueberry Mint Smoothie Recipe
Now that we’ve covered all the reasons why mint is so awesome, I’d like to share with you a mint smoothie I mixed up the other day that was delish and, in my opinion, a perfect taste of summer.
The recipe below was enough for my hubby and I 🙂
Ingredients:
- 1 large green apple
- 1 medium size avocado
- juice from one small lime
- 3 – 4 stalks of mint leaves (I removed the stems)
- 1/2 cup of blueberries
- 1 TBS brown rice syrup
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of ice (optional)
Instructions:
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
On the Positive Side?
Technically, here in the states there is still another month of summer left, and if you’re on the other half of the world, then you are nearing springtime, my favorite season 🙂
Before I bid summer goodbye, I’m going to blend us up a few more of these mint smoothies and enjoy the benefits.
Would love to hear if you try it out too 🙂
Or if you have any other mint recipes to share?
Please do so in the comments below or connect with the Peace With Endo community on Facebook or our private support group.
My favourite at this moment the mint-cucumber-lemon water. Slice up a lemon, a small cucumber aprox 10 cm. Put to a big jar, give some mint leaves and cleaned fresh water. The best when it is cold. You can give some ice cubes too.
To save some mint, I sliced smaller pieces the lemon and cucumber, put to the ice tray with some mint leaves and water, freeze it, and you can make any time a fresh drink for yourself by using one or two prepepared ice cubes.
This sounds amazing Monika – a perfect summer treat. Thanks for sharing.