A member of the mint family, spearmint is a native plant to Europe and parts of Asia. Its sweet mild flavor can be found in gum, toothpaste and mouthwash, although Oshkosh in-home caregivers can incorporate fresh and dried leaves into numerous dishes for their senior loved ones. It can be eaten in salads, used to flavor teas or incorporated into smoothies. Family caregivers will want to find many ways to put it into diets because of its many health benefits like the ones below.
Oral Health
Spearmint’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties make it great at promoting healthy gums and oral hygiene. Those same properties help prevent mouth and throat infections. Additionally, chewing on a spearmint leaf is a great way to stop bad breath. This member of the mint family can be used to clear the sinuses, which is a leading contributor to bad breath.
Digestive Health
Many people find that spearmint is great for settling upset stomachs and relieving gastrointestinal issues. Flatulence, cramps and bloating often disappear when spearmint is consumed. Even seniors with irritable bowel syndrome may find that it helps relieve those symptoms as well.
Circulation Health
Eating just a single leaf of spearmint provides 100 percent of the daily recommended amount of iron. Therefore, it is helpful in building iron content in blood and improving circulation throughout the body. Spearmint helps blood move in the body faster, so wounds heal quicker. Many people who consume spearmint regularly find that they have more energy because the increased circulation boosts oxygen levels in their systems.
Heart Health
This mint is also great because of its high potassium levels. It is effective in relieving stress on blood vessels and arteries. For this reason, Oshkosh stroke caregivers believe it is effective for breaking up plaques that block arteries and cause strokes. Researchers even suggest that it may be extremely useful in preventing other cardiovascular illnesses.
In addition to nutrition, seniors also benefit from balanced care schedules. With help from Senior Stride Home Care, your loved one will get one-on-one assistance from highly trained Oshkosh elder care professionals. Call 920-717-1767 today to learn more about our flexible live-in and hourly caregivers and how they can work around your loved one’s schedule to help him or her age in place with dignity.