Mint Plants (Mentha) as a Promising Source of Biologically Active Substances to Combat Hidden Hunger

Abstract

Hidden hunger, also known as micronutrient deficiency, is a form of undernutrition, which is exacerbated when food security is fragile. However, the amount of phytonutrients in the diet can be increased by using underutilized species, such as fresh mint greens (Mentha). These plants have a high biological value due to the high content of biologically active substances. Plants of the genus Mentha, however, differ significantly in their chemical composition and, thus, nutritional value. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the content of phytonutrients in different Ukrainian species of mint: peppermint (Mentha piperita), horsemint (Mentha longifolia L.), silver-leaved horsemint (Mentha longifolia S.), and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.), and to determine their stability after drying and freezing. After studying the chemical composition of fresh, dried, and frozen plants of these species, it was established that Ukrainian mint species offer a robust set of phytonutrients and can be used as ingredients of the so-called “functional foods.” The biologically active substances in mint are concentrated during drying. Moreover, such raw materials are easily stored and used as an ingredient. However, the losses of ascorbic acid due to drying mint reach 70%; of carotenoids—approximately 10–15%; of chlorophylls—21–38%; and of phenols—19–29%. Peppermint and spearmint were observed to have higher stability of biologically active compounds. As for the freezing, the best stability of the chemical composition was demonstrated by field mint and spearmint samples. Therefore, a targeted selection of mint types and varieties prior to processing will allow preserving maximal preservation of a maximum amount of biologically active substances, increasing the content of phytonutrients in finished products, and preventing the development of hidden hunger.

Influence of Nutrient Solutions in an NGS® Soilless System on the Yield, Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh-Cut Commercial Mint at Different Harvest Times

“…A vast majority of mints is sold as fresh-cut leaves or cuttings, where preservation of freshness, texture, shelf life, and aroma are essential [49]. WL is a physiological event in fresh-cut products and in fresh aromatic and medicinal herbs.…”

Origanum dubium Boiss. (Cypriot oregano) Use for the Preservation of Fresh Spearmint Quality and Safety

“…Many MAP species (including spearmint) are rich in antioxidants and contain a plethora of bioactive components such as ascorbic acid, polyphenols, carotenoids, and flavonoids, among others [46,47]. This makes spearmint and other herbs high-nutritionalvalue products that need to be preserved.…”

Effect of Asparagus Chitosan-Rutin Coating on Losses and Waste Reduction During Storage

“…On the other hand, a healthier diet involves increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables (Harris et al, 2023;Mason-D'Croz et al, 2019). In addition, plant products are a supplier of valuable phytonutrients to the human body, which help to combat "hidden hunger" (Gödecke et al, 2018;Hutsol et al, 2023). Fruits and vegetables are also very profitable, so they are a good source of income for small farmers, and the right marketing strategies will help increase their consumption (Dunn et al, 2018;Kalchenko et al, 2018).…”