Melon Salad with Ginger Mint Simple Syrup

In addition to ginger adding flavor to a FODMAP diet, new research shows it may help alleviate muscle pain after a workout.¹ By adding herbs and spices to your diet you're increasing flavor, which helps cut back on sugar and salt while boosting antioxidants. Mint, often gets overlooked outside of using it for fresh breath but did you know that it also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.² Whether in a salad or a dessert, try sprinkling some chopped mint for added benefits.

Ingredients for melon salad with ginger mint simple syrup

• 2 cups chopped cantaloupe
• 2 cups chopped honey dew
• 2 cups blueberries
• 2 inch piece of ginger
• 10 mint leaves
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup agave nectar

Directions for melon salad with ginger mint simple syrup

1. In a small saucepot, heat ginger, mint, water, and agave nectar for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens. Strain the simple syrup.
2. Pour in a bowl over the cut melons. Toss well and enjoy!

References:

1. Christopher D. Black, Matthew P. Herring, David J. Hurley, Patrick J. O'Connor. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Reduces Muscle Pain Caused by Eccentric Exercise. The Journal of Pain, 2010; DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2009.12.013
2. Abdullah I. Hussaina, Farooq Anwara, Muhammad Shahida. Chemical Composition, and Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil of Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.From Pakistan). Journal of Essential Oil Research, Vol.22, Issue 1, 2010, pages 78-84.