It is close to impossible to find anyone who doesn’t love the refreshing flavor of peppermint. Were you aware that, besides having a tingling, refreshing flavor, there are several, proven health benefits of peppermint tea?
We’re about to show you 10 of those scientifically backed benefits. After this, let’s explore more of peppermint tea and the nutrients and compounds that make it so potent.
10 Benefits of Peppermint Tea to Refresh Your Overall Health
1. Aids Digestion and Relieves Nausea
The most obvious and common among the benefits of peppermint tea comes in its use as a digestive aid and for nausea relief.
According to studies at the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint has an effect on relieving indigestion, bloating, gas and irritable bowel disease.
2. Balances Cholesterol
Brazilian research points to the balancing of cholesterol as another of the benefits of peppermint tea.
Their study concluded that test subjects treated with peppermint saw reduced LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Meanwhile, they were also improving HDL cholesterol levels.
3. Aids in Weight Loss
Backers of nearly every herb and substance claim that it aids in weight loss. However, aiding in weight loss is one of the true benefits of peppermint tea.
Algerian scientists report that peppermint tea is very helpful in the process of breaking down fats during digestion as well as flushing them from the body.
4. Treats Hypertension
Hypertension is a major concern for many, especially those at risk for heart attack and stroke. However, treating it is another of the benefits of peppermint tea.
Dr. Mao Shing Ni points out that cooling and calming the stress of the kidneys and liver helps reduce blood pressure. You can accomplish it through consuming peppermint tea.
5. Improves Oral Hygiene
Among the benefits of peppermint tea is its role in improving oral hygiene. This is why mint is such a popular flavor in dental pastes, gels and washes.
The therapeutic properties of peppermint related to oral hygiene include antibacterial and antifungal as well as the inhibition of biofilm formation according to Indian researchers.
6. Has Antioxidants
A high antioxidant value is also among the benefits of peppermint tea.
Brazilian researchers indicate that the antioxidants associated with the vitamin A in peppermint had a minimal effect on raising antioxidant levels. However, its phytochemicals and flavonoids had a major impact on increasing the antioxidant profile in their test subjects.
7. Treats Respiratory Conditions
Hungarian scientists note that another of the benefits of peppermint tea is found in the treatment of respiratory conditions.
Their research showed that the oral consumption of peppermint had a significant effect on improving symptoms and curing respiratory tract infections and conditions.
8. Relieves Menstrual Cramp
Menstrual cramp relief can also be added to the list of benefits of peppermint tea.
Research published in the American College of Health Care Sciences Journal noted that peppermint tea relaxes the muscles associated with menstrual cramps to bring relief.
9. Improves Concentration and Focus
Also among the most promising benefits of peppermint tea comes from its ability to help improve your concentration and focus.
Scientists at Northumbria University, UK announced that peppermint tea increased the alertness of the subjects who consumed it. Moreover, it made them function at a higher level on cognitive related tasks.
10. Works as a Powerful Antibacterial
Those suffering from a sore throat can also take advantage of the benefits of peppermint tea.
Indian researchers demonstrate that peppermint tea had significant antibacterial effects against S. aureus, E. coli, E. faecalis, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa and was also effective against, salmonella and staphylococcus.
Where Does the Right Peppermint Tea Come From?
Mentha piperita is, in reality, a hybrid of water mint and spearmint. It is native to Europe, but because of its popularity became a worldwide commodity.
Tea made of peppermint has a flavor that is very appealing, is easy to stomach and tends to bring refreshing, calming ease. Its benefits go beyond that and it is because of its unique blend of nutrients and active compounds.
Nutritional Profile of Peppermint
The nutritional value of peppermint matches many of its herbal cousins, providing vitamins and minerals with little to no calories or fat. 100 grams (1/2 cup) of fresh mint leaves has the following daily values (DV):
- 81% DV vitamin A;
- 66% DV iron;
- 56% DV manganese;
- 26% DV folate;
- 22% DV vitamin C;
- 20% DV calcium;
- 16% DV magnesium;
- 13% DV potassium;
- 10% DV riboflavin;
- 8% DV vitamin B6.
Though these are certainly impressive numbers, it is the 40 phytochemical compounds, including menthol, menthone, and menthyl acetate, which give potency to peppermint’s wide variety of health benefits as an antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, myorelaxant, antioxidant, expectorant, analgesic, and vasodilator.
With this long list of active properties, it is no wonder that science had been able to prove so many of the benefits we are about to explore.
If you have leftovers from your peppermint tea, you can try decorating an ice cream and enjoy its flavor.
A Note of Caution
Peppermint tea has few known side effects, making it very safe in moderate usage and remains safe in high therapeutic usage.
- The unique cautions associated with peppermint include allergies and GERD. With GERD, peppermint tends to relax the sphincter muscle and allow stomach acid up into the esophagus.
- Though peppermint oils and flavoring must limit to concentrations less than 20 mg per kilogram of food in order to avoid liver and kidney toxicity, the same caution is not typically associated with peppermint tea.
- Additionally, there have been some reported issues associated with menthol sensitivity, which can cause apnea and laryngeal constriction in infants. Menthol sensitivity it typically associated with the oil more than the tea as well.
- There are no known adverse drug interactions characteristic with peppermint tea consumption. But whenever you intend to use it in therapeutic doses, it is best to consult a health care professional in order to be advised of risks and possible side effects.
Final Thoughts
Besides having an appealing and refreshing flavor, peppermint is definitely among the most powerful herbs in your kitchen, and one you ought to keep on hand. If you are suffering from or at risk for any of the conditions we examined above, then take advantage of the benefits of peppermint tea and experience improvement of your overall wellness.
Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, leave your comments or even share success stories concerning the use of peppermint tea in the section below.
Images from pixabay.com.
