Are you yet to explore the endless health benefits offered by peppermint tea? A refreshing and aromatic beverage, this caffeine-free beverage provides numerous benefits, from providing fresh breath to supporting weight loss. The best part is that it can be made easily at home with absolutely no hassles.
Top 13 Benefits Of Peppermint Tea: Is It Good For You?
In the below section, we take you through the top advantages of consuming peppermint tea.
1. Promotes weight loss
For the unknown, peppermint tea is a beverage that is low in calories. The strong aroma of peppermint tea leaves aids in lowering your appetite and suppresses food cravings. The other benefit of this beverage is that it elevates your body temperature which further improves the metabolism. To keep it simple, by consuming peppermint tea you will benefit from weight loss.
2. Helps reduce cholesterol
Have you been detected with high cholesterol levels? Peppermint tea would be the best herbal tea to get rid of this problem. When you consume this drink, it will increase bile production. As a result, your body will make better use of the cholesterol.
3. May improve your breath
It is because of its fresh flavor and smell that peppermint is used as a common ingredient in toothpaste, chewing gum, and mouthwash. The major reasons for Halitosis (bad breath) are food debris and plaque buildup on your tooth and tongue. According to research peppermint may improve halitosis.
Having said that, a 2020 review in the European Journal of Oral Sciences says that though peppermint might substantially reduce the amount of bacteria that cause bad breath, further human trials need to be conducted to support the efficacy and safety of these claims.
4. May aid in sleeping well
No research says that peppermint tea may help you with sleep. However, since it is free of caffeine, it is fine to drink peppermint tea before you go to bed at night. The reason is that it works as a muscle relaxant and aids in sleeping peacefully.
5. Strengthens immune system
The antibacterial properties of peppermint aid in combating disease-causing illnesses and thus boost your immune system. It is the presence of potassium, vitamin B, and various antioxidants that enable the body to function healthily.
6. Provides relief from bloating and indigestion
Peppermint tea is well-known for its digestive properties as some people, anecdotally, feel that it provides relief from symptoms such as gas and bloating. Having said that there is no sufficient research available to prove the efficacy of peppermint tea among human beings. However, according to some studies conducted on animals, this drink can have a relaxing effect on the digestive system.
A majority of research done on peppermint oil, which is more concentrated than tea shows that it may provide some short-term relief for people suffering from IBS. however, before using peppermint tea or oil to manage symptoms associated with IBS, consult with your doctor to make sure that it is suitable for you.
7. Relieves you from stress
Peppermint tea is one of the best solutions to get relief from stress and anxiety. For your information, peppermint contains menthol that works as a muscle relaxant. The herb is also antispasmodic which helps you relax while dealing with mental stress.
8. Helps relieve menstrual cramps
As you know by now, peppermint works as a muscle relaxant. Due to this property, peppermint tea helps relieve menstrual cramps.
9. Helps cure headaches and migraines
Has headache and migraine become a nagging problem? It’s time to try out peppermint tea as it is a natural and soothing remedy for these problems. It is the menthol present in the herb that offers relief from headaches and migraine.
It works as a muscle relaxant, aids in reducing tension, and eases the constriction of blood vessels which is one of the main causes of headaches, especially tension headaches.
When you consume peppermint tea, it leads to the relaxation of muscles, thus reducing the intensity and duration of these types of headaches.
10. Aids in tackling mood swings
Peppermint tea plays an important role in uplifting your mood, improving alertness, and boosting your cognitive function. It has been found that the scent of peppermint contains mood-enhancing effects.
When you inhale the smell of peppermint tea, it goes to an area of your brain that controls emotions and memories. As a result, there will be an improvement in mood and a boost in energy levels. It becomes quite effective in situations when you feel tired or face trouble thinking clearly.
11. Helps combat bacterial infections
The natural properties of peppermint tea help in fighting bacterial infections. Methanol, an antimicrobial component helps fight against several bacteria including gram-positive and gram-negative strains. Thus it offers protection against a wide range of infections. The antimicrobial properties offer dual protection against both internal and external infections.
12. Provides relief from nasal congestion
When you suffer from a nasty cold, the fresh aroma of mint can be quite effective. Methanol possesses unique properties that aid in getting rid of congestion and facilitate easier breathing. It not only soothes inflammation but also reduces swelling in nasal tissues.
Apart from methanol, peppermint also contains antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, when you drink peppermint tea, it works effectively in releasing clogged sinuses caused due to viral or allergic infections.
13. Works against seasonal allergies
Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid which plays a major role in helping people suffering from allergies. The major benefits of rosmarinic acid include reducing nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
How to prepare peppermint tea?
Let’s check out how to make peppermint tea at home. Just tear 4 to 5 peppermint leaves. It should be followed by adding them to 2 cups of hot water. The next step is to steep the tea for 5 minutes, strain and consume it.
Conclusion
Peppermint tea is a safe, naturally sweet, and caffeine-free beverage that can be enjoyed any time of the day. Peppermint tea works as a boon when you suffer from the health issues discussed above. Now it’s time to experience the enormous benefits of this magic drink and share the tip with your contacts.
References
- National Institutes of Health (.gov) (2006) A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.) Available Online at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16767798/
