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Menthol, scientifically known as Mentha spicata, is a perennial plant from Europe and Asia that is now growing in popularity on all five continents worldwide. This herb has a pleasantly sweet taste and is commonly used to flavor mouthwashes, toothpastes, mints, and chewing gum.
1. Good for the digestive system
Spearmint is commonly used to help relieve digestive problems such as bloating, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Peppermint contains carvone, a substance that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting muscle contractions in the digestive system. This is the reason why this herb has the ability to improve digestive disorders.
In an 8-week study of 32 people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) who participated in a trial, in which one group was offered products containing mint, lemon balm, and coriander along with loperamide for diarrhea, or psyllium for constipation.
The results of the study showed that people who took a supplement containing peppermint experienced improvements in symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort compared to those who took a placebo pill. Additionally, spearmint may also reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy treatment.
2. Anti-oxidation
Antioxidants include natural chemical compounds found mainly in plants that protect against and repair damage caused by free radicals - harmful molecules body, leading to oxidative stress. This is a condition that is linked to a number of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Peppermint contains large amounts of antioxidant compounds, including flavones, rosmarinic acid, flavanones and menthol. In two tablespoons (11 grams) of spearmint will provide about 2% of the RDI (recommended daily intake) for vitamin C, another great antioxidant.
Scientists have also revealed that mint extract can prevent fat oxidation in meat and is as effective as the synthetic antioxidant BHT.
3. Balance female hormones
For women with hormone imbalance, mint tea can help improve this condition. Some recent studies show that drinking 2 cups of peppermint tea a day can lower the male hormone testosterone and increase female hormones needed for ovulation, such as luteinizing hormone (LH). follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol. Besides, it is also especially helpful for women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
4. Improve hirsutism in women
Drinking peppermint tea can reduce hirsutism, a condition that reflects excess hair growth on a woman's face, breasts, and abdomen. In fact, it is a popular herbal remedy for facial hair growth in Middle Eastern countries.
High levels of male androgens in the body are closely related to excessive facial hair growth in women. In a five-day study, 12 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 9 women with unexplained facial hair growth were given 2 cups of peppermint tea twice a day during pregnancy. follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Although the study wasn't long enough to determine exactly whether peppermint had an effect on facial hair, the results showed that the women's testosterone levels did drop.
Another study that lasted more than 30 days in 41 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) found that drinking 2 cups of peppermint tea a day had a reduction in facial hair density. surname. However, 30 days may not be long enough to see a noticeable difference.
5. Helps improve memory
There is some evidence that this herb can help improve memory.
Some previous studies in humans have found that chewing mint-flavored gum can help improve memory. In a more recent study, older adults with memory impairment supplemented with about 900 mg of peppermint extract per day experienced a 15% improvement in working memory.
Although the evidence on the benefits of mint for memory is limited, it still holds hope for people to improve memory, especially for adults. year old.
6. Fights against bacterial infections
Mint is commonly used in the production of toothpaste and chewing gum. In addition to providing a fresh breath, they also have antibacterial properties and kill the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Besides, it has also been shown to be effective against foodborne pathogens, including E. coli and Listeria.
7. Helps lower blood sugar levels
Peppermint tea can help lower high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In one study, peppermint extract was given to rats, equivalent to 9 mg per pound (20 mg/kg) of body weight per day. The results showed that the healthy mice did not seem to be affected, while the diabetic mice experienced a significant reduction in blood sugar levels.
8. Relieves Stress
Peppermint tea promotes relaxation and reduces stress. In fact, in South American countries, this tea is often used to treat stress and insomnia.
In addition, the leaves of this plant contain menthol, which has a relaxing and sedative effect on the body. Peppermint's mechanism of promoting relaxation and alleviation of stress is by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, a neurotransmitter involved in decreased neuronal activity.
9. Improve joint pain
Peppermint can help relieve symptoms of joint pain caused by arthritis. Several studies in both animals and humans have concluded that peppermint oil is effective in reducing pain.
For people with knee arthritis, drinking peppermint tea twice a day will reduce joint stiffness and physical defects.
10. Helps lower blood pressure
In fact, mint is effective in reducing high blood pressure levels. This herb contains carvone, a substance with activity similar to calcium channel blockers, used to treat high blood pressure. Furthermore, several animal studies have also shown that carvone is 100 times more powerful than verapamil (a common blood pressure medication) at reducing blood vessel spasms.
11. Easy to incorporate into your daily diet
You can easily incorporate mint into your daily diet. Currently, mint is commonly used in the form of tea bags, or tea leaves. In addition, you can also grow mint yourself to ensure safety and hygiene.
When making mint tea at home, you should follow these steps:
Boil two cups of water (473 ml) Then shred a handful of mint leaves and put them in just boiled water Incubate the tea for 5 minutes Strain the tea and drink It is a caffeine and calorie free tea, so it has become a natural drink that you can enjoy at any time of the day. However, it should be noted that the use of undiluted peppermint oil can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.
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Reference source: healthline.comSEE MORE
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