Mint water has become a popular choice for those looking to add a little flavor to their daily water consumption. Not only does it taste great, but it also has many beneficial qualities that can improve your health and well-being.
If you’re curious about mint water and want to learn more about its benefits, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about mint water and why it’s worth adding to your daily routine.
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What is Mint Water?
Mint water is a drink made from water and fresh mint leaves. It has a clean, fresh flavor and refreshing aroma, making it all the more enjoyable.
If you’re trying to steer clear of sugary drinks or want a dash of flavor to your drinks, add mint fresh leaves to water, and you’ll get a pleasant minty flavor that’s an easy peasy drink to make.
Different Types of Mint
There are over 600 varieties of mint, but only a few of them are widely known.
The mint plant offers many flavors and herbs that are very different. Mint’s growing season is spring/summer, and it thrives better in full sun or partial shade.
Mint can be grown inside near your home’s windows, while outside, it needs a lot of watering. Plant mint in well-draining soil, and don’t forget to fertilize once every two weeks for the best yield. To get the most out of your mint plant, pick leaves that are still green and tender, as they have more flavor.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of mint:
- Spearmint mentha spicata
- Peppermint
- Wild mint
- Chocolate mint
When you go to the grocery store, you’ll likely find spearmint more accessible than other types of mint. Spearmint has a lighter flavor than peppermint and is commonly used in cooking. Its refreshing taste makes it perfect for adding a hint of minty freshness to any recipe – whether you’re preparing salads, drinks, or desserts.
Fun fact: According to AgHires, the U.S. produces about half of the world’s peppermint, with Michigan being the top producer.
How To Make Mint Water
Making mint water is simple and easy.
Add four sprigs of crushed mint leaves to 4 cups of plain water and let them soak for a while. A few hours or overnight is good – this enables the mint to impart flavor throughout the water and let out all the goodies. You can also jazz it up by adding extra ingredients like lemon or cucumber slices to make mint water taste even more exciting.
Either way, you get to experience the great health benefits of mint water – cheers!
How To Mix and Match Mint Water
Mint water is a refreshing drink that goes well with many flavors. It’s perfect for hot days and can be mixed with fruits, herbs, and teas or used in cocktails – cucumber mint water, iced green tea (with citrus or mint), or mint limeade; anyone?
Mint water pairs well with:
- cucumber
- natural honey
- lemon juice
- rosemary
- pineapple
- mango
- watermelon
- basil
- turmeric powder
- sweet stevia leaves
- ginger
- coconut
Tip: Add ice cubes for an extra dose of freshness
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The Health Risks
Mint water is a safe drink that doesn’t cause negative side effects to most people.
However, mint water may be problematic if you experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn. Research has shown that GERD and mint don’t get along together. Mint tends to relax the muscle between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing stomach acids to sneak into the esophagus and cause abdominal pain.
While mint allergies are rare, some people may have a slight allergic reaction to mint water. Symptoms may appear as itchy skin, mouth, throat, and swollen lips. If this happens, stop drinking mint water immediately and seek professional help.
10 Benefits of Mint Water
Ah! Mint water has numerous health benefits that have been used since ancient times.
Back then, mint was used to treat various ailments like indigestion, headaches, and nausea. It was also used to hide the bad taste of strong medicine and even utilized as a perfume – quite a smart move! Today, you can find mint in herbal teas, cooking recipes, skincare products, body care items, and traditional medicine.
Mint Water and Mint Leaves
It’s important to know that there can be some differences in the benefits of mint leaves and mint water.
Eating fresh mint leaves gives you a stronger flavor and some extra perks from chewing them, such as killing small-smelling bacteria and neutralizing breath.
On the other hand, mint water is made by infusing mint leaves in water and letting the water absorb a slight portion of its benefits. When you drink mint water, the nutrient concentration may be lower than eating the leaves directly.
But don’t get us wrong – mint water benefits you in many ways, like supporting digestive health, reducing types of immune diseases, and the benefits listed below.
1. Betters IBS
Studies have shown that peppermint oil can be a real game-changer for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can treat stomach pain and reduce IBS symptoms – by relaxing the intestinal muscles, balancing intestinal contractions, and relieving abdominal pain like cramps.
2. Keeps oral health fresh
Mint is like a superhero for your oral health. It has powerful antibacterial properties that fight against bad bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay, plaque, and bad breath. When you drink mint water, you’ll experience a cool and soothing feeling that acts as a natural breath freshener.
3. Manages stress levels
Feeling stressed and not sure how to cope? Mint is here to help! It has the power to regulate cortisol levels and balance stress. In aromatherapy, peppermint oil is commonly used for stress, anxiety, and depression. Its strong aroma stimulates the nervous system, releasing endorphins and lowering stress levels.
4. Improves gut health
When food stays in the stomach for too long instead of moving into the digestive tract, it can cause an upset stomach and disrupt digestion. Mint is a great remedy for common digestive problems like indigestion and abdominal pain. Menthol, found in peppermint, acts as a natural digestive enzyme. It helps break down food and keeps the digestive system smooth.
5. Supports asthma
Mint leaves benefit people with asthma because they help relax the chest and alleviate congestion. They contain rosmarinic acid, an anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce airway inflammation in asthma. Drinking mint water can help with symptoms like excessive coughing by reducing inflammation.
6. Helps cognitive function
Mint is known to support brain function, concentration, and memory. Studies have shown that inhaling peppermint oil can improve cognitive function and long-term memory. While mint water may not be as strong as directly inhaling peppermint oil, it still has the potential to help cognitive activities and brain health.
7. Maintains acne-free skin
Mint is a fantastic ingredient for skincare. It contains salicylic acid and vitamin A, which help balance sebum oil production in the skin. Mint is a common herb that keeps the skin from becoming too oily or dry, leaving you with a healthier complexion. Mint and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can also help prevent inflammation, clogged pores, and acne.
8. Natural, light flavored drink with no sugar
When looking for a refreshing drink that won’t break the calorie bank, mint water is a fantastic choice. It’s incredibly low in calories, just about five calories per two tablespoons. That makes it a much healthier option compared to sugary drinks that can interrupt your lifestyle goals.
9. Boosts immune system
Mint is packed with important nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, which can strengthen your immune system by protecting your cells from harm. These vitamins also have the ability to fight off free radicals that can damage your organs and lead to autoimmune diseases – mint can support how the immune system works.
10. Relieves congestion
Mint water is a great solution for congestion and provides a cooling effect to your breathing system. The menthol in peppermint acts as a natural decongestant, reducing inflammation and irritation in your airways. It helps the lymph nodes and white blood cells fight whatever illness, sore throat, or ear infection you’ve caught. Mint also thins the mucous membrane, making clear your air passages easier.
The Mint Water Summary
Phew! That was quite a lot of minty information to take in.
But now that you’re well aware of the health benefits of mint water – including its strong antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory qualities, and soothing effects – you have the knowledge to make a positive impact on your general health and enjoy all the good stuff mint water offers.
The next time you find yourself doubting plain water, remember that there’s a refreshing and healthy alternative – mint water!
