Mint Water Benefits, Risks, And Recipes

Mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes other herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme. There are over 600 species of mint, but the two most commonly used in cooking are peppermint and spearmint. Mint has a long history of use in traditional medicine. From the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion, chest pain, and headaches. Many believe that infusing this herb in water can cure a number of ills, including bad breath, acne, and even the common cold. Some also believe it has weight loss benefits. So, what’s the verdict? Is mint water a miracle cure-all or just a tall tale? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind this popular home remedy.

Is Drinking Mint Water Good For You?

Mint water is not only refreshing, but it also has a number of health benefits derived from the mint plant. These benefits include:

Soothing Indigestion

Indigestion can be caused by a number of things, including overeating, eating spicy or fatty foods, and stress. Mint has long been used as a natural remedy for indigestion, and mint water may help to soothe the stomach and intestines (5).

This plant contains menthol, which is thought to have a calming effect on the digestive system muscles. This might help relieve cramps, bloating, and gas (5).

Reducing Inflammation

Mint water may also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This is due to the fact that mint contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and perillyl alcohol, which have anti-inflammatory properties (5).

Calming The Nerves

Mint is said to have a calming effect on the nervous system, especially when its aroma is inhaled. One study found that peppermint essence aromatherapy helped ease the pain and anxiety associated with having an IV catheter inserted.

Improving Brain Function

Another study found that peppermint aromatherapy helped enhance memory  (3).

Weight Loss

Mint water is often touted as a weight loss miracle cure. While it won’t magically melt away pounds, it might help you lose weight if you use it to replace sugary drinks.

Mint water is a healthy, low-calorie or calorie-free alternative to sugary drinks like juice and soda, which can contribute to weight gain.

So, while mint water won’t magically make the pounds fall off, it can help you lose weight if you drink it regularly as part of a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Read More: Benefits Of Hydrogen Water: Should You Believe The Hype?

Boosting Hydration

Hydration is important for overall health, and mint water can help increase water intake. This is due to mint having a refreshing flavor that can make plain water more palatable.

Is Mint Water Toxic?

When taken in large amounts, mint can be toxic. This is because it contains compounds like menthol, which can be poisonous in high doses.

Symptoms of mint poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking mint water, seek medical attention immediately (1).

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should also avoid mint water. This is because mint can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which can worsen GERD symptoms like heartburn and indigestion (1).

How Long Can You Keep Mint In Water?

How long your mint water stays fresh depends on how you store it. If you refrigerate it, it will stay fresh for up to a week. If you don’t refrigerate it, it will only stay fresh for a few days.

Note that allowing your mint water to sit for a while gives it a more intense flavor. However, letting them sit for too long (more than 3 days) outside of the fridge can make it go bad.

When storing mint water, be sure to use a clean, airtight container. This will help prevent the water from going bad. If you notice the water has changed color or smells bad, discard it.

Mint Water Recipes

Ready to give mint water a try? Here are some delicious and healthy recipes to get you started.

Mint Cucumber Water

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 bunch of mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Rinse the cucumber and mint leaves.
2. Add the cucumber slices and mint leaves to a pitcher of water.
3. Let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.

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Mint Lemon Water

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 bunch of mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lemon and mint leaves.
2. Add the lemon and mint leaves to a pitcher of water.
3. Let sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, then enjoy.

Strawberry Mint Water

Ingredients:

• 1 liter of water
• 1 cup of strawberries, rinsed and sliced
• 1 bunch of mint leaves

Instructions:

1. Rinse the mint leaves.
2. Add the strawberries and mint leaves to a pitcher of water.
3. Let sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, then enjoy.

Read More: Water Fasting For A Week: Benefits And Dangers

The Bottom Line

Mint water is a refreshing and healthy drink that might offer a number of health benefits. These benefits include soothing indigestion, reducing inflammation, calming the nerves, improving brain function, and aiding in weight loss.

However, mint water can be toxic in large amounts. Therefore, it’s important to drink it in moderation. If you experience any adverse effects after drinking mint water, seek medical attention immediately.