Spearmint, or Mentha Spicata, is a member of the mint plant family grown for its leaves, which are used to make tea and its essential oils that are used as a flavouring in a wide variety of foods, medicines, and cosmetics. Spearmint’s natural oils are known to reduce swelling and have a soothing effect on the body’s hormone levels. It is even thought to combat cancer cells and kill harmful bacteria!
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the delicious, breath-freshening taste and efficacious health effects of this amazing plant is to brew it into spearmint tea, a drink that has been known to South Americans for thousands of years that has become very popular in modern times all over the world.
Drinking spearmint tea is hydrating, and has the following positive effects on our bodies:
- Lubricates joints
- Prevents infections
- Regulates body temperature
- Maintains organs
- Delivers nutrients to cells
Spearmint tea also contains antioxidants that help prevent free radicals from damaging our cells and causing serious diseases like cancer. Spearmint tea contains no caffeine, so it’s a good choice for a before bedtime drink, or for people who have sensitivities to caffeine.
Spearmint tea contains the following healthy minerals and nutrients:
- Flavones and flavanones
- Antioxidants
- Dihydrocarvone
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Iron
- Carvone
- Cineol
- Limonene
Here are some more ways that Spearmint tea is thought to be beneficial to our health, but further research still needs to be undertaken:
- Improves Memory: Studies suggest that spearmint tea ingested daily by older people suffering from memory issues contributed to a 15% increase in their cognitive and memory abilities.
- Lowers Blood Pressure: One of spearmint tea’s active ingredients is carvone, a compound that is used in some hypertension (high blood pressure) medications to reduce the contractions of blood vessels.
- Lowers Blood Sugar Levels: Spearmint tea has properties that lower blood sugar which can help people suffering from diabetes to maintain their health.
- Antioxidants: Spearmint tea is high in antioxidant properties that provide health benefits to humans like reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
- Digestive Aid: Spearmint tea consumption leads to a healthier stomach and can alleviate nausea by helping your stomach muscles relax so other digestive problems are soothed.
So, spearmint tea is truly one of the best and most delicious natural foods we can drink for our health!
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