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The days are getting warmer and Memorial Day heralds the start of the summer season in the US. That’s when people are outdoors more and need to keep hydrated. But don’t reach for sugary soft drinks, have a refreshing glass of mint water instead.
Mint water is simply water that is infused with either spearmint or peppermint leaves, according to healthshots. But it contains all the healing benefits of mint leaves. Mint has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine, to reduce stress, promote relaxation and to improve overall wellness. Here are five good reasons to drink mint water.
Keeps you hydrated
Drinking enough water is very important for your overall health. That’s because your body needs hydration to work properly, according to Healthline. Staying hydrated helps to keep your body temperature normal, lubricates joints, helps get rid of waste, and is very important for proper brain function. But drinking the daily requirement of 2.7 liters of fluids for women and 3.7 liters of fluids for men can be difficult if you do not enjoy plain water. Jazz it up with mint infused water and reap the benefits.
Contains antioxidants
Mint – especially peppermint – contains antioxidant properties due to the menthol and menthone phytonutrients that the leaves contain, according to a blog from DrLam Coaching. Antioxidants help to remove free radicals and protect your cells from damage that can lead to chronic health conditions like heart disease and some cancers. The antioxidants in mint also have anti-inflammatory benefits.
Helps gut health
The anti-inflammatory properties contained in mint help to reduce inflammation in your gut and the phytonutrients also play a role in relaxing the lining of your gut. This helps to relieve the symptoms of indigestion. The menthol contained in mint may also help with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. A 2020 study published in the journal Biology found that peppermint can help your gut relax and relieve gut spasms.
Promotes healthy teeth and gums
Mint also helps to keep your teeth and gums healthy by preventing the bacterial growth that causes plaque, according to DrLam Coaching. It’s no wonder that mint is added to toothpaste. Mint also reduces halitosis or bad breath. Drinking mint water can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and freshen your breath at the same time.
Good for your skin
Drinking mint water can also aid your skin health, explained healthshots. That’s because mint leaves are rich in vitamin A and salicylic acid that are essential for maintaining your skin. The mentha in mint water also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties that help reduce inflammation and acne breakouts.
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