![]() They all contain menthol and are commonly used in cooking or for their medicinal properties.Īmong different varieties of the mint family, peppermint has the strongest flavor and the highest menthol content.įor this reason, it is not typically used for cooking but is more likely to be processed as peppermint oil and used for flavorings, fragrances, or for its health benefits. Peppermint Vs Mintīecause peppermint is a member of the mint family, it has many similarities to other types of mint. Studies were also much more likely to use peppermint oil capsules rather than raw mint leaves, as this is a more potent form. This is likely due to the high level of active compounds, such as menthol, present in peppermint. Notably, nearly all research uses peppermint over other types of mint. Peppermint oil may also have some benefits as an analgesic and peppermint scent may improve alertness. Research also shows that peppermint oil capsules can significantly improve symptoms in patients with IBS. ( Source)Ĭapsules containing a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil improved stomach pain and other digestive symptoms in people with indigestion, having a similar effect to common medications used to treat indigestion. Taking peppermint oil with meals has been shown to result in food passing through the stomach more quickly, which may relieve indigestion that occurs when food sits in the stomach for too long. Various studies support its use in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, childhood functional abdominal pain, and postoperative nausea, with few adverse effects having been reported in trials. ![]() Peppermint oil appears to affect the digestive system by relaxing the muscles of the digestive system, decreasing its sensitivity, and providing anti-microbial effects as well as anti-inflammatory activity. One of the oldest surviving medical texts in the world, from Ancient Egypt in 1550 BC, cites mint as a digestive aid, and it is still used in this way today. Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as a treatment for gastrointestinal ailments. However, these antimicrobial and antiviral effects are only seen with peppermint oil, not peppermint flavoring. Not only does mint create a tingly, fresh sensation in the mouth due to the menthol it contains, but peppermint also has significant antimicrobial and antiviral activities that may promote oral health. Think of your toothpaste or chewing gum.īelieve it or not, mint has been recommended for oral health from as far back as the 1620s. Mint flavoring is also often used in oral products. Human Tonik’s Supergreen Tonik comes in a mint flavor, giving it a refreshing taste. Mint can also be used as a flavoring in sweets and chocolate, and even some supplements. ![]() Spearmint and curly mint are the varieties most often used in cooking and beverages. In cooking, mint is used in the same way as any other herb. Do you know that cooling sensation in your mouth after you consume something with a peppermint flavor? That’s the menthol at work. It also has a higher concentration of menthol than other types of mint at 40%. Peppermint has the strongest flavor of all the mint species. It is a hybrid between two other types of mint – watermint and spearmint. Peppermint is one of the most widely used species of mint. There are 25 species of mint – peppermint, spearmint, orange mint, and chocolate mint, to name a few. From food flavoring to product scent to medicine, mint is an all-rounder. However, its popularity is not surprising when you consider just how many uses the mint plant has. In fact, in 2018 the United States produced enough peppermint oil to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool – 5.38 million pounds! ( Source) Mint is one of the most popular herbs and flavors in the world. Native to Eurasia, North America, southern Africa, and Australia, it is a perennial herb with very fragrant, toothed leaves and tiny purple, pink, or white flowers. ![]() “Mint” is an umbrella term referring to plants of the Mentha family. It is most commonly used in its oil form for strong flavoring or for its health benefits, rather than being used in cuisine.
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