In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleNutrition FactsHealth BenefitsPrep TipsFAQs
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In This Article
Nutrition Facts
Health Benefits
Prep Tips
FAQs
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Photo:Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
Kseniya Ovchinnikova/Getty Images
What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Tea Every Day
But how good is it for you? If you enjoy mint tea, keep reading to learn about all the health perks of this uplifting sip.
Nutritional Profile of Mint Tea
Peppermint tea is virtually calorie-free. Mint leaves are also a natural source of a variety of essential nutrients, including vitamins A and C.Because of this, mint tea can contain trace amounts of these nutrients, since whole mint leaves are a main ingredient in mint tea. (That said, mint tea is not considered a good source of any of these nutrients.)
Mint is also high in antioxidants, says Azzaro. Though, the one caveat is that eating mint leaves themselves will contain more antioxidants compared to steeped mint tea.
One unique nutritional property of mint tea is its menthol content. This compound has been linked to various health benefits, such as soothing digestive issues and helping to alleviate headaches.
Health Benefits of Mint Tea
Digestive Health Benefits
Sipping on mint tea may offer digestive benefits, in part because of its menthol. This organic compound may have antispasmodic effects, meaning that it helps relax the muscles of the GI tract and facilitates a smoother and faster transit of food through your digestive system. Because of this, components of peppermint may help relieve digestive distress for those who have irritable bowel syndrome.
Respiratory Health Benefits
While there is limited evidence suggesting that drinking mint tea will impact your respiratory health, mint tea’s warm, moisture-rich properties can help relieve dry cough and sore throat, providing some temporary comfort when you’re under the weather.
Mental Health Benefits
The menthol found in mint tea is suspected to have a calming effect that aids in stress reduction and relaxation.Moreover, mint tea is said to stimulate the brain, improving focus and cognitive function. It’s a natural, caffeine-free alternative that can help maintain mental alertness without triggering the jittery side effects associated with caffeine. However, scientific studies on these benefits are still ongoing, and more research is needed to confirm these perks.
Oral Health Benefits
Drinking mint tea can help freshen your breath, says Azzaro. Mint has antibacterial and antifungal effects, which may help support oral health. It’s important to note that while mint tea may support oral health, it’s not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups. Further research is needed to fully understand the role mint may play in oral health.
Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties
Interestingly, there is some early test tube evidence that mint tea has antiviral activity that’s effective against the virus that causes COVID.However, mint tea should not be considered as a standalone treatment for infections. It’s key to remember that these properties may support the body’s natural defenses, but they are not replacements for professional medical advice or treatment.
Iced Mint Green Tea
Preparation and Consumption Tips
To prepare mint tea, follow these simple steps:
Mint tea can be enjoyed in a variety of delightful ways. Here are some suggestions:
The Bottom Line
Mint tea brings a plethora of potential health benefits, including digestive support and stress relief. However, it’s essential to be mindful that you may want to avoid mint tea if you have certain medical conditions, so it’s best to talk to your doctor first. Otherwise, mint tea is a refreshing and enjoyable health-promoting beverage. Sip on.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDrinking tea every day is a great addition to a healthy diet for most people, especially if it is replacing a sugary drink (like regular soda). While mint tea is generally considered safe for most people, excessive consumption may potentially lead to some negative effects. For instance, it may cause heartburn or an allergic reaction in some individuals. Also, despite its soothing effects on the digestive system, too much mint tea might exacerbate symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though mint tea is generally safe in pregnancy, it’s advised not to consume excessive amounts in early pregnancy, as it’s believed to stimulate menstruation.Bottom line for everyone: Consume a moderate amount and connect with your doctor about your specific medical situation and concerns.There is no one food or drink that willdetox your body. However, adequate hydration–and mint tea can certainly contribute to that–will support proper kidney function so that toxins can be removed from the body through urine. Staying hydrated also promotes bowel regularity, another primary way the body expels toxins.No single food or drink will burn belly fat. Losing belly fat involves a combination ofeating a balanced diet, regular exercise and lifestyle changes, such as adequate sleep.Mint tea is naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it at any time of the day without worry that it will interfere with your sleep. In addition, when you feel as if you need a minty pick-me-up during the day, it’s a good time to steep a cup.Interestingly enough, consuming large amounts of spearmint tea can contribute to kidney or liver damage if you have an existing kidney disorder or liver disease.Note that spearmint tea differs from other types of mint, like peppermint. If you’re taking medications, it’s helpful to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you should limit mint tea and check for possible interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drinking tea every day is a great addition to a healthy diet for most people, especially if it is replacing a sugary drink (like regular soda). While mint tea is generally considered safe for most people, excessive consumption may potentially lead to some negative effects. For instance, it may cause heartburn or an allergic reaction in some individuals. Also, despite its soothing effects on the digestive system, too much mint tea might exacerbate symptoms in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though mint tea is generally safe in pregnancy, it’s advised not to consume excessive amounts in early pregnancy, as it’s believed to stimulate menstruation.Bottom line for everyone: Consume a moderate amount and connect with your doctor about your specific medical situation and concerns.
There is no one food or drink that willdetox your body. However, adequate hydration–and mint tea can certainly contribute to that–will support proper kidney function so that toxins can be removed from the body through urine. Staying hydrated also promotes bowel regularity, another primary way the body expels toxins.
No single food or drink will burn belly fat. Losing belly fat involves a combination ofeating a balanced diet, regular exercise and lifestyle changes, such as adequate sleep.
Mint tea is naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy it at any time of the day without worry that it will interfere with your sleep. In addition, when you feel as if you need a minty pick-me-up during the day, it’s a good time to steep a cup.
Interestingly enough, consuming large amounts of spearmint tea can contribute to kidney or liver damage if you have an existing kidney disorder or liver disease.Note that spearmint tea differs from other types of mint, like peppermint. If you’re taking medications, it’s helpful to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you should limit mint tea and check for possible interactions.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Peppermint, fresh.Scarpellini E, Broeders B, Schol J, et al.The use of peppermint oil in gastroenterology.Curr Pharm Des. 2023;29(8):576-583. doi:10.2174/1381612829666230328163449Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.Abdelhalim A.The effect of Mentha piperita L. on the mental health issues of university students: A pilot study.J Pharm Pharmacogn Res.2021; 9:49-57. doi:10.56499/jppres20.932_9.1.49.Le-Trilling, V.T.K., Mennerich, D., Schuler, C.et al.Identification of herbal teas and their compounds eliciting antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.BMC Biol.2022;20;264. doi:10.1186/s12915-022-01468-zTerzioglu Bebitoglu B.Frequently used herbal teas during pregnancy - short update.Medeni Med J. 2020;35(1):55-61. doi:10.5222/MMJ.2020.69851National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus.Spearmint.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Peppermint, fresh.Scarpellini E, Broeders B, Schol J, et al.The use of peppermint oil in gastroenterology.Curr Pharm Des. 2023;29(8):576-583. doi:10.2174/1381612829666230328163449Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.Abdelhalim A.The effect of Mentha piperita L. on the mental health issues of university students: A pilot study.J Pharm Pharmacogn Res.2021; 9:49-57. doi:10.56499/jppres20.932_9.1.49.Le-Trilling, V.T.K., Mennerich, D., Schuler, C.et al.Identification of herbal teas and their compounds eliciting antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.BMC Biol.2022;20;264. doi:10.1186/s12915-022-01468-zTerzioglu Bebitoglu B.Frequently used herbal teas during pregnancy - short update.Medeni Med J. 2020;35(1):55-61. doi:10.5222/MMJ.2020.69851National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus.Spearmint.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Peppermint, fresh.Scarpellini E, Broeders B, Schol J, et al.The use of peppermint oil in gastroenterology.Curr Pharm Des. 2023;29(8):576-583. doi:10.2174/1381612829666230328163449Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.Abdelhalim A.The effect of Mentha piperita L. on the mental health issues of university students: A pilot study.J Pharm Pharmacogn Res.2021; 9:49-57. doi:10.56499/jppres20.932_9.1.49.Le-Trilling, V.T.K., Mennerich, D., Schuler, C.et al.Identification of herbal teas and their compounds eliciting antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.BMC Biol.2022;20;264. doi:10.1186/s12915-022-01468-zTerzioglu Bebitoglu B.Frequently used herbal teas during pregnancy - short update.Medeni Med J. 2020;35(1):55-61. doi:10.5222/MMJ.2020.69851National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus.Spearmint.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central.Peppermint, fresh.
Scarpellini E, Broeders B, Schol J, et al.The use of peppermint oil in gastroenterology.Curr Pharm Des. 2023;29(8):576-583. doi:10.2174/1381612829666230328163449
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.
Abdelhalim A.The effect of Mentha piperita L. on the mental health issues of university students: A pilot study.J Pharm Pharmacogn Res.2021; 9:49-57. doi:10.56499/jppres20.932_9.1.49.
Le-Trilling, V.T.K., Mennerich, D., Schuler, C.et al.Identification of herbal teas and their compounds eliciting antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.BMC Biol.2022;20;264. doi:10.1186/s12915-022-01468-z
Terzioglu Bebitoglu B.Frequently used herbal teas during pregnancy - short update.Medeni Med J. 2020;35(1):55-61. doi:10.5222/MMJ.2020.69851
National Library of Medicine. Medline Plus.Spearmint.
