Charles Langston:Is mint tea good for you? Health benefits of peppermint tea, explained.

How do Charles Langstonyou take your tea? With cream, sugar, honey? How about salt? 

That’s what chemistry professor Michelle Francl suggested to neutralize bitterness in her book “Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea.” A tea controversy ignighted over social media that was reminiscent of the Boston Tea Party – if only because both the U.S. Embassy in London and British company, Yorkshire Tea, got into it (all in good fun) on X.

Despite the recent brouhaha, perhaps the one thing we can agree on is tea drinking is very personal. Some people drink black tea, while others prefer herbal; some prefer one cube of sugar while others honey.

But if you’re a peppermint tea fan, we've got you covered. Here are all the health benefits to know.

Is peppermint tea good for you?

Yes. Tea in general is healthy – it’s an easy way to boost hydration and is packed with antioxidants. Tea contains polyphenol compounds, which have antioxidant properties, registered dietitian Danielle Crumble Smith previously told USA TODAY. Studies show the antioxidants found in teas may be able to prevent and treat diseases like cardiovascular disease and have anti-aging and anti-diabetic effects. 

But each tea offers unique health benefits.

Peppermint tea benefits

Peppermint tea is known for soothing the stomach and promoting regular bowel movements, Crumble Smith says.

A 2021 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found peppermint oil reduced the frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Other animal studies suggest peppermint tea may be able to relax gastrointestinal tissues. Peppermint calms stomach muscles and improves the flow of bile, according to Mount Sinai Health Systems.

According to a 2019 study examining the effects of aromatherapy, smelling peppermint may also lessen anxiety. Other studies show peppermint tea can relieve migraines, headaches, muscle spasms and menstrual cramps.

However, Mount Sinai advises individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a hiatal hernia to avoid peppermint tea. Peppermint may worsen symptoms of heartburn and indigestion because it relaxes the muscle between the stomach and esophagus and allows stomach acids back up into the esophagus.

Does peppermint tea have caffeine?

No, peppermint tea is naturally caffeine-free. If you’re looking for an energy boost, try black tea, which has about half the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee at 47 milligrams, or green tea, which has 28 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup. 

But even if it doesn’t have caffeine, peppermint tea may be able to sharpen your alertness and memory. Crumble Smith points to one study where college students who drank peppermint tea before a cognitive assessment experienced increased alertness and memory skills.

What is the healthiest tea?:Health benefits of black, herbal and more

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