Nothing beats a good refreshing drink on a sunny, hot day of summer. While people like to sip on cold drinks during the hot weather, it is time you switch to something healthier. Case in point: Mint water. It is a super-refreshing herb-infused beverage that will help you relax and hydrated. It is a low-calorie drink that contains a negligible amount of sugar in it. If you are looking for a healthy drink that helps you kickstart your day on a healthy note and keeps you fresh all day, you must try mint water. Here are some more health benefits of mint water to help you make it a part of your diet.

What is mint water?

Mint water is simple water infused with mint leaves. Mint belongs to the family of Mentha group of plants and has been a part of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Spearmint and peppermint are the two popular spices of mint that are easily available and mostly enjoyed in India and around the world.

Mint water is made using fresh mint leaves and allows them to steep for a long time, typically a few hours or overnight. It is a refreshing and flavourful beverage that offers numerous benefits of both water and mint for your body.

Also Read: Did you know good old mint leaves come with these 8 powerful health benefits?

What are the health benefits of mint water?

Here are the health benefits of including mint water in your diet:

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1. Improves digestion

If you have been experiencing digestive problems, try including mint water in your diet. This simple infusion of mint leaves in water can help improve digestion, and relieve symptoms such as gas and bloating. A study published in the journal Biology found peppermint relaxes the digestive muscles from contracting and relieves any spasms in the gut.

2. Balances hormonal imbalances

Drinking mint water may help balance your hormones by reducing testosterone levels and keeping hormone levels in harmony. A study published in Biomolecular Concepts found that spearmint can help balance your hormones and treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance that affects the reproductive organs that make eggs.

3. Keeps you hydrated

Staying hydrated is important to keep your body working properly. Mint water is another way to add some flavour to your diet. Not just flavour, it gives you proper hydration which is important to maintain bodily functions and overall health.

4. Relieves stress

Drinking mint water may help reduce stress! Mint has always been used as an Ayurvedic remedy to reduce stress and make you calm. It has cooling effects that relax your system and alleviate stress.

5. Helps you lose weight

If you have been looking for ways to try to lose weight, you can add mint water to your diet. It is low in calories and serves as a great refreshing alternative to sugary beverages. Drinking it can help you feel fuller, reducing the chances of overeating. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that replacing diet beverages with water can help you lose weight.

Also Read: My mom says drinking mint water helps in weight loss

6. Boosts immunity

Mint is a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, nutrients that help strengthen your immunity. They contain plant-based vitamins that help protect your cells from damage and protect your cells from any foreign entities entering your body and damaging it.

7. Improves skin health

Mint leaves are rich in salicylic acid and vitamin A, both of which are essential for maintaining your skin as well. Mint water also contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties which are good for managing inflammation and keeping acne at bay. Drinking it regularly will help flush out toxins from the body, promoting clear and healthy skin.

How to make mint water?

Here’s a simple way to prepare simple mint water to refresh your day:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 lemon sliced
• 1/2 cup of mint leaves
• 1/2 cup of cucumber (optional)

Method:

• Pour the water into a pitcher.
• Mix mint leaves, cucumber and sliced lemon in it and stir well.
• Refrigerate the mixture to let the flavours mix well. You can keep it for longer periods but make sure you are checking and stirring it from time to time.
• Drink it cold and let it work it magic on your body.

Also Read: Can mint help manage diabetes?

Are there any side effects of mint water?

While mint is safe for most people, you should always check with your doctor before including it in your diet. Some studies have shown that while drinking mint water promotes digestion, it may worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). People with severe digestive or kidney problems should consult a doctor before adding mint water to their diet.