Want to lose weight with mint? Mint is also known as Mentha, from the Greek míntha. It is actually a family of plants, from the family Lamiaceae. There are about 13 or 14 varieties or hybrids.
You can use mint to lose weight. Mint has been around for a long time, in fact and has always been given healing properties. According to Wikipedia:
- Mint was originally used as a medicinal herb to treat stomach-ache and chest pains.
- In Rome, Pliny recommended a wreath of mint for students to wear since it was thought to exhilarate their minds.
- During the Middle Ages, powdered mint leaves were used to whiten teeth.
According to Jen Reviews, “This herb also contains vitamins A, B2 and C; plentiful fibre; and numerous minerals like iron (which you need to make red blood cells), potassium, zinc, calcium, copper and magnesium.” The truth is that mint is pretty much a naturally occurring superfood. Here are 5 simple ways you can lose weight with mint.
Drinking mint tea
Some experts says that drinking tea made with mint can aid weight loss. But not everyone agrees on the validity of this fact. Livestrong says, “Research has not investigated whether mint tea aids in weight loss, but it’s possible that the scent may reduce appetite, according to a study cited in the New York Times.”
“Peppermint may cause some people to believe it aids in weight loss,” they add, “because it relieves bloating.”
Drink mint lemonade
If you are not a huge fan of tea, perhaps give mint lemonade a go.
Martha Stewart suggests using the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sugar for simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- 1 2/3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons julienned mint, plus leaves for garnish
- 1 lemon, sliced 1/4-inch thick, plus more for garnish
Put mint in your lemon water in the morning
There are countless sources online that suggest drinking a small amount of warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon in the morning, to aid your metabolism. Some websites also suggest adding a small amount of fresh mint to the mix.
Skinny Ms says, “Healthy drinks come in all shapes and sizes, but this one is especially detoxifying. Lemon and mint water is fresh and invigorating. It jump-starts the metabolism and helps you awaken after a night of sleep. It also gets you hydrated first thing in the morning, after several hours without water.”
Sniff mint
This is a little trick of mine. When I am trying to supress my appetite, I smell fresh herbs. Rosemary works well and so does mint. Crush a few fresh leaves between your fingers and inhale deeply. The soothing smell can help to distract you for a little while – so you feel less hungry. Mint has a strong, pleasant smell, so this herb really works quite well.
Have a sugar free mint after a meal or brush your teeth
Another way to lose weight with mint is to have a breath mint (sugar free) or brush your teeth right after eating. WikiHow says, “Have an after-dinner mint. The calories are negligible (unless you eat them in volume) and the mint flavour can help tide you over to the next meal.”
They also suggest toothpaste, “The mint will help, plus getting any other food flavours out of your mouth…since most people brush their teeth after eating, we associate that “just-brushed” feeling with feeling full.”
What are your experiences with mint? Do you have any other mint ideas for me?
