Benefits to Peppermint Candy

Mints have a large number of benefits.  In the fall season, many people get sick with colds, allergies, etc…  One way which mints help the body is by suppressing coughs.  This occurs due to a key ingredient in the mints- menthol (Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain).  The menthol contained in peppermint tea and candy causes an increase in saliva production which leads to swallowing and overwhelming the reflex that causes coughs to occur (Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain). Secondly, mints can allow for easier breathing. The menthol in mints can also act as a potent decongestant clearing stuffy noses and causing breathing to be less labored (Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain).  In addition, menthol stimulates nerves that sense cold temperatures, creating a cold feeling in your mouth (Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain).  This sensation can be used to help sore throats (Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain).  Mints are also good for calming an upset stomach.  The menthol stimulates the stomach lining during digestion and thus eases stomach pain (Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain).  Likewise, the peppermint herb in mints can ease muscle spasms and cramps (Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain).  It is not too likely that someone would be having a major cramp or spasm attack during English class, but you never know.  It could happen and then a peppermint would save the day.  The peppermint flavor also can be used to refresh a person’s breath.  This might encourage people to talk more since they do not have to worry about what their breath smells like after lunch.  Finally, it is believed that mints can be used to help improve concentration.  With English being the last class of the day, students can use all of the focus they have left and still get distracted from time to time.  Furthermore, since they are low in calories and have no grams of fat, people do not have to worry much about how they would fit into their daily diet (Calories).  One serving has five percent of a person’s daily carbohydrate intake, containing 8 grams of sugar, which would help supply some much needed energy to a person’s day (Calorie).  With all of the many benefits to mints, I think that bringing in some for the class would be a good idea. 

Works Cited

"Calories in Star Brites Peppermint." Calorie Count. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-brachs-star-brites-peppermint-i89844>.

"Does Peppermint Candy Stimulate the Brain?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2012. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/520172-does-peppermint-candy-stimulate-the-brain/>.