Don't feel guilty about getting that peppermint latte this holiday season! Learn about the health benefits of peppermint & enjoy our delicious recipe!
Mint is one of those natural remedies we use daily without even noticing it. Nutritionally, it is low on calories and offers iron, fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Its cooling sensation, and refreshing flavor lead to its inclusion in most everyday products such as soaps, toothpaste, mouthwash, medication, and ointment.
The herb is readily available in most grocery stores. You can purchase its fresh leaves and use them in your soup or salads. Additionally, you can incorporate this herb into your diet by drinking a peppermint latte. Below are a few ways that peppermint can benefit your health:
Health Benefits of Peppermint Latte
1. Use Peppermint Latte to Relieve Stress
Peppermint latte can be one of your favorite ways to manage stress and anxiety. The menthol that occurs naturally in this herb works as a muscle relaxant. Consequently, the physical manifestation of relaxation may help to relieve stress and anxiety.
To maximize this benefit, try drinking the latte when listening to your favorite song for at least 5 minutes.
2. Cold and Flu Remedy
Peppermint has been used as a cold and flu remedy for centuries. Researchers suggest that it kills viruses and bacteria and has a numbing and calming effect on the human body. It can also dull the pain of an aching body. Peppermint contains menthol, which breaks up phlegm and thins mucus, thus relieving you from cough and congestion. Due to this characteristic, you will find out that menthol is a common ingredient found in most decongestants and the rubs used to relieve chest aches during flu seasons.
3. It Can Help with Weight Loss
When it comes to weight management, most people are looking for a secret miracle to lose weight. Even though a single problem-solving ingredient is yet to be found, peppermint latte can help in weight loss. Researchers have shown that peppermint latte is an appetite suppressant. Therefore, because of its naturally sweet flavor, you can drink a cup of this infusion as dessert. This can make it easier for you to stick to your eating goals.
4. It Can Help In Stabilizing Blood Sugar
Suppose you want to reduce your sugar intake or cut out sugar from your diet entirely for health reasons. In that case, you can take peppermint latte as an alternative to drinking soft drinks, fruit juice, and sugar-laden colas.
If you find yourself looking for a mid-afternoon drink, get a cup of peppermint latte instead of going for the sugary beverages. Doing so will stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent you from having an energy crash that is caused by insulin spikes.
5. Allergy Relief
Peppermint contains Rosmarinic Acid, which is present in rosemary, and several herbs of the mint family. Rosmarinic acid can help reduce allergic reactions such as itching, running nose, and sneezing, which are associated with seasonal allergies like hay fever.
6. Bad Breath
As mentioned earlier, peppermint is a common ingredient in mouth wash, toothpaste, chewing gum, and breath mints, all of which are used to fight bad breath. However, a mint latte is a brilliant and natural way to wash away the bacteria in your mouth, which often causes bad breath.
7. It Can Help Soothe Stomach Problems
Peppermint latte is an excellent natural remedy for various stomach ailments, such as constipation, gas, and bloating. Peppermint has been used as a supplement and medicine for more than 10,000 years. Today, some medical professionals use peppermint oil to soothe symptoms associated with gastrointestinal.
Peppermint has elements that allow gas to move effectively in the body as it forms rather than remaining in one place (which is the leading cause of discomfort). It can reduce vomiting and nausea by just inhaling its scent, which why the mint flavor is used in most over-the-counter drugs for constipation, gas, and diarrhea.
If you want to reduce irritable bowel symptoms, then drinking a cup of peppermint, latte can help. If you regularly suffer from symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and regular gas, taking a cup a few hours before bedtime can help soothe the above symptoms and help you fall asleep easier.
How to Prepare A Cozy Peppermint Mocha Latte
Peppermint mocha latte combines both mint and chocolate flavor. You can be healthier and save more money during this holiday season by whipping up your own peppermint mocha latte. Below is our secret recipe for preparing a peppermint latte.
Ingredients
For the mint syrup:
· 1.5 cups water
· 1 cup sugar
· 1 bunch fresh mint leaves or one teaspoon peppermint extract
For the mocha:
· ¾ cups of milk
· one finger (24.8g) of sweet chocolate dulce (I like Goya brand for hot chocolate) or one
unsweetened baking bar
For the topping:
· Whipped cream
· One crushed candy cane or chocolate shavings
Don’t forget the coffee:
· ½ cup or 6 oz of strongly brewed coffee or espresso
Procedure:
To make the mint syrup:
If you are using store bought peppermint syrup, you can skip this step!
Bring the water to a low boil. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the mint or peppermint extract (or a mix of both), cover and steep for 10 minutes (heat on low) until the syrup has good flavor to it. Remove from heat. You store unused portion in the refrigerator or freezer for future peppermint mochas.
To make the mocha:
Combine milk and crushed chocolate. Heat either in the microwave or stove top until the chocolate is melted. Use a jar to shake until frothy. Use a towel over the lid to prevent burning. You can also use a handheld frother.
Assembly:
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the syrup into your mug. Brew 6oz or ½ cup of coffee on top of the syrup. Pour the mocha mixture over the coffee
and top with crushed candy canes or garnish of your choice.
Some of the garnishes you can use are peppermint candies or crushed candy canes. However, if you prefer chocolate, you can opt for milk chocolate shavings or simple chocolate chips. You can also choose to add whipped cream.
Calling all vegans!
If you're vegan, you can use coconut milk as an alternative to cow's milk. If you do not like the taste of coconut, you can use almond milk or oat milk. If you want the latte to be healthier, use unsweetened cocoa with unsweetened almond milk or fat-free milk. You can also use Splenda instead of garnishes.
Download and print our recipe below to receive helpful tips!