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"Don't drink it anymore, I'm afraid it's going to turn into mint!" Zhang Ping's friend said to her with a smile in the café.
Zhang Ping is 61 years old, but her rare joie de vivre always makes her look young. Zhang Ping's latest hobby is to soak water in mint every day. Coincidentally, it all started on an ordinary afternoon, when she accidentally smelled the mint in the yard, and she was out of control.
Zhang Ping is a community librarian, and this job gives her enough time to enjoy the peace and the infinite knowledge that books bring. Her life is simple and fulfilling, mint water has become a part of her daily routine, from morning to night, whether it is work or leisure time, she always holds a glass of water with a faint mint fragrance.
On this day, while enjoying the mint tea she brewed, her friend half-jokingly proposed: "Pingping, you love drinking this so much, do you want to go to the hospital for a check-up to see if drinking so much mint water has any special effects on your body?"
Zhang Ping didn't care about it, but when the words came to her lips, she suddenly felt that this was also a good idea. After all, she was also curious about what this peppermint water did to her body.
Over the next few weeks, Zhang Ping arranged for a comprehensive physical examination. The doctor was curious about her interest because, as far as he knew, while peppermint had many known benefits, such as relieving stomach pain and refreshing the mind, there were very few cases of it being consumed in large quantities over a long period of time.
The results of the physical examination were surprising - Zhang Ping's physical condition was much better than that of her peers. Her digestive system, in particular, showed an unusual state of vitality and health. Doctors explain that certain components in peppermint, such as menthol and linalool, have the effect of relieving stomach pain and gas, and long-term consumption may help keep the digestive system functioning well.
Interestingly, despite its many health benefits, peppermint is not without its side effects. The mentholone component in peppermint may cause increased heart rate or insomnia in some cases, especially when ingested in large amounts. However, Zhang Ping did not experience these symptoms, which may be related to her physique and lifestyle.
Upon further examination, the doctor found that Zhang Ping's blood pressure and cholesterol levels were also maintained within a healthy range, which is relatively rare for her age. Doctors speculate that this may have something to do with her habit of drinking peppermint water regularly. According to studies, the antioxidants in peppermint can effectively lower bad cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease.
It's worth mentioning that peppermint also has a slight sedative and anxiolytic effect, which may be part of the reason why Zhang Ping always maintains that calm and unhurried state of mind. In fact, studies have shown that the aroma of peppermint can reduce anxiety levels and improve mood.
However, the doctor reminded Zhang that although current studies have shown that peppermint has mostly positive effects on her, she is advised to pay attention to avoid the potential risks that may come with excessive intake.
After this physical examination, Zhang Ping's life has not changed much, she still drinks peppermint water every day, enjoying the freshness and comfort it brings. But she began to pay more attention to her body's reactions, after all, everyone's body is unique, and knowing yourself is the best way to take care of yourself.
Judging from Zhang Ping's physical examination feedback, her physical condition is indeed enviable. This time, the doctor specifically pointed out the potential benefits of peppermint soaking in water to promote sleep quality, which is an angle that has not been touched much on before. While peppermint is often thought to be a cause of insomnia, for Zhang, her experience seems to be contrary to this popular belief.
The doctor explained that peppermint is able to exert a slight calming effect by regulating the nervous system. Especially after a busy day, a warm glass of peppermint water may help to relax and lead to a deeper sleep.
There is science behind this view. One study involving 45 adults showed that participants who regularly used peppermint scented experienced significant improvements in sleep depth and overall sleep quality. Although the sample size of this study was small, it provided preliminary evidence that the use of peppermint may have some positive effects in regulating sleep cycles.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of peppermint water are also worth paying attention to. Peppermint is high in polyphenolic compounds, which are naturally occurring compounds that have been shown to have the ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Long-term consumption of peppermint water may help reduce chronic inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and certain autoimmune diseases.
Despite the many potential benefits of peppermint that are exciting, doctors still caution people to pay attention to moderate amounts. Everyone's body conditions and reactions are different, and excessive intake of peppermint may cause stomach upset or other digestive reactions. Therefore, before starting any new eating habits, it is best to do some basic health checks to ensure that there are no underlying health issues.
What do you think about drinking mint water?