Why do you brush your teeth after you eat? The logical and primary answer is to clean your mouth and teeth after a meal. The sarcastic answer is that if you brushed before a meal, it would obviously not help with long term dental care but more importantly, it would make your meal taste “different”.

In the same way, you can use peppermint and spearmint to help suppress your snacking. Brush your teeth more often, gargle with some minty mouthwash, drink some mint tea or throw a mint into your mouth. In addition to having pleasant smelling breath, you will be making it less likely that you want to toss some Frito’s in your mouth.

That’s not all! Studies have shown that peppermint and spearmint itself helps your body. Below we look at what has been found with both mints:

Peppermint:

• Appetite Suppression: Some studies suggest that inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil can decrease hunger and reduce calorie intake. The scent of peppermint is believed to reduce cravings and, in turn, decrease overall calorie consumption.
• Digestion: Peppermint has also been used traditionally to aid digestion and reduce bloating.
• Research: A study published in the Journal of Neurological and Orthopaedic Medicine found that people who inhaled peppermint essential oil every two hours reported feeling less hungry and consumed fewer calories than those who didn’t.

Spearmint:

• Digestion: Like peppermint, spearmint has been used traditionally to help with indigestion and bloating.
• Appetite Suppression: While spearmint is less studied than peppermint in terms of appetite suppression, it’s believed that many mint varieties can have a similar effect due to their strong aroma.
• Hormonal Balance: Spearmint has been studied for its potential to reduce androgen levels and increase estrogen in certain populations, which can have various effects on the body, including potential impacts on appetite.

It’s worth noting that while these effects can be beneficial, they are often mild and should be combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise for effective weight management. If you’re considering using peppermint or spearmint for appetite suppression or any other health benefits, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist.