3p hot drink could lower your blood pressure and cholesterol

A popular hot drink is being praised for its many health benefits, including the potential to lower blood pressure, as well as cholesterol levels. This "refreshing" drink is not only beneficial for your health but also easy on the wallet, costing about 3p per cup.

Nutrition expert Dr Emma Derbyshire from the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) suggests that mint tea could bolster our health in several ways. She said: "Mint tea or spearmint tea leaves more than just a refreshing flavour as it provides a range of health benefits that could help to reinforce the brain, cardiovascular system, and blood sugar regulation."

Her recommendations are supported by a recent review carried out by TAP. She added: "A new research review that myself and my colleagues at the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) undertook - A Narrative Review on the Mechanistic Actions and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint and Spearmint Teas - provides new evidence around why mint tea could help support our health and wellness."

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The review analysed existing studies on the beverage, finding it may aid in brain health, blood pressure management, and blood sugar control, reports the Express.

Dr Derbyshire explained that mint tea contains active compounds such as rosmarinic acid and menthol, which “exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in the brain”. She said: “Several studies suggest that peppermint tea infusions may help to enhance the memory, alertness, and cognitive performance.

“One randomised controlled trial found that peppermint improved cognitive function in healthy adults, while another reported reduced mental fatigue. As a result, drinking mint tea provides bioactive compounds which potentially help support mental clarity and mood.”

"Additionally mint's calming effect may reduce stress-related spikes in blood pressure. Sipping mint tea - especially when caffeine-free - could be a gentle, supportive strategy for cardiovascular health when combined with other lifestyle measures."

A 2022 TAP study also found mind tea could lower "bad" cholesterol levels. The study, which was performed on 64 diabetics, noted that patients had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eight weeks, compared to patients who drank water instead.

At the time of writing, a box of 40 peppermint tea bags could be purchased from Aldi for £1.19, equating to just under 3p per cup.