Mint leaves and mint essential oil contain many biological compounds such as menthol, flavonoids and rosmarinic acid.
Mint water can contribute to supporting kidney health indirectly. First of all, this is a drink that is almost calorie-free and sugar-free if brewed properly.
Replacing soft drinks or sugary drinks with peppermint water helps limit sugar intake into the body, thereby contributing to reducing the risk of obesity and diabetes - the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease.
In addition, drinking enough water also helps maintain urine flow, supporting the process of metabolizing substances through the kidneys.
To make mint water good for health, users can prepare about 10-15 fresh mint leaves, wash them under running water, soak them in diluted salt water for about 10 minutes, then put them in a jar with 500-700 ml of filtered water.
You can add a few slices of lemon or cucumber to enhance the flavor without adding sugar. After soaking for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator, the water will have a mild aroma and be easier to drink.
If you like to use hot water, you can infuse 5-7g of fresh or dried mint leaves with about 300 ml of hot water at 80-90°C for 5-7 minutes. Do not infuse for too long as it can make the tea taste more bitter.
This drink is suitable for use after meals or between meals to increase water intake during the day.
An important principle is not to add too much sugar or syrup. Sugary drinks are associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Therefore, if you want to create sweetness, you should only use a very small amount or prioritize pure drinking to preserve the benefits of the drink.
Nephrologists also emphasize that kidney protection needs to be based on proven measures such as blood pressure control, maintaining stable blood sugar, limiting salt intake, not smoking, exercising regularly and drinking enough water suitable for health conditions.
These are factors with much stronger scientific evidence than using a separate herbal drink.
