Friday, December 1, 2017

Are There Health Benefits of Peppermint Candy Canes?

Did you know that the United States has a "National Candy Cane Day" on December 26? Each year, nearly 2 BILLION candy canes are made and 90% of candy canes are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The "candy cane" is first found in literature in 1866. Its earliest known association with Christmas was in 1874, and by 1882 canes were being hung on Christmas trees. In 1921, a machine was invented that could automatically make candy canes. Before this, each cane was made by hand.

Traditionally, candy canes are white with red stripes and flavored with peppermint, but there are many other flavors... such as, bacon; pickle; gravy, and more. Candy canes typically contain sugar, corn syrup, natural flavor, and have color added. The average candy cane contains around 50 calories and does not contain any fat or cholesterol.

According to Harvard Health Publications, peppermint oil can help relieve indigestion. Also, peppermint oil in candy canes contains a substantial amount of antioxidants -- in fact, among the highest found in nature. The Cornell Center for Materials Research notes that peppermint oil contains higher antioxidant levels than those in cereals, fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants strengthen your body's ability to fight diseases and infections, protecting your cells against attacks by the molecules produced when your body breaks down food.

Some studies have found that tension headaches may be alleviated with peppermint, including one study that found using peppermint is as effective as taking acetaminophen after 15 minutes. Also, the menthol in peppermint is known to be an effective decongestant to open up nasal passages. In addition, it's soothing to the throat and can calm a dry cough.

Enjoy some candy canes this holiday season!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso
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