Researchers from Cardiff University (UK) presented the results of a study showing that regular mint candies can positively affect a person's attention and mood during a cold. As reported by RidLife, specialists found that the aromatic compounds in mint activate areas of the brain responsible for alertness and reduce feelings of fatigue, partially compensating for the cognitive decline characteristic of mild respiratory infections.
In a ten-week experiment, 81 students were observed. Some participants experienced a cold during this time. The sick were divided into three groups: one received mint candies, another received sweets without menthol, and the third completely refrained from any candies. Additionally, researchers included a control group of healthy students for comparison of results. All volunteers underwent a series of tests assessing attention, reaction speed, and emotional state.
The results showed that even mild cold symptoms cause a noticeable slowdown in psychomotor reactions, decreased concentration, and impaired eye movement coordination. However, participants who consumed mint candies demonstrated higher levels of attentiveness and alertness than those who did not receive menthol-containing sweets. Scientists attribute this effect to the characteristics of mint vapors and essential oils, which stimulate sensory receptors and affect the brain's fatigue perception centers.
Researchers note that mint candies do not directly treat a cold but can temporarily improve overall well-being, mood, and cognitive functions. Thus, they can serve as a simple and safe way to alleviate mild symptoms of discomfort and maintain productivity during illness.
The study is published in the scientific journal World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and complements previous data on the impact of common foods on well-being during a cold. Earlier, specialists indicated that consuming warm soup helps alleviate the symptoms of viral infections.
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