The Candy Cane

It’s holiday time, which means time for the traditions to show up across the nation, including the ubiquitous candy cane. These fun striped treats will soon be seen on Christmas trees, atop Christmas presents, and crunched up in baked goods. And, as in my case, they will be consumed routinely between Thanksgiving and New Year’s by thousands of people.

While these little candy treats now come in various flavors and colors, it’s the traditional peppermint kind (the famous red and white stripped version) that actually has significant health benefits.

Studies have revolved around the candy’s main ingredient: peppermint oil, which is known as menthe piperita. Its main element is menthol and comprises vitamins A and C, omega-3 fatty acids and minerals such as potassium, manganese, iron, magnesium, calcium, and copper. Because of the oil’s blend of these beneficial ingredients, studies have shown that it aids the digestive and respiratory systems, provides relief from headaches, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances skin care.

According to the Harvard Health Letter, peppermint was originally used as an herbal remedy to treat all types of issues from flatulence to stomach cancer to gallbladder disease. While these ailments are not necessarily cured from consuming peppermint, one abdominal problem can be treated effectively with it: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). According to Harvard Health, a study in 2007 found that 75 percent of patients who took peppermint oil capsules for a month had a major reduction in their IBS symptoms.

Another study showed that inhaling the peppermint aroma can act as an expectorant and provide relief for colds, sinusitis, asthma and bronchitis. When rubbed on the chest, the oil can act as a vaporizer to open congested nasal passages.  In a similar fashion, breathing a small amount of peppermint oil can relieve a headache and provide a ‘cooling’ sensation to help with relaxation, hence, reducing stress.

Other studies have discovered that peppermint oil is an antiseptic and can be used to help remove dandruff and lice, keep pimples away and eliminate toothaches.

So, how does consuming a candy cane help with all of these aforementioned items? While peppermint oil itself is beneficial, the traditional candy cane is not comprised of 100 percent peppermint oil. In fact, the main ingredient in the treat is sugar. According to candycanefacts.com, a dozen candy canes are made with 3 cups of sugar, ½ cup water, ¾ cup light corn syrup, ¾ teaspoon red coloring, ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (i.e. peppermint oil). That means that one candy cane contains 1/12 a teaspoon of the healthful peppermint oil, barely enough to obtain major health benefits as noted from the oil itself.

However, the candy cane can provide some healthful elements: it still has a strong peppermint aroma that can act as a stress reducer as well as provide temporary relief for congestion. It has some power against stomach issues; however, research suggests that the oil alone – rather than mixed with sugar – is the most helpful for digestive problems.

Basically, of all of the holiday treats this year, the candy cane could be considered the healthiest treat in terms of its medicinal qualities. So, why not enjoy a little peppermint while treating what might ail you at the same time? Enjoy!

References:

Mint conditions. (2007). Harvard Health Letter, 32(9), 3.

Newsmax.com. (2011). Health benefits of peppermint. Retrieved from http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/health-benefits-of-peppermint/2011/03/02/id/388097.

Sweet on Peppermint. (2005). Alternatives, Complementary and alternative therapies. Nursing, 35(2), 76.