Mints

Mints are essentially an edible product that is characterized by the presence of mint oil or a mint flavour. The scent and flavour of mint confectionery is a derivative of oils that are extracted from herbs belonging to the genus Mentha. This means that the source of mint flavour can be anything from Wintergreen oil, Peppermint oil and Spearmint oil.

Confectionery in the form of a hard mint is well liked by people of all age groups and is commonly used as a breath freshener. This is because the smell and taste of mint oil refreshes the mouth and its active components help clean and cool. Some forms of these hard mints such as Tic Tacs and Altoids have a soothing effect on the stomach. Breath freshening mint candies help digestion and are often consumed after a meal.

Peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant and it acts by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. When the lower esophageal sphincter gets relaxed, the contents inside the stomach are able to move upwards easily and reach the esophagus. This way, peppermint candy can prove helpful in relieving indigestion and intestinal gas.

In fact, real peppermint oil or its extract is used for treating gastrointestinal tract disorder that results in cramp-like complaints. This accounts for the popularity of mints that contain real gourmet oil, which is consumed frequently after meals to assist digestion and to freshen the breath.

A soft mint has higher butter content so these candies get dissolved almost instantaneously in one's mouth.