A study shows that the smell of peppermint may help decrease hunger and help you cut down on your calorie intake.

Wheeling Jesuit University researchers had volunteers sniff the scent of peppermint oil every two hours for five days straight. At the end of the study, volunteers reported feeling significantly lower levels of hunger, and they took in 3,485 fewer calories over the course of the week than usual.

One of the theories why peppermint works is that the strong scent is distracting, so it keeps your mind off of your appetite.

These findings come after previous research showing that athletes who whiff the minty scent felt more motivated and energized. To get the best of it, you really should sniff peppermint oil or take in the scent through an inhaler - so sniffing peppermint candy isn't going to cut it.