Bev gave us the candy cane lowdown recently and shared with readers that she's curbed her once addiction to the red and white striped sticks due to concern about calories. I've got good news for Bev -- and all others who seek a reason to indulge.

A new study from Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia found that adults consumed about 2,800 fewer calories per week when they were regularly exposed to peppermint.

"Smelling or eating peppermint seems to increase activity in the area of the brain responsible for alertness," says study author Bryan Raudenbush, Ph.D. "So you won't experience a slump that prompts you to seek out a snack."

Wow. What great holiday news! Even though candy canes might be heavy on the calories, they prevent us from going overboard with other treats. So by all means, grab a candy cane -- just don't grab too many.