If you still have Christmas candy canes at your house - here's something you'll want to know. A new study says the peppermint in them can be good for your health.

The peppermint oil found in most candy canes can ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowl Syndrome, Discovery Channel News reports.

IBS is a painful condition that affects between five to 20 percent of the population.

Peppermint also appears to prevent the growth of bacteria in foods.

It's so effective that some researchers now advise people to eat a tablespoon or more of fresh peppermint every day.