61 Peppermint Nutrition Facts: Everything To Know About The Herb

Ever indulged in the breezy, refreshing sensations found in a cup of peppermint tea?

Extremely popular in the European and Asian continents, peppermint extracts are added to various food and beverages for their refreshing and relaxing properties. Fresh mint leaves have also made their mark in the medical industry for being extremely rich in essential nutrients and vitamins.

Peppermint trees belong to the plant kingdom of the family Lamiaceae and genus Mentha. They are abundantly found in Europe and Asia. The two most important properties, menthol, and menthone, found in the leaves and stem of these herbs, are the reason behind their unique, refreshing properties. Fortunately, these are low-maintenance herbs that you can grow at home to enjoy their medicinal perks!

Keep reading for more nutritional facts about peppermint! If you like this article, then don't forget to check out parsley nutritional facts and onion nutrition facts to satiate your brain with interesting facts.

Fun Facts About Peppermints

In botany, peppermint is classified as a member of the plant kingdom of order Lamiales, family Lamiaceae, and genus Mentha. Mentha x piperita is the scientific name assigned to this herb. Among the 25 species of mint herbs that fall under the genus Mentha, peppermint is favored for its excellent flavor as well as its medicinal values. Besides western peppermint, the extracts of Chinese peppermint, also known as 'bohe', are sourced from the fresh leaves of Mentha haplocalyx.

These plants are a natural cross hybrid of two plants namely water mint (Mentha aquatica) and spearmint (Mentha spicata). Menthol and menthone, two organic compounds, are sourced from the fresh leaves and the stem of these plants. The presence of these chemical compounds in fresh mint leaves renders the refreshing and cool sensation inside your mouth, on your taste buds, palate, and throat. Similar sensations can be felt by the olfactory glands when inhaling the scent of mint.

Primarily concentrated in the continent of Europe, these fast-growing herbaceous rhizomatous plants are 12-36 in (30-91 cm) in height that spread exponentially in moist habitats and shaded sites. It requires ample water and partly sunny areas for outstanding growth.

Nutritional Facts About Peppermint

Although fresh peppermint leaves are considered to be extremely nutritious and delicious, these mint leaves are very low in calories compared to spearmint leaves. You can check the Daily Value (DV %) to know how much a nutrient contributes to your daily diet in one serving. Essentially, four calories are present in a one-fourth cup of fresh peppermint while 10 calories are present in an equal serving of spearmint leaves.

0.035 oz (1 g) of carbohydrate including 0.017 oz (0.5 g) of fiber is present in one serving of fresh mint leaves. Consuming mint leaves rich in dietary fiber, iron, and potassium can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risks related to obesity. Vitamin C and A nutrients are present in these leaves and are extremely beneficial for your health. Healthy skin and improved immunity are the perks of vitamin A consumption. Moderate amounts of vitamin E and B-complex are present in mint leaves which aids the overall growth and development of the body. However, you may opt for spearmint which is rich in minerals and other nutritious elements in place of peppermint as it includes negligible amounts of fats and saturated fat.

Facts About Peppermint Tea

Herbs such as peppermint have been used worldwide for thousands of years for the health benefits and taste that it renders. It is popularly used to add flavor to chewing gums, candies, and other food. The presence of vitamin C and A, dietary fiber (included in carbohydrate content), potassium, iron, and other minerals without fats in your diet works towards improving health and immunity.

The essential oils menthol, menthone, and limonene that are present in fresh peppermint leaves provide the cooling properties and flavor that go great with a cup of caffeine-free tea. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea daily proves to be extremely healthy and nutritious. To begin with, it cures digestive problems such as gas and bloating, and improves digestion. Menthol increases blood flow and works as a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, providing relief from headaches and migraines. The presence of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral elements helps to clear clogged sinuses and cure cough and cold allergies. Apart from these, consuming fresh mint leaves improves sleep and energy, reduces stress, fights bacterial infections, and helps to reduce weight. However, peppermint has a relaxing effect on the sphincter muscles, present between the stomach and esophagus. This can lead to acid reflux or an increase in existing acid reflux.

Medicinal Facts About Peppermint

As we know, peppermint leaves contain essential oils that aid in releasing stress, fighting bacterial infections, improving digestion, and reducing headaches and migraines. They also improve immunity and help in the overall growth and development of your body with the help of the vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, and potassium that are present in the mint leaves. However, peppermint does not contain fats or minerals.

It is commonly used in cough syrups, lozenges, and nasal inhalers that provide a cool sensation and cure cough and cold allergies, making you feel extremely refreshed and relaxed. Peppermint oil has been extremely valuable in preparing topical muscle relaxants, analgesics, and local anesthetics. Oral hygiene products such as mouthwash, toothpaste, and mouth sprays use extracts of these leaves as a remedy for bad breath and oral hygiene.

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