Mint vs Peppermint: Nutrition, Calories & Protein Compared



Mint - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition
Mint - calories, kcal, weight, nutrition

Mint vs Peppermint
Nutrition Facts

Mint
Serving size:
  change
handful (20g)tablespoon (4g)bunch (65g)
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Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Protein g
0%

Vitaminium C mg
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.
Peppermint
Serving size:
  change
handful (20g)tablespoon (4g)bunch (65g)cup (65g)half cup (32.5g)
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1oz2oz3oz4oz5oz6oz7oz8oz10oz12oz15oz20oz25oz30oz35oz40oz50oz

Amount Per Serving:
Calories

% Daily Value

Total Fat g
0%

Cholesterol mg
0%

Sodium mg
0%

Total Carbohydrates g
0%

Dietary Fiber g
0%

Protein g
0%

Vitaminium C mg
0%

Calcium mg
0%

Iron mg
0%

Potassium mg
0%

* The % Daily Value (DV) shows how much a nutrient in one serving of food contributes to your total daily diet. A 2000-calorie daily intake is used as a general guideline for nutrition advice.

Mint vs Peppermint 100g Compare


per 100gMintPeppermint
Calories44 70
Carbohydrates8.41 g14.79 g
Fat0.73 g0.94 g
Dietary fiber6.8 g8 g
Protein3.29 g3.75 g
Calcium199 mg243 mg
Iron11.87 mg5.08 mg
Magnessium63 mg80 mg
Potassium458 mg569 mg
Sodium30 mg31 mg
Zink1.09 mg1.11 mg
Vitaminium A4054 µg4248 µg
Vitaminium B1 (Thiamine)0.078 mg0.082 mg
Vitaminium B2 (riboflavin)0.175 mg0.266 mg
Vitaminium B3 (Niacin)0.948 mg1.706 mg
Vitaminium B60.158 mg0.129 mg
Vitaminium B9 (Folic acid)105 mg114 mg
Vitaminium C13.3 mg31.8 mg

Mint and peppermint are two herbs that have captivated the senses and kitchens around the globe for centuries. Not only are they renowned for their refreshing aroma and cool taste, but they also boast a plethora of health benefits and culinary uses that make them staples in any herb garden or spice rack. Before diving into the specifics of mint versus peppermint, let's explore some fascinating facts about these green wonders.

Refreshing Facts You Didn't Know

Mint, known scientifically as Mentha, is actually a genus that comprises around 15 to 20 plant species, including peppermint. Yes, you read that right—peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. This makes peppermint essentially a "child" of the mint family, boasting a more intense flavor and higher oil content than its relatives.

Another interesting tidbit is that the cooling sensation mint and peppermint provide is not due to a change in temperature but rather a reaction with the sensory neurons in your mouth. The menthol in mint activates the same receptors that are involved in sensing cold, tricking your brain into feeling a cool sensation.

Mint and Peppermint: More Than Just Fresh Breath

While many people associate mint and peppermint with fresh breath, these herbs offer much more in terms of health benefits and nutritional value. Let's take a closer look at how these two compare nutritionally, and what makes them such a fantastic addition to your diet.

**Nutritional Highlights**

  • **Calories**: Mint is slightly lower in calories, with 44 calories per 100 grams, compared to peppermint's 70 calories. This makes both herbs excellent, low-calorie additions to meals and beverages.
  • **Fiber**: Both herbs are high in dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. Peppermint edges out mint slightly with 8 grams of fiber compared to mint's 6.8 grams.
  • **Vitamins and Minerals**: Peppermint provides a slightly higher content of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C, which are essential for bone health, immune function, and vision.
  • **Iron**: Mint is notably high in iron, with 11.87 mg per 100 grams, making it a great herb for supporting blood health.

Despite these nutritional differences, both mint and peppermint are virtually fat-free and cholesterol-free, making them heart-healthy choices for adding flavor to dishes without adding extra fat or calories.

Culinary Uses and Health Benefits

Mint and peppermint are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Mint leaves are a popular addition to teas, cocktails, salads, and desserts for a refreshing flavor. Peppermint, with its stronger flavor, is often used in candies, gum, and toothpaste, as well as in essential oils for aromatherapy.

Health-wise, both herbs are celebrated for their digestive benefits, including relieving symptoms of IBS and indigestion. The menthol in peppermint can also help alleviate respiratory issues, making peppermint tea a go-to remedy for colds and flu.

The Bottom Line

While mint and peppermint share many similarities, their nutritional profiles and intensities of flavor set them apart. Whether you're a fan of the gentle, versatile flavor of mint or the strong, refreshing zing of peppermint, incorporating these herbs into your diet can add not only a burst of flavor but also a host of health benefits. So, the next time you're looking to freshen up your meal or beverage, consider reaching for some mint or peppermint. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you.

Mint 100g

44kcal

Calories source

  • 63% CARBS.
  • 25% PROTEIN
  • 12% FAT

Peppermint 100g

70kcal

Calories source

  • 72% CARBS
  • 18% PROTEIN
  • 10% FAT
Marcin Piotrowicz
Author of this page
Marcin Piotrowicz

calories-info.com creator
Healthy diet and healthy lifestyle promoter

All information about nutrition on this website was created with help of information from the official United States Department of Agriculture database.

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