Mint Nutrition Benefits and Facts

Nutritional summary

Mint contains flavor volatiles (aromatic compounds) that consistently transfer into breast milk when consumed by lactating mothers .
Evidence from systematic reviews indicates that infants can detect these diet-transmitted flavors in breast milk within hours of maternal ingestion, which may influence their later acceptance of similar flavors .
Peppermint oil is recognized for its physiologic effects on the digestive system and has been studied extensively for its efficacy in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other functional disorders .
Fresh mint leaves contribute to the overall nutrient density of a meal by providing small amounts of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and minerals like potassium and calcium without adding significant calories.

Interesting fact

The name 'mint' originates from the Greek myth of Minthe, a nymph who was transformed into the fragrant plant by Persephone to ensure she would be forever cherished for her scent.

Standout nutrients

EPIC

SOURCE

Iron

EPIC

SOURCE

Folate

SUPER

SOURCE

Vitamin E

SUPER

SOURCE

Manganese

kcal per 100g

Protein3.80g

Fat0.70g

Carbs5.30g

Seasonality

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeakIn seasonOther months

Diet

VeganVegetarianPescatarianGluten FreeDairy FreeKetoLow FodmapPaleo

Sustainability

Lighter footprint

Perennial herb with low water requirements and minimal transport emissions when grown locally.

Confidencemedium

Storage

Refrigerate

3–5 days

Store upright in a glass of water or wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Flavour

Data & Sources

Harmonized from 1 validated source

McCance & Widdowson

1 contributing source food

Claim citations

What is the relationship between maternal diet during lactation on flavor transfer to breast milk, children's behavioral response, and dietary intake? | Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review

[2]nesr.usda.gov

Review article: The physiologic effects and safety of Peppermint Oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders - PMC

[6]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of maternal diet on flavor transfer to amniotic fluid and breast milk and children's responses: a systematic review - PubMed

[8]pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coverage

Nutrients

FoodCompass

82.7

Version

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