scored 96/100
Peppermint is a aromatic herb rich in menthol and polyphenols, offering digestive support and anti-inflammatory benefits with minimal calories but notable micronutrient density.
0.1 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 96.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a hybrid mint native to Europe and the Middle East, now cultivated globally for culinary and medicinal purposes. As a concentrated herb, peppermint delivers substantial micronutrients per serving despite typical use in small quantities—particularly potassium (569mg/100g), calcium (243mg/100g), and iron (5.08mg/100g). The herb's primary bioactive compounds are menthol and menthone, which comprise 40-90% of the essential oil, alongside flavonoids like rosmarinic acid. For longevity-focused nutrition, peppermint's primary value lies in digestive optimization, anti-inflammatory action, and potential cognitive enhancement. The high fiber content (8g/100g) supports gut health, though practical peppermint consumption (as tea or garnish) typically provides 1-3g fiber per serving. Scientific evidence supports peppermint's role in reducing IBS symptoms, improving gastric motility, and potentially enhancing memory and focus through menthol's effects on cerebral blood flow. The polyphenol content contributes antioxidant activity relevant to age-related disease prevention. Peppermint's minimal caloric footprint makes it an excellent addition to longevity-focused protocols without metabolic burden.
Menthol relaxes smooth muscle in the GI tract, reducing spasms and improving gastric motility while promoting bile secretion for enhanced fat digestion
Rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols in peppermint scavenge free radicals and inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production, supporting cellular longevity
Menthol increases cerebral blood flow and may modulate acetylcholine pathways, improving memory consolidation and attention span
Topical and systemic menthol activates cold-sensing TRPM8 receptors, reducing muscle tension and migraine trigger sensitivity
Menthol exhibits direct antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens, reducing plaque formation and supporting long-term dental health
Post-exercise consumption supports digestive recovery, reduces exercise-induced GI distress, and aids nutrient absorption from post-workout meals through enhanced gastric motility
Fasting-compatible
Peppermint tea is compatible with fasting protocols and may enhance fat oxidation; however, menthol may increase stomach acid sensitivity—consume with caution if prone to reflux during fasts
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower peppermint is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Peppermint is classified as a herbs & spices. Peppermint is a aromatic herb rich in menthol and polyphenols, offering digestive support and anti-inflammatory benefits with minimal calories but notable micronutrient density.
Peppermint scores 96/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Copper, Vitamin C. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.2 g of fiber (~1% of the 28 g daily value).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.1 g of net carbs (0.3 g total minus 0.2 g fiber).
Best after a workout. Post-exercise consumption supports digestive recovery, reduces exercise-induced GI distress, and aids nutrient absorption from post-workout meals through enhanced gastric motility
A typical serving is around 2 g (~1 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating peppermint alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
Peppermint pairs nicely with: Pair with ginger tea because both enhance digestive motility and synergistically reduce nausea and bloating; Combine with black tea for improved antioxidant absorption—catechins in tea increase polyphenol bioavailability; Mix with lemon water to enhance iron absorption from peppermint through vitamin C, improving the bioavailability of the herb's 5mg/100g iron content; Pair with fatty fish (salmon) because peppermint's bile-stimulating properties enhance fat-soluble nutrient absorption (omega-3s, vitamin D).
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients peppermint contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients peppermint contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.