Health Benefits of Thyme

Some of the major health benefits of thyme are as follows

1. Provides Antibacterial And Antifungal Benefits

Thymol, an organic compound in the thyme possesses anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and is very effective against various kinds of bacteria including E.coli. Thyme oil is effective in killing off bacteria both from the outside and inside.

2. Provides Numerous Antioxidantal Benefits

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like lutein, zeaxanthin, and thymosin, etc present in the thyme protects our cells and tissues from the oxidative stress caused by the free radicals and reduces the risk of various cancers.

Antioxidants also provide several other benefits like helping with detoxification, keeping vital organs like the liver and kidneys healthy, improving cardiovascular health, managing cholesterol level, strengthening immunity, improving cognitive functions, etc.

We will know more about these benefits later in this article.

3. Improves Blood Circulation

Iron, a vital mineral present in the thyme increases the production of red blood cells in our body. Red blood cells play an important role in providing oxygenated blood to every cell and tissue of our body, nourishes them, and improves our health. Red blood cells improve blood circulation and also minimizes the risk of iron-induced anemia.

Thyme also contains potassium, a mineral that relaxes our blood vessels and helps with blood circulation.

4. Keeps Our Cardiovascular System Healthy

Consuming thyme in moderation keeps our cardiovascular system healthy due to the abundance of vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other relevant compounds like lutein, zeaxanthin, etc in thyme protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.

Dietary fibers in thyme reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol and increase the level of good HDL cholesterol. This manages cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.

Potassium, a vital mineral in the beetroot is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure which is a leading cause of various cardiovascular issues.

Because of its antispasmodic properties, thyme improves the functioning of the cardiac valves which relaxes our veins and arteries.

5. Good For Eyes

Thyme is very beneficial for our eyes.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, etc in the thyme protects our eyes from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc.

Vitamin A is an essential mineral for our eyes as it sharpens our vision, and deficiency of this vitamin may increase the risk of night-blindness.

6. Strengthens Our Immune System

Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, etc in the thyme strengthens our immune system.

The immune system is a complex defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, injuries, and diseases.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds in thyme protects our immune cells like white blood cells from free radical damage, and thus strengthens our immunity.

A stronger immunity protects us from microbial attacks, and the risk of getting infected by cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc diminishes automatically.

Other nutrients like iron, potassium, vitamin B complex, etc in thyme also play a significant role in making our immune system stronger.

7. Reduces Stress

Stress and anxiety can cause havoc to our physical, mental, and emotional health.

We would like to stay away from stress and anxiety as much as possible, but unfortunately, they have now almost become a part of life for most people because of several factors like poor eating and drinking habits, eating food with almost no nutritional values, poor sleeping habits, etc.

Thyme can help in such stressful scenarios.

B vitamins, especially vitamin B6 is a natural stress-buster that provides quick relief from stress and anxiety and makes us feel better and calm.

Vitamin B6 stimulates feel-good neurotransmitters in our brain and makes us feel relaxed, calm, and stress-free.

8. Keep Respiratory Problems At Bay

Consuming thyme regularly improves our respiratory health and aids in keeping respiratory ailments at bay.

Vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the thyme protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and reduces the risk of lung cancer.

The anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C prevent inflammation of the lungs and reduce the risk of respiratory problems like asthma, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, chronic asthma, congestion, colds, flu, blocked sinuses, and seasonal allergies.

Thyme eliminates phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract, and its anti-inflammatory property helps with breathing.

If you are not allergic to thyme and suffering from cough and cold, give a, try to thyme tea.

9. Provides Relief From Inflammation

Vitamin C present in the thyme is an anti-inflammatory compound that provides quick relief from the pain and inflammation caused by various inflammatory diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid, gouts, asthma and bronchial asthma, etc.

Folates and dietary fibers in the thyme also play a major role in relieving inflammation.

10. Keeps Our Digestive System Healthy

Eating thyme regularly and moderately is good for our stomach, and improves our digestive health due to the presence of essential nutrients in them.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in thyme protects our digestive system from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of various kinds of cancers like abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and intestinal cancer, etc.

The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in thyme improve bowel movement, provides relief from constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, gas, bloating, flatulence and irritable bowel syndrome, etc.

Other essential compounds like magnesium, calcium and vitamin B complex, etc also play a significant role in improving our digestive health.

11. Make Our Bones And Teeth Stronger

Eating thyme regularly strengthens our bones and teeth due to the presence of bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium in it.

Calcium is a vital mineral for our bone health as it is needed for the growth and development of the bones. Deficiency of calcium may increase the risk of osteoporosis, a bone disorder in which our bones get weak, fragile, and are at a higher risk of fracture.

100 grams of thyme contains 405 mg of calcium.

Potassium improves bone health by reducing the loss of calcium from our body.

Magnesium improves our bone density and is thus beneficial for our bone health.

Other nutrients like vitamin K and manganese in the thyme also play an important role in strengthening our bones.

12. Provides Relief From Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery diseases.

Potassium, a vital mineral in the thyme is very effective for providing relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.

Potassium is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.

Hypertension is not only a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems but also gives rise to other health problems like dementia, kidney disorders, and eye problems, etc.

13. Aids In Treating Muscle Cramps And Spasms

Drinking tea prepared with thyme leaves can provide quick relief from muscle cramps and other body spasms due to the presence of anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C in it.

Vitamin C also protects our cells and tissues from free radical damage, keeps them healthy, and makes them more efficient to deal with cramps.

14. Aids In Treating Anemia

Thyme is also effective for the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia.

Iron-induced anemia is a blood disorder caused by the deficiency of iron in our body and gives rise to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, fast heartbeat, brittle nails, shortness of breath, etc.

Iron, a vital mineral in the thyme increases the production of red blood cells that carries oxygenated blood to cells and tissues of the body.

This provides nourishment to our cells and tissues, keeps them healthy, and minimizes the risk of anemia.

Vitamin C in thyme increases iron absorption in our body and is thus beneficial against anemia.

Other nutrients like zinc, vitamin B complex, etc also aids in combating anemia.

15. Good For Maintaining Oral Health

Thyme is very beneficial for maintaining oral health as they contain various nutrients like vitamins and minerals etc.

The antibacterial properties of the thyme fight against bacteria and infections in the mouth, and combats against bad breath.

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound in the thyme minimizes the risk of scurvy, a gum disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C in our body.

Some common symptoms of scurvy are swollen, spongy, and purplish gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, bulging eyes, etc. The anti-inflammatory properties of the thyme provide relief from the pain and inflammation of the gums.

The anti-septic properties of the thyme are effective against cavities and gingivitis.

Also, bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, etc in the thyme strengthens our teeth and contribute to better oral health.

16. Help Us Sleep Better

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining our physical, mental, and emotional health. On average, we spend about one-third of our life sleeping.

When it comes to sleep, quality of sleep is more important than quantity as it is during quality sleep, our body performs various functions like repairing damaged cells and tissues, eliminating toxins, improving cognitive functions, reducing stress hormones, secretion of growth hormones, etc.

Not getting proper sleep over a long time may give rise to health problems like poor memory, difficulty in concentration, anxiety, and depression, weak immunity, high blood pressure, etc.

Vitamin B-6 in thyme is a natural stress-buster that provides relief from stress and anxiety and helps us to enjoy better quality sleep by enhancing the production of serotonin and melatonin hormones.

To get a peaceful sleep, enjoy a tea made from thyme leaves before going to bed.

17. Provides Diuretic Benefits

The diuretic properties of the thyme increase the flow and frequency of the urination and are very beneficial for individuals who have trouble urinating.

Urination helps with the elimination of excess water, toxins, minerals, salts, and other unwanted substances from our bodies.

It also aids in regulating high blood pressure and reduces the risk of chronic renal failure.

18. Reduces The Risk Of Various Types Of Cancers

Vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the thyme protects our cells and tissues from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus reduces the risk of various cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer, etc.

Studies have revealed that wild thyme induces cell death in breast cancer cells, and mastic thyme combats against colon cancer.

19. Keeps Our Liver Healthy

Consuming thyme in moderation is very beneficial for maintaining the health of our liver due to the abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers in them.

Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrient and polyphenols in the thyme protects the liver from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals. This improves the efficiency of the liver.

Dietary fibers in thyme eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system and reduce the burden of detoxification from our vital organs like the liver and kidneys, and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform.

Production of bile juice, excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol and hormones, metabolism of fats and protein, synthesis of plasma protein, blood detoxification, and purification are some of the major functions performed by the liver.

Nutrients like zinc and vitamin B complex in thyme also play a significant role in improving liver health.

20. Improves Cognitive Functions

Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in the thyme protects our brain cells aka neurons from the oxidative damage caused by the free radicals, and thus reduces the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amnesia, and dementia, etc.

Vitamins and minerals present in the thyme improve our brain health and provides various cognitive benefits like a sharper memory, improved focus, better concentration, reduced mental fatigue or confusion, etc

Thyme stimulates the production of certain “Feel-good” neurotransmitters in our brain, reduces stress, calms our mood, and makes us feel refreshed.

Iron, zinc and vitamin B complex, etc in the thyme also aids in improving our neurological health.

21. Regulates Blood Sugar

With a low glycemic index of 45, thyme releases sugar into the bloodstream at a slow pace, prevents a sudden spike in the blood sugar level, and thus aids in managing diabetes.

The dietary fibers in the thyme slow down the absorption of sugar by the bloodstream and keep blood sugar under control.

Additionally, phytonutrients in the thyme also play a significant role in managing blood sugar levels.

If you are a diabetic patient, then you may enjoy thyme in moderation after having a word with your doctor.

22. Manages Cholesterol Level

The dietary fibers in the thyme aids in managing cholesterol level as it reduces the level of bad LDL cholesterol and increases the level of good HDL cholesterol in our system.

By reducing cholesterol level, it prevents our arteries from getting clogged up by plaque and fat deposits, and thus reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries and is a leading cause of various cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke and coronary artery diseases.

Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E also plays a significant role in reducing bad LDL cholesterol level from our system.