Herbs for Health: Thyme – Thymus Vulgaris

Herbs for Health: Thyme – Thymus Vulgaris

Herbs for Health · Reading Time : 3 mins ·
The Whole Health Practice

Thyme, a fragrant and versatile herb commonly used in culinary dishes, not only adds delightful flavour to meals but also boasts numerous health benefits. This herb, native to the Mediterranean region and its cuisine, has been cherished for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties.

  • From a culinary perspective, thyme is a culinary powerhouse, elevating the taste of various dishes such as soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and meats. Its distinct earthy and slightly minty-earthy flavour enhances the overall profile of a dish, making it a favourite among chefs and home cooks alike.

"Thyme's flavour is robust. You can add thyme early in the cooking process, and allow its flavour to infuse before adding more."

  • Beyond its culinary allure, thyme possesses an array of health-promoting properties. It is rich in various essential vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K, which support the immune system, vision, and bone health. However, one of the most notable health components of thyme is its abundance of polyphenols, which are plant compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Among the key polyphenols found in thyme, one stands out, rosmarinic acid. This powerful polyphenol not only acts as an antioxidant, neutralising harmful free radicals in the body, but it also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

  • Other bioactive compounds include: thymol, carvacrol, cineole, α-pinene; apigenin, β-carotene, eugenol, limonene, ursolic acid, luteolin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, carnosic acid, hispidulin and cismaritin.

  • Thymol is a polyphenol known for its antimicrobial properties. Thymol has been used traditionally for its ability to combat bacterial and fungal infections, making thyme a valuable herb for maintaining oral health and supporting the immune system.

  • Thyme can be an excellent source of potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and selenium.

"I love thyme's utility. Its earthy herbal undertones permeate long, slow-cooked braises or bring flavour to wood-fired and roasted dishes."

Incorporating thyme into your culinary creations not only enhances the taste of your meals but also provides a wealth of health benefits. So, the next time you savour this delightful herb, relish in the knowledge that you are also nourishing your body with its valuable polyphenols, contributing to your overall well-being.

Stay healthy,

Alastair

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Bonus Read:

More than just taste, herbs can bring health and joy to our lives. Stay tuned for our complete collection of articles, recipes and more...

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This content is brought to you by The Whole Health Practice. Alastair Hunt (NBC-HWC) is the Founder and Chief Wellbeing Officer at The Whole Health Practice. Based in Singapore, The Whole Health Practice supports individuals and teams around the world to improve their health, performance and vitality. Want to learn more about healthy living or sign up for regular health content? Visit www.thewholehealthpractice.com


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