What Vitamins Are In Thyme?

Thyme is an aromatic herb with stiff, woody stems and gray-green leaves. This popular seasoning is used for flavoring soups, poultry and beef, as well as non-food uses such as perfume and homeopathic remedies. One oz. of thyme is an excellent source of vitamin K, a good source of vitamins A and C and contains healthy amounts of vitamins B6 and E.

Vitamin A

The Vitamin A in thyme contains carotenoids which must be synthesized into retinoids by the body. Retinoids stimulate reproduction and immune systems, as well as promoting bone and vision health. Vitamin A plays a role in helping the skin and mucous membranes fight bacteria and viruses. Thyme is a good source of vitamin A; 28 g of dried thyme contains 53 mcg RAE.

Vitamin B6

Twenty-eight grams of dried thyme contains 0.154 mg of vitamin B6. This vitamin plays an important part in treating and preventing anemia. B6 helps the body metabolize sugars, fats, and proteins and enhances growth and development of brain, nerves and skin tissue.

Vitamin C

The same-sized portion of dried thyme contains 14 mg of vitamin C. Vitamin C contains antioxidants, which help your body resist infection during times of stress. Sometimes called the anti-aging vitamin, C produces collagen important for formation of bones, teeth, ligaments, tendons and maintains the youthful appearance of skin.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is best known for helping blood to clot. Less well known, but equally important, is Vitamin K's role in making proteins for optimal bone and kidney functioning. Breast fed babies are at risk of having low vitamin K levels as breast milk is not a good source of this vitamin. The elderly are additionally susceptible to vitamin K deficiency due to poor diet and the myriad of medications they sometimes require. Thyme is an excellent source of vitamin K with 28 g of dried thyme containing 480.1 mcg of Vitamin K.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is antioxidant which has benefits for the immune system, DNA, and metabolism maintenance. Twenty-eight grams of dried thyme contains 2.09 mg of vitamin E. The vitamin E found in thyme is from an unsaturated fat source, which is thought to be most healthful to the body.