Thyme is a popular herb used in culinary practices around the world, known for its distinctive flavor and aromatic properties. Despite its small serving size, thyme is packed with nutrients and beneficial compounds. This article explores the nutritional content of a 1-gram serving of thyme, focusing on its carbohydrate and fiber content, vitamins and minerals, other beneficial compounds, health benefits, and foods with equivalent calorie content.
Nutrition Facts
A 1-gram serving of thyme provides a surprising amount of nutrients for such a small quantity. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 1
- Total Fat: 0 grams (0% Daily Value)
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0 grams
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 mg (0% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 1 mg (0% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 0.2 grams (0% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 0.1 grams (0% Daily Value)
- Sugars: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg (0% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 4 mg (0% Daily Value)
- Iron: 0.2 mg (0% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 12 mg (0% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates
Thyme contains a minimal amount of carbohydrates, with only 0.2 grams per 1-gram serving. This tiny amount of carbohydrates includes 0.1 grams of dietary fiber, making thyme an excellent low-carb option for seasoning food.
Fiber
Thyme provides 0.1 grams of dietary fiber per 1-gram serving. Although this is a small amount, incorporating thyme into your diet can contribute to your overall fiber intake, which is important for maintaining digestive health.
Vitamins and Minerals
Thyme is a rich source of several essential vitamins and minerals, even in small amounts:
- Calcium: Essential for bone health, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
- Iron: Important for red blood cell production and oxygen transport.
- Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and muscle contractions.
- Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene): Supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant, supports the immune system, and enhances iron absorption.
- Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
These nutrients play crucial roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.
Other Plant Compounds
Thyme contains various beneficial plant compounds, including:
- Thymol: A potent antioxidant and antimicrobial compound that contributes to thyme’s health benefits.
- Carvacrol: Another antimicrobial compound found in thyme.
- Rosmarinic acid: An antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation.
- Luteolin and Apigenin: Flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Health Benefits
The rich nutritional profile and beneficial compounds in thyme translate into several health benefits:
- Antioxidant Properties: The antioxidants in thyme, including thymol and rosmarinic acid, help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Antimicrobial Effects: Thymol and carvacrol have strong antimicrobial properties, which can help protect against bacterial and fungal infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Benefits: Compounds like rosmarinic acid and flavonoids reduce inflammation, supporting overall health.
- Digestive Health: The fiber content, though small, supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
- Immune Support: Vitamins A and C boost the immune system, helping the body fend off infections.
- Bone Health: Calcium and vitamin K contribute to maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Foods with Calorie Content Equivalent
To understand the calorie content of thyme, here are some foods with a similar calorie count (1 calorie):
- 1 blueberry (about 1 gram)
- 1 grape (about 2 grams)
- 1 small cherry (about 2 grams)
- 1 small celery stick (about 5 grams)
- 1 leaf of lettuce (about 2 grams)
These comparisons highlight how a small serving of thyme can fit into a balanced diet without significantly increasing calorie intake.
Conclusion
A 1-gram serving of thyme contains approximately 1 calorie and provides a surprising array of essential vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. The antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, and anti-inflammatory benefits of thyme make it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Including thyme in your culinary practices can enhance the flavor of your dishes while contributing to your overall nutritional intake.
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