What is nutmeg?
Nutmeg is one of two spices that grow on an evergreen tree scientifically classified as Myristica fragrans, also known as common nutmeg. It is native to the islands near Indonesia, but is now a spice used worldwide. These trees produce nutmeg, which is the seed of the tree, as well as mace, a less common spice derived from the dried reddish husk of the seed. This is the only tree that is the source of two different spices in the world. It is commonly cultivated in the Caribbean, other tropical areas of the world, and also in southern India in the state of Kerala.
Nutmeg is a delicate, slightly sweet spice that is widely used in cuisines around the world, including Asian and Western recipes. The tree is also highly prized due to the essential oils that are derived from the tree and leaves, and nutmeg butter is also a popular derived food that packs a healthy punch. The essential oils from nutmeg extract are highly beneficial for health and are frequently used in herbal and alternative medicine.
Nutmeg Nutrition Facts
While nutmeg is only a spice used sparingly in dishes, it can still affect your health in a number of ways, primarily due to its nutritious content of vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds related to essential oils. These beneficial components include dietary fiber, manganese, thiamine, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, copper, and macelignan. The many health benefits of nutmeg are explained in greater detail below.
Nutmeg Health Benefits
Nutmeg health benefits include:
bread relief
One of the components of nutmeg is a menthol-like compound, which has natural pain-relieving characteristics. Therefore, by adding nutmeg as a spice in your cooking, you can reduce the pain associated with wounds, injuries, strains, and chronic inflammation from conditions like arthritis.
Promotes digestive health
When you grind nutmeg into a powder, it retains its fiber content, which can stimulate the digestive process by promoting peristaltic movement in the smooth muscles of the intestine. In addition, it induces the secretion of various gastric and intestinal juices that facilitate the digestive process. Since fiber can increase bowel movements, it reduces the frequency and discomfort of constipation and other intestinal problems.
brain health
One of the lesser-known benefits of adding nutmeg of any variety to your diet is the various components of its essential oil, called myristicin and macelignan. These compounds have been shown to reduce the degradation of neural pathways and cognitive function that commonly affects people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that myristicin and macelignan slow down these effects and keep the brain functioning at a normal, healthy level.
detoxify the body
Nutmeg acts as a tonic in many different ways and thus improves the overall health of your body. More specifically, in terms of the liver and kidney, where many of the toxins are stored and accumulate in the body, nutmeg can help eliminate them. It literally cleanses those organs of all the toxins that can be stored there from alcohol, drugs, pollution, food, or natural organic toxins. Additionally, the active ingredients in nutmeg help dissolve kidney stones and increase the overall function and efficiency of the kidney and liver.
Oral health
In traditional medical applications, nutmeg was considered the king of spices when it came to oral health. Nutmeg’s active antibacterial components mean it helps fight conditions like halitosis, also known as bad breath. It kills the bacteria that cause this embarrassing condition and generally boosts the immunity of your gums and teeth. This is why nutmeg and its extracts are commonly found in toothpastes and mouthwashes, particularly in organic or herbal varieties.
treat insomnia
For generations, nutmeg has been recommended as a home remedy for insomnia and insomnia. A dash of nutmeg in warm milk always seemed to work. Nutmeg is high in magnesium, an essential mineral in the body that reduces nervous tension, and even stimulates the release of serotonin, which creates a feeling of relaxation or sedation. This serotonin is transformed into melatonin in the brain, which is a sleep inducer, relieving people of their troubles with insomnia and restlessness at night. Nutmeg also has narcotic trace elements, which do not have a dramatic effect unless taken in massive amounts. However, the small amount can help you release various neurotransmitters which in turn help induce relaxation and sleep.
treat leukemia
Another of the lesser-known qualities of nutmeg is its potential use against cancer cells. Studies have shown that a certain methanolic compound in nutmeg and its essential oil can induce cell death (apoptosis) in leukemia cells, thus stopping the spread and metastasis of this terrible variety of cancer that commonly affects children.