A popular spice with some very surprising health benefits is the Nutmeg. Nutmeg health benefits include pain relief, aiding digestion, improving skin quality and curing oral conditions. Nutmeg can prevent leukaemia, boost the immune system and improve blood circulation.
What Is Nutmeg?
Nutmeg refers to the seed or ground spice of several species of the Myristica genus. Myristica fragrans (fragrant nutmeg or true nutmeg) is a dark-leaved, evergreen tree cultivated for two spices derived from its fruit: nutmeg and mace. It is also a commercial source of an essential oil and nutmeg butter. (Wikipedia)
Nutmeg is commonly grown in the Caribbean. It is also grown in other tropical areas of the world, and also in Southern India.
Read also: 10 Remarkable Health Benefits of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato
Nutmeg Nutrition Facts
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 525 Kcal | 26 |
| Carbohydrates | 49.29 g | 38% |
| Protein | 5.84 g | 10% |
| Total Fat | 36.31 g | 180% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.8 g | 55% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 76 µg | 19% |
| Niacin | 1.299 mg | 8% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.160 mg | 12% |
| Riboflavin | 0.057 mg | 4% |
| Thiamin | 0.346 mg | 29% |
| Vitamin-A | 102 IU | 3.5% |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg | 5% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 16 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 350 mg | 7.5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 184 mg | 18% |
| Copper | 1.027 mg | 114% |
| Iron | 3.04 mg | 38% |
| Magnesium | 183 mg | 46% |
| Manganese | 2.900 mg | 126% |
| Phosphorus | 213 mg | 30% |
| Zinc | 2.15 mg | 20% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 16 µg | — |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 90 µg | — |
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 0 µg | — |
Health Benefits Of Nutmeg
Now, let’s talk about the enormous nutmeg health benefits.
- Helps promote Digestion
Nutmeg is usually added to food in the powdered form. It has high dietary fibre which stimulates digestion. The fibre enhances peristaltic movement of food in the intestines. The fibre prevents constipation and the discomfort associated with it. It also induces the release of gastric and intestinal juices that ease the digestion process.
Read also: 11 amazing health benefits of Ginger
- Helps Treat Insomnia
If you are suffering from sleeplessness and insomnia, take some warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg. This is, for many generations, a recommendation to solve that condition. An article by Britannica Encyclopaedia indicates that it has a high level of magnesium, an essential mineral in the body that reduces nerve tension, and even stimulates the release of serotonin, which creates a feeling of relaxation or sedation. The serotonin changes to melatonin in the brain and it induces sleep, relieving people of their problems with insomnia and restlessness at night. Nutmeg also has trace elements of narcotics. Those have no dramatic effect unless taken in massive quantities. However, a small amount can help you release various neurotransmitters which, in turn, helps induce relaxation and sleep.
- Helps in Pain Relief
There is a part in nutmeg, which acts like menthol with natural pain-relieving properties. So, when you spice your cooking with nutmeg, you can cut pain resulting from injuries, strains, wounds and arthritis.
Read also: 22 Essential Health benefits of Cocoyam leaves (Kontomire)
- Improves Oral Health
When it comes to traditional medicine, nutmeg is the most effective for oral health. To fight conditions like bad breath or halitosis, nutmeg is the best solution. The antibacterial components help to achieve this. The antibacterial component kills the bacteria that causes bad breath and improves the gums and teeth. For that reason, nutmeg and extracts of it are usually found in herbal and organic mouthwashes and toothpaste.
- Helps Detoxify the Body
Nutmeg helps to remove toxins, stored from sources like drugs, alcohol, pollution and/or food, in the liver and the kidney. More so, nutmeg has certain active ingredients which help to dissolve kidney stones. This increases the efficiency of the kidney and liver and their general function.
- Helps Improve Brain Health
Nutmeg has essentials oils with components called myristicin and macelignan. According to Britannica Encyclopaedia, these compounds can reduce the degradation of neural pathways and cognitive function that commonly afflicts people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Also, myristicin and macelignan slow those effects and keep your brain functioning at a normal, healthy level.
- Helps Treat Leukaemia
Nutmeg also has the quality which helps fight cancerous cells. It contains a certain methanolic compound which can cause cell death (apoptosis) in leukaemia cells. As a result, it stops the spread and metastasis of cancer that commonly causes distress in children.
Read also: Spinach Nutrition Facts and Recommended Dietary Allowance
- Helps Regulate Blood Pressure
Nutmeg contains various minerals and element that promotes and keep up organ functions in the body. The potassium helps relax the blood vessels and so reduces blood pressure. More so, it also helps in the uptake of nutrients from food making digestion more efficient. The iron boost production of red blood cells and reduces the chances of anaemia.
- Promotes Skin Care
Nutmeg is also used to boost the appearance and health of the skin and this has been used in traditional and herbal medicine for a long time. Mix the powdered nutmeg with water or even honey, into a paste and apply to skin. This is great for the skin as it helps to reduce inflammation and irritation of the skin. It promotes hydration and makes the skin appear smooth. Furthermore, it reduces marks of acne, boils and pox.
Caution
Consume nutmeg in small quantities to experience the wonderful nutmeg health benefits. Too much of it may result in seizures, irregular heart palpitations and vomiting.
Post inspiration: Nutmeg by Britannica Encyclopaedia
