Health Benefits Nutmeg Provides

Known as a popular spice around the world, nutmeg is also popular for its many health
benefits. In fact, since ancient times, nutmeg has been used as a remedy for various ailments
or to improve health in general. Here are some of the health benefits that nutmeg provides.

1. Brain Tonic
During ancient times, Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a type of brain tonic.
This is because nutmeg can effectively stimulate your brain. As a result, it can help eliminate
fatigue and stress. If you are suffering from anxiety or depression, nutmeg may also be a
good remedy. Nutmeg can also improve your concentration so you can become more efficient
and focused at work or at school.

2. Pain Relief
Nutmeg is also an effective sedative. In fact, nutmeg is a staple in ancient Chinese medicine.
The Chinese used the spice to treat inflammation and abdominal pain. Use nutmeg if you are
suffering from aching joints, muscle pain, arthritis, sores and other ailments. To relieve the
pain, apply nutmeg oil to the affected areas.

3. Indigestion Relief
If you suffer from digestion-related problems like diarrhea, constipation, bloating, flatulence
and so on, nutmeg can effectively offer you relief. Nutmeg oil relieves stomachaches by
removing the excess gas from your intestines. Nutmeg can also boost your appetite.

4. Bad Breath Treatment

Because of its antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad
breath. As you probably know, bad breath is usually caused by a build-up of bacteria in your
mouth. Nutmeg can rid your mouth of these bacteria. This is the reason why nutmeg is a
common ingredient in many brands of toothpastes. Nutmeg can also be used to treat gum
problems and toothaches.

5. Liver and Kidney Detox

Detoxification is an important factor of good health. Diet, pollution, stress, tobacco,
medication and other external substances can lead to the build-up of toxins in your organs.
The liver and kidney are two of the organs where this toxic build-up usually develops. As a
tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and remove these toxins. If you are suffering
from a liver disease then nutmeg can also be beneficial. Nutmeg is also effective in
preventing and dissolving kidney stones. When your liver and kidney are successfully
detoxified, they can perform their function better.

6. Skin Care
If skin care is one of your priorities then you might want to incorporate nutmeg into your
regimen. Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you
treat several skin problems. A scrub made from nutmeg powder and orange lentil powder can
help you remove blackheads, a type of acne characterized by pores clogged with excess oil
and dead skin cells. If you suffer from acne marks, nutmeg can also help make your scars less
noticeable. What you need to do is mix some nutmeg powder with some honey to make a
paste, which you will then apply to the acne marks.

7. Sleep Aid
If you have difficulty sleeping at night, drink a cup of milk with some nutmeg powder. This will

help you achieve relaxation and will induce sleep.

Nutmeg is a popular spice that has a long list of associated health benefits,
including its ability to relieve pain, soothe indigestion, strengthen cognitive
function, detoxify the body, boost skin health, alleviate oral conditions, reduce
insomnia, increase immune system function, and prevent leukemia, and improve
blood circulation.

Nutmeg is one of two spices that grow on an evergreen tree with the scientific
classification Myristica fragrans, also known as common nutmeg. It is native to
islands near Indonesia, but is now a globally used spice. These trees bear nutmeg,
which is the seed of the tree, as well as mace, a less common spice derived from
the dried reddish shell of the seed. This is the only tree which is the source of two
distinct spices in the world. It is commonly grown in the Caribbean, other tropical
areas of the world, and 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 both Asian and western recipes. The tree is also highly valued
because of the essential oils that are derived from the tree and leaves, and
nutmeg butter is also a popular derivative food that packs a healthy punch. The
essential oils from nutmeg extract are highly beneficial to health, and are
frequently used in alternative and herbal medicine.

Nutritional Value of Nutmeg

While nutmeg is only a spice that is used sparingly in dishes, it can still impact
your health in a variety of ways, mainly due to its nutritive content of vitamins,
minerals, and organic compounds related to the essential oils. These beneficial
components include dietary fiber, manganese, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate,
magnesium, copper, and macelignan. The many health benefits of nutmeg are
explained in greater detail below.

Health Benefits of Nutmeg

Pain Relief: One of the components of nutmeg is a compound similar to menthol,

which has naturalpain-relieving characteristics. Therefore, by adding nutmeg as a

spice in your cooking, you can reduce associated pain from wounds, injuries,
strains, and chronic inflammation from conditions like arthritis.
Digestive Health: When you grind nutmeg into a powder, it retains its fiber
content, which can stimulate the digestive process by promoting peristaltic
motion in the smooth muscles of the intestine. Also, it induces the secretion of
various gastric and intestinal juices that ease the digestive process. Since fiber
can bulk up the bowel movements, it reduces the frequency and discomfort of
constipation and other intestinal issues.
Brain
Health: One
of the lesser
known
benefits
of
adding
nutmeg
in
any variety to
your diet are
the
various
components
of
its
essential oil,
calledmyristicin andmacelignan. These compounds have been proven to reduce
the degradation of neural pathways and cognitive function that commonly afflicts
people with dementia or Alzheimers disease. Studies have shown myristicin and
macelignan slow those effects, and keep your brain functioning at a normal,
healthy level.
Detoxify the Body: Nutmeg acts as a tonic in many different ways, and therefore
boosts the overall health of your body. More specifically, in terms of the liver and
kidney where many of the toxins are stored and accumulated from the body,
nutmeg can help eliminate them. It literally cleans those organs out of all the
toxins that may be stored there from alcohol, drugs, pollution, food, or natural
organic toxins. Furthermore, active ingredients in nutmeg help to dissolve kidney
stones, and increase 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. The active antibacterial components of
nutmeg means that it helps to fight conditions like halitosis, also known as bad
breath. It kills the bacteria that causes 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.
Insomnia: For generations, nutmeg has been recommended as a home remedy for
sleeplessness and insomnia. A pinch of nutmeg in warm milk always seemed to do
the trick. Nutmeg has a high content 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. This serotonin is changed to
melatonin in the brain, which is a sleep inducer, relieving people of their problems
with insomnia and restlessness at night. Nutmeg also has trace elements of
narcotics, which have no dramatic effect unless taken in massive quantities.
However, even the small amount can help you release various neurotransmitters
than induce relaxation and sleep.
Leukemia: Another of the lesser known qualities of nutmeg is its potential use
against cancerous cells. Studies have shown that a certain methanolic compound
in nutmeg and its essential oil can actuallyinduce cell death (apoptosis) in
leukemia cells, thereby stopping the spread and metastasis of this terrible variety
of cancer that commonly afflicts children.

Skin
Health: Although
the
exact
mechanism is not
fully understood,
herbal
and
traditional
medicines
have
long used nutmeg
to
boost
the
appearance
and health of your
skin.
Most
commonly, it is
applied as paste
mixed with water,
or even honey,
which is also great
for skin care. It
can help to reduce
inflammation and
irritation of the
skin,
promote
hydration and a
smooth
appearance,
as
well as reduce the
signs and marks
from pox, boils,
and acne.
Blood Pressure and Circulation: The mineral content of nutmeg means that it is
valuable in terms of maintaining organ function. Potassium is a vasodilator, which
relaxes blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and lowering the strain on
the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, it facilitates the uptake of nutrients from
food, making digestion and efficient and speedy process. The calcium found in
nutmeg can boost the health of your bones by contributing to repair and growth,

while relieving symptoms of osteoporosis. Finally, the iron content can boost your
red blood cell count and reduce your chances of developing symptoms of iron
deficiency, also known as anemia.
A Few Words of Warning: Nutmeg has come under considerable suspicion since
the cases of accidental poisoning have increased in recent years. Once it was
revealed that excessively consuming nutmeg can have psychotropic,
hallucinatory, or narcotic effects on people, many people tried to duplicate those
effects recreationally. Unfortunately, consuming a huge amount of nutmeg can
seriously complicate your bodily processes, as it is a potent spice meant to be
used in small quantities. Consuming too much nutmeg can result in seizures,
irregular heart palpitations, and vomiting.
When used appropriately, as a spice, the benefits of nutmeg are obvious, but keep
the amount under control, and find your thrills somewhere else!

Amazing Health Benefits of Nutmeg

Just a little nutmeg grated into soup or sauce, or a few drops of nutmeg essential oil rubbed on the skin,
can do a world of good for your health. Take a look at the healing benefits of this rich, aromatic spice.
Nutmeg aids sleep. When we were children, our grandmother would give us a glass of milk with a pinch of
powedered nutmeg. It will help you sleep better, she would say. And it did.
A dusting of nutmeg adds aroma and enhances the taste of your food. It also gives you trace minerals that
keep the immune system strong. Potassium, calcium, iron and manganese are among key minerals found
in nutmeg.
Just a little nutmeg, ground and mixed with water or honey into a paste, can make skin look clearer and
brighter within a few days, reducing scars and alleviating acne. You can also add nutmeg to your face scrub
for the same benefits.
For centuries, nutmeg has been used as a medicinal spice that brings relief from digestive problems. So
grate a little nutmeg into your soups and stews for a boost of flavor and a healthy gut!
The star spice in dental care has traditionally been clove. But few might know that nutmeg too has proven
antibacterial properties that protect the teeth and gums. Nutmeg oil has eugenol, which brings relief from
toothache. Thats why you often find it listed among the ingredients of toothpaste. Combined with
cinnamon, it makes a powerful antiseptic, antimicrobial paste.
Nutmeg keeps the brain sharp! It contains a natural organic compound called myristicin, which is known to
shield your brain against degenerative disease such as Alzheimers.
The essential oil of nutmeg brings relief from muscular and joint pain. Apply it to a localized area of
swelling and discomfort, and feel the pain melt away.
In holistic medicine, nutmeg is often prescribed to rev up blood circulation and treat kidney infections.
Traditional healers believe it also strengthens the liver.

A note of caution: It is almost impossible to overuse nutmeg, because all you need is a tiny dusting of it to
reap its taste and nutrition benefits. Even so, I must state that overuse of nutmeg is known to cause
palpitations, sweating, hallucination and other discomforts, so do use this wonder spice in moderation.

Botanical name: Myristica fragrans

Like many other spices, nutmeg is one of those fragrant additions to food that brings a little
kick of warmth and curious complexity that, once tasted in a dish, can't be done without.
Used in Chinese and East Indian cultures as a curative and aphrodisiac, as well as flavor
enhancer, it was once a rare, costly spice prized by Byzantine traders who obtained it from
Arabia.
The earliest references to the nutmeg tree pinpoint its origin to Moluccas Island, aka Spice
Islands, in the Indonesian rainforest. Nutmeg is actually a fruit with a single seed (which
makes it a drupe), similar in size to an apricot. It's intertwined, one might say, with a softer
substance: mace, another valuable spice harvested at the same time. As the seed matures,
the nutmeg kernel splits from the mace in a sort of lace pattern.
After being harvested, processing these spices is a rather complicated procedure. The
outside of the fruit is removed to expose the kernel. Then, the mace is carefully peeled off,
flattened into strips, and dried before being sold either whole or finely ground. The kernels
are generally sun- or machine-dried for several days or even weeks, until the nutmeg rattles
inside the shell, which is broken, extracted, and soaked in limewater. Then, it's ground into
the spice we buy at the store.
Whole nutmegs, sometimes available in supermarkets, can be ground at home using a
pepper mill, processor, or mortar and pestle. Ground spices release flavor quicker than in
whole form, and freshly ground nutmeg is one spice that imparts a pungency that fades over
several months.
Nutmeg is used for sweet dishes in India and savory ones in the Middle East. In Europe,
potatoes, eggs, and meats are spiced with nutmeg, as well as soups, sauces, and baked
goods.

Health Benefits of Nutmeg

One ounce or 28 grams of ground nutmeg is a lot just a teaspoon can very effectively
flavor an entire batch of oatmeal raisin cookies. But this amount demonstrates its nutritive
benefits. Manganese is the clear winner as far as content, at 41% of the daily recommended
value. It delivers an amazing array of advantages within the body, from blood clotting and
regulating the blood sugar, to metabolizing carbohydrates and absorbing calcium. It also
helps form tissues, bones, and sex hormones.
Copper and magnesium make very respectable contributions with 13% and 14%,
respectively. Essential to human health, copper must be synthesized by the body and
absorbed on a regular basis since it can't be manufactured by itself. Manganese and copper
both contain superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme that repairs cells and reduces the
"oxidative stress" you hear about, which is essentially the same as the beginning of the

"rusting" process inside the cells.

Both nutmeg and mace contain antioxidants and disease-preventing phytochemicals. Some
of these are completely unique. Trimyristin and other essential volatile oils provide the
fragrance and flavor; myristicin and elemicin, ironically, contain properties that soothe, as
well as stimulate areas of your brain, and eugenol is used topically for relieving joint,
muscular and toothache pain. Other oils are safrole, pinene, camphene, dipentene, cineole,
linalool, sabinene, safrole, terpeniol. Released from these are compounds that are
antifungal, antidepressant and gas-inhibitive for more comfortable digestion.
Other health benefits of nutmeg come from potassium (for heart rate and blood pressure
control), zinc, and iron (for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome
oxidases enzymes) as well as B-vitamins, vitamins A and C, folate, riboflavin, niacin, and
the flavonoid antioxidants betacarotene and cryptoxanthin, which are essential for optimum
health.
Interestingly, it's probably the active agent myristicin in nutmeg and mace that imbue
stimulating effects, which, in large amounts, can be narcotic if not downright
hallucinogenic. This compound is also present in parsley, dill, and star anise, but at a much
lesser degree.

Nutmeg Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: An ounce of ground nutmeg (28 grams)
Amt. Per Serving
Calories
Carbohydrates
Sugar
Fiber

147
14 g
8g
6g

Protein

2g

Studies on Nutmeg
Methanol extracts of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) significantly inhibited Jurkat leukemia
cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a university trial, although the mechanism
causing the apoptosis was not clear.1
In another study, scientists evaluated nutmegs bactericidal potential against three types of
streptococcus bacteria. In conclusion, their report outlined the potential effect of ethanol
extracts from nutmeg as a natural agent that can be incorporated in oral care products.

Summary
A rare, costly spice once prized by Byzantine traders, nutmeg has an ancient history for its
curative as well as culinary uses. Originally from the Spice Islands, nutmeg was one of
those sought-after spices that launched a thousand ships. The spice wars between Indonesia,
Portugal, and the Netherlands almost rendered the nutmeg tree extinct, but early
transportation and cultivation saved it for posterity. It's a good thing.
In spite of its time-intensive harvesting process, nutmeg imparts an incredible array of
nutritional benefits such as manganese, copper, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants and
volatile oils that can both soothe and stimulate the brain, relieve joint, muscular, and
toothache pain, and provide antifungal, antidepressant, and gas-inhibitive functions.

Summary
A rare, costly spice once prized by Byzantine traders, nutmeg has an ancient history for its
curative as well as culinary uses. Originally from the Spice Islands, nutmeg was one of
those sought-after spices that launched a thousand ships. The spice wars between Indonesia,
Portugal, and the Netherlands almost rendered the nutmeg tree extinct, but early
transportation and cultivation saved it for posterity. It's a good thing.
In spite of its time-intensive harvesting process, nutmeg imparts an incredible array of
nutritional benefits such as manganese, copper, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants and
volatile oils that can both soothe and stimulate the brain, relieve joint, muscular, and
toothache pain, and provide antifungal, antidepressant, and gas-inhibitive functions.

Summary
A rare, costly spice once prized by Byzantine traders, nutmeg has an ancient history for its
curative as well as culinary uses. Originally from the Spice Islands, nutmeg was one of
those sought-after spices that launched a thousand ships. The spice wars between Indonesia,
Portugal, and the Netherlands almost rendered the nutmeg tree extinct, but early
transportation and cultivation saved it for posterity. It's a good thing.
In spite of its time-intensive harvesting process, nutmeg imparts an incredible array of
nutritional benefits such as manganese, copper, and magnesium, as well as antioxidants and
volatile oils that can both soothe and stimulate the brain, relieve joint, muscular, and
toothache pain, and provide antifungal, antidepressant, and gas-inhibitive functions.

And THAT ! ! ! ! is the NUT ~ MEG Factor