Benefits Of Nutmeg: A Miracle Spice!
Nutmeg is a spice native to Indonesia, which has medicinal properties. People use this spice in gastronomy because it offers a wonderful flavor to many recipes. Many people prefer to press it over the dishes, and others use it in the form of tea. In this article, we will present the most important benefits of nutmeg.
Among other things, this spice is rich in vitamins A, B and C. Nutmeg also contains minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and potassium. Therefore, it is nutritious and very beneficial for health.
Benefits of nutmeg: a miracle spice!
Provides liver protection
Nutmeg has the ability to combat hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, damage to heart tissue and hepatotoxicity. Although most studies confirming this have been performed in mice, experts have observed effective liver protection.
In addition, due to its content of monoterpenes, nutmeg protects you against heart disease. These compounds have anticoagulant properties and prevent certain diseases, such as venous thrombosis.
Other benefits of nutmeg include its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Nutmeg can help relieve joint pain and combat pain caused by chronic inflammation. Experts have conducted studies on this issue in mice and will test the theory in human subjects.
It has an exfoliating action
The combination of nutmeg powder with honey results in an effective remedy for certain skin conditions. You can use the resulting product as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and clean up excess sebum from the pores.
Moreover, you can prepare masks to fight acne with this spice. Its antiseptic and regenerating effects make nutmeg an ideal ingredient for curing acne.
Nutmeg can be toxic in large quantities
Excessive consumption of nutmeg (one to three nuts) can cause side effects. The volatile oils it contains (alkylbenzene derivatives, terpenes and myristic acid) can cause nausea, hallucinations, inflammation and shock. Therefore, it is important to consume this spice in moderation.
In some cases, nutmeg can provide relaxing sensations similar to those given by cannabis use. However, overdose often causes dehydration and generalized pain. Its effects last more than 24 hours and can even exceed 36 hours.
In addition, it is not clear which of the nutmeg compounds has a higher toxicity. Experts believe that myristicin may be oxidized to a more water-soluble amphetamine metabolite.
Shapes of nutmeg
On the market you can find whole nutmeg, ground nutmeg and nutmeg essential oil. The latter is obtained by distilling ground nutmeg and is mainly used in the pharmaceutical and perfumery industries. The oil also contains compounds of interest to the oleochemical industry and is used as a flavoring. In addition, people can use nutmeg oil for the treatment of rheumatic pain and toothache (as a first aid measure).
You can also buy nutmeg butter, which is a semi-solid brown substance. 75% of it is trimyristine, which can become myristic acid. People use this fatty acid as a substitute for cocoa butter and as an industrial lubricant.
Conclusion
Nutmeg is a food with multiple culinary uses. But in addition to its organoleptic potential, there are also health benefits of nutmeg. These have been scientifically proven.
Despite the need for additional studies on human subjects, moderate use of nutmeg can help treat certain diseases or symptoms. However, nutmeg does not offer miraculous solutions. Always consume it in moderation to prevent an overdose.
Nutrition experts do not recommend exceeding the recommended daily amount of nutmeg. If you consume a larger amount, go to the doctor quickly to prevent further problems.
