Friday, March 29, 2024
Nature's Pharmacy

7 Health Benefits of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Nutmeg is scientifically known as Myristica fragrans. It’s intriguing that this tree is the home of mace, the dried reddish seed coating, a spice that is both rare and highly strong. The aroma of nutmeg is really strong. It tastes slightly sweet and has a nutty flavor.

Although using nutmeg in moderation as part of a healthy diet is completely safe, going overboard with it can actually have a negative impact on your health.

This is due to the presence of a particular substance called myristicin, which may have psychedelic characteristics. Although this spice has the largest proportion of myristicin, other plant sources, such as dill and parsley, also contain myristicin.

Generally speaking, it’s advised to limit intake to no more than 10 grams at a time. This equals roughly 1.5 tablespoons of ground nutmeg.

The whole nutmeg has long been a staple in many types of traditional medicine because of its great therapeutic effects.

Its fragrant, astringent qualities are employed in Ayurvedic medicine to aid in enhancing digestive health and reducing diarrhea. To encourage relaxation, reduce tension, and avoid sleeplessness, it is also said to work as a sedative and quiet the nerves.

Meanwhile, this spice contains heated, acrid characteristics, according to research. The condition of the spleen, stomach, and large intestine may be affected. Additionally, it is thought to stimulate the stomach, improve circulation, and reduce digestive discomfort.

Although there are many advantages to nutmeg, there can also be some negative effects from frequent ingestion. Because it has a high concentration of the hallucinogenic chemical myristicin, consumption should be moderate to prevent adverse effects.

So what negative impacts does nutmeg have? Increased heart rate, nausea, convulsions, discomfort, hallucinations, and changes in mood or behavior are just a few of the symptoms that might result from a nutmeg high or poisoning.

What quantity of nutmeg is safe? To minimize negative health consequences, it is normally advised to limit consumption to less than 10 grams, or roughly 1.5 tablespoons, every sitting.

Read Also: 8 Unique Health Benefits of Sorrel

7 Health Benefits of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

7 Health Benefits of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

1. Anti-inflammatory

This spice might be able to assist relieve your pain if you experience persistent, chronic discomfort. One of the nutmeg’s top potential health advantages is a reduction in pain. It may be especially helpful for pain brought on by inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

Inflammatory joint pain may be lessened and swollen with nutmeg oil. The National Institute of Hygiene Sciences of Japan National Institute of Hygiene Sciences did another study that demonstrated the effectiveness of certain chemicals discovered in the seed in reducing inflammation in mice.

2. Improves Brain Health

Although the majority of the study to date has used animal models and in vitro experiments, there is some evidence that nutmeg may have neuroprotective qualities that could improve brain health and ward against disease.

According to an animal study, the volatile oils derived from the seed have the ability to change the concentrations of particular neurotransmitters in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that is principally responsible for memory.

Several neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, may benefit from this, say the researchers. However, more studies are required to determine whether these findings also apply to people.

3. Improves Better Sleep

A popular natural treatment for insomnia and to encourage better sleep is a sprinkling of nutmeg in a glass of warm milk. But can nutmeg really promote sleep, or is this just a myth?

Studies on the qualities of this spice that combat insomnia has shown that it may be a useful treatment to assist in better sleep. In one study, it was discovered that consuming nutmeg-containing capsules for four weeks helped with sleeplessness symptoms, mood, and weakness.

Similarly to this, a study on animals that appeared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology revealed that giving hens nutmeg extract increased their sleep time by a significant amount.

Read Also: 3 Health Benefits of Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)

4. Boosts Heart Health

By pumping blood throughout the body to give the tissues the oxygen and nutrition they require to operate and grow, the heart plays a crucial role in maintaining good health.

According to a promising study, nutmeg can enhance several heart health conditions, keeping your heart robust and healthy while warding off disease.

For instance, a 2016 study using animals discovered that the seeds were successful in reducing total and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in rats, both of which are risk factors for coronary heart disease.

Another investigation using rabbits revealed that nutmeg extract reduced triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, and both. Additionally, it assisted in preventing blood clot formation. This might help with situations like stroke prevention.

5. Antioxidants

Nutmeg and its extracts have the potential to be antioxidants, according to numerous research studies. It might contain potent substances including flavonoids, alkaloids, and myristicin, which could support your body’s natural ability to scavenge free radicals. You might feel less oxidative stress after doing this.

Additionally, scientists have discovered that malignant, which is perhaps present in nutmeg, may have an anti-photoaging impact on human skin. Your skin is shielded from UVB rays by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound malignant.

6. Skin Care

Nutmeg has long been used in herbal and conventional medications to improve the look and health of the skin. Most frequently, it is applied as a paste made from a combination of water and/or honey, both of which are beneficial to the skin.

A study found that using nutmeg to treat skin infections had excellent results. It’s interesting to note that another study discovered that nutmeg and the bioactive substances it may contain, such as Maceligignan, may have assisted in preventing premature aging brought on by protracted exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The benefits of nutmeg oil for the skin are also well documented.

7. Oral Health

Additionally, studies suggest that the nutmeg constituents myristic acid and trimyristin may have had potent antibacterial properties. The methanol extract in nutmeg may offer anti-cariogenic effects that guard against dental caries and tooth disease.

Another antibacterial compound in this spice called malignant may assist in reducing the activity of the bacteria that cause cavities. Additionally, a study carried out contends that nutmeg oil applied topically could ease toothaches.

Read Also: 6 Health Benefits of Vitex (Vitex agnus-catus)

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Agric4Profits

Benadine Nonye is an agricultural consultant and a writer with over 12 years of professional experience in the agriculture industry. - National Diploma in Agricultural Technology - Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science - Master's Degree in Science Education... Visit My Websites On: 1. Agric4Profits.com - Your Comprehensive Practical Agricultural Knowledge and Farmer’s Guide Website! 2. WealthinWastes.com - For Effective Environmental Management through Proper Waste Management and Recycling Practices! Join Me On: Twitter: @benadinenonye - Instagram: benadinenonye - LinkedIn: benadinenonye - YouTube: Agric4Profits TV and WealthInWastes TV - Pinterest: BenadineNonye4u - Facebook: BenadineNonye

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