Nutmeg is the seed that is produced by the Myristica fragrans evergreen tree, found in tropical areas all over the world. While the seeds may be small, their nutritional profile is highly impressive, and offers an abundance of health and beauty benefits.
This sweet spice is used in kitchens all over the world, and you don’t have to use large quantities of it as just a dusting is enough to enhance the taste of food. This spice is available in ground or whole form for cooking, and as an essential oil for other purposes.
Some of its beneficial components include iron, potassium, manganese, folate, magnesium, thiamin, copper, and vitamins B1 and B6. It’s also rich in stimulant, carminative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and aphrodisiac properties. All these factors give this spice its long list of health benefits.
Below are the top 10 health benefits of nutmeg:
1. Fights Depression and Anxiety
If you have anxiety or depression, nutmeg is a fantastic natural treatment.
The compounds myristicin and elemicin in nutmeg offer mild sedative and antianxiety benefits by activating the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This also helps us cope with stress.
Method:
1. Mix a pinch of nutmeg powder with 1 tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice.
2. Drink twice a day to calm the mind and relieve depression.
2. Boosts Brain Power
Nutmeg helps keep your brain sharp and healthy. In fact, ancient Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a brain tonic. Myristicin helps improve memory by stimulating the nerves in the brain. It also improves concentration and the ability to focus.
Method:
1. To ensure good brain health, add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm water and drink it before going to bed.
4. Relieves Joint and Muscle Pain
Nutmeg contains many essential volatile oils that that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as elemicin, eugenol, and myristicin. This makes it very useful for treating joint and muscle pain.
• To get relief from painful joints and muscles, mix some nutmeg oil with coconut or olive oil, and apply to the affected areas a few times a day.
• Adding a little nutmeg to your cooking can help reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Treats Acne
Nutmeg’s antioxidant nature means that it can help fight free-radical damage, which is important for maintaining acne-free skin. Furthermore, it can help make acne scars a lot less noticeable.
• Prepare a paste with equal amounts of powdered nutmeg and raw honey. Apply it to the affected area, leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Do this once a day for a few days.
• Alternatively, mix ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg powder with enough milk to make a runny paste. Apply it to the acne-affected area, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. Do this once a day.
7. Prevents Tooth Decay and Cavities
Due to its antibacterial properties, nutmeg can effectively destroy harmful bacteria inside the mouth to help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Furthermore, it’s also effective at preventing and treating bad breath, which is usually caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth.
• Simply grate some nutmeg and mix it with some oregano oil. Brush your teeth with it a few times a week.
• To fight bad breath, put a few drops of nutmeg oil in a glass of lukewarm water, and use it as a mouthwash.
8. Boosts Immunity
Nutmeg can enhance your immunity due to the presence of minerals and vitamins that contribute to its antioxidant action. Antioxidants help to protect your body from free-radical damage, which can otherwise have a negative impact on your immunity, making it hard for your body to fight off infections.
• Consume some nutmeg each day by adding it to your milk, tea, or soup.
Proper detoxification is very important for good health. Nutmeg is very beneficial, as it aids detoxification and improves the function of your liver.
10. Improves Male Libido
Due to its vasodilating and smooth muscle-relaxing properties, the compound eugenol in nutmeg is responsible for its aphrodisiac effect. Plus, it has magnesium and potassium, the essential nutrients required in the production of sex hormones.
Nutmeg helps to cleanse the liver and kidneys of toxins, as well as strengthening their functions. Its high antioxidant content helps activate enzymes in the liver that help to remove toxic compounds. Furthermore, the magnesium in it is required for detoxifying cells.
Important Notes
• Do not consume too much nutmeg as it can be toxic in large doses – do not take more than ½ a teaspoon a day.
• Store this spice in an airtight container and away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight to avoid loss of flavor.
Source: top10homeremedies
Images: depositphotos
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