10 Benefits of Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a spice that comes from Indonesia but is used all over the world. While it is very well known it is not used as commonly as some other spices. It tends to be used only in small amounts but can still help to make a dish complete.
In addition to cooking, nutmeg is used as a remedy for a variety of problems. Its properties are well known and have been used by some of our earliest civilizations. While it does have some medicinal uses, though, it should not be taken in large doses as it is known to have some psychoactive side effects.
Nutmeg Benefit #1: Anti-Depression
Depression is an affliction that can affect people from all walks of life, no matter how well they may otherwise be. It is being studied intensely to help us understand it better, and we do have drugs that can help alleviate the symptoms at least. People also tend to look for natural remedies, and nutmeg is one of them.
Nutmeg contains elemicin and myristicin, which are both mild sedatives. These can activate dopamine and serotonin in the brain, helping to overcome depression. Remember that professional help should always be sought as a priority for anybody that is known to suffer from depression.
Nutmeg Benefit #2: Pain Relief
Aches and pains can become quite common, particularly as we get older. Some people also develop conditions such as arthritis which can be a constant source of pain. There is a compound found in nutmeg that is similar to menthol and has pain-relief properties.
Tests in rats have indicated that nutmeg oil contains properties that help to alleviate swelling. These properties can help to alleviate pain in conditions such as arthritis. It is thought that using nutmeg as an ingredient in cooking can help relieve pain, while nutmeg oils can be used as a topical application when mixed with some other natural oils.
Nutmeg Benefit #3: Oral Health
Not only can oral complications be physically very painful, they can also be quite embarrassing. A build-up of bacteria in the mouth can cause halitosis, which can be quite noticeable to other people. The good news, though, is that nutmeg has properties that can help to fight halitosis and other oral complications.
Nutmeg contains anti-bacterial elements that combat the bacteria that cause halitosis. The spice has long been used in halitosis remedies and it is still used today in modern treatments and toiletries. Many mouthwashes and toothpastes, for example, will contain some nutmeg extracts for their ability to combat bad breath.
Nutmeg Benefit #4: Helps with Detox
Our bodies are quite effective at being able to filter out the toxins, but they could do with a little help from time to time. The liver and kidneys, in particular, can come under a lot of strain and be in the need for a boost. Fortunately, there are compounds in nutmeg that will help to clean these organs to help make sure they work as effectively as possible.
The liver contains enzymes that help to remove toxic compounds from the organ, and nutmeg contains compounds that help activate these enzymes. It also helps to detoxify cells thanks to magnesium that is present in the spice.
Nutmeg Benefit #5: Treats Leukaemia
Leukaemia is among the worst of all types of cancer, partly because very young children are often victims. Researchers continue in their quest for an answer, though, and it may lie in nutmeg. The spice has shown that it has some properties that could help in the fight against this awful disease.
Some compounds in leukaemia have been shown to be able to kill leukaemia cells, helping to prevent it from spreading. A lot of work remains to be done, but hopefully, nutmeg will hold the answers. For now, though, medical expert advice should always be followed in dealing with leukaemia.
Nutmeg Benefit #6: Treats Acne
Nutmeg has been part of traditional medicines for a very long time, including those that are used to treat the skin. Nutmeg’s anti-oxidant properties will help to prevent acne from occurring in the first place. In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties can help to relieve the symptoms and improve the sufferer’s physical appearance.
Treatments involve topical applications made from pastes using nutmeg and other ingredients such as honey or milk. The paste should be applied once a day and left on for 20-30 minutes before washing off. Many people feel the paste improves the overall complexion in addition to helping combat acne.
Nutmeg Benefit #7: Brain Booster
As we get older, we often wonder if our brains are not working as well as they used to be. We know that our ability to learn is much greater when we are young. There are also conditions such as Alzheimer’s that can cause considerable loss of function. It is thought, though, that nutmeg can be used to boost and maintain brain function.
It has been thought since at least the time of the ancient Greeks that nutmeg was a brain booster. Modern research shows that nutmeg can stimulate nerves in the brain thanks to a compound known as myristicin.
Nutmeg Benefit #8: Improves Digestion
Having a healthy digestive system is important to our bodies in so many ways. It is important that we are able to digest our food fully in order to get the nutrients we need from it. A healthy digestive system is also less likely to cause physical pain and discomfort often associated with digestive complications.
Nutmeg has been shown to encourage the release of juices that are responsible for breaking down our food. Tests on animals have also shown that it can help to overcome diarrhoea, while it also contains fibre which is well known for its ability to aid digestion.
Nutmeg Benefit #9: Helps with Sleep
Millions of people worldwide suffer from sleep disorders, and it can have a hugely negative effect on their lives. While there are drugs available, they can have negative side effects, so most people look for natural remedies instead. One such remedy is the use of nutmeg.
Nutmeg contains magnesium, while is able to reduce tension and stimulate the secretion of the hormone serotonin. This hormone helps us to feel relaxed and can also be converted into another hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that is responsible for making us feel tired and can help make sure we get a good night’s sleep.
Nutmeg Benefit #10: Immune System
We don’t notice it, but our bodies are constantly battling against potentially harmful pathogens that could make us quite ill. A strong immune system is usually able to fight off these pathogens, but it can occasionally become inundated and start losing the battle.
Nutmeg is full of properties that help to boost the immune system, helping to keep us free from illness. The spice is full of minerals that help to strengthen our immune systems, while anti-oxidants helps to prevent damage that can weaken us and cause us to become ill. Studies have also shown that nutmeg has anti-bacterial abilities.
