Grounded nutmeg seed is one of the most popular spices in the world. It has not only been used as spice for many centuries but also been used as medicine for various illnesses. In ancient times, nutmeg was among the most expensive spices in which the price of a bag of the spice was enough to provide an ordinary man a comfortable life. The price has been very reasonable at that time since nutmeg was in limited supply. Expensive commercial expeditions were sent to the Far East (e.g. Moluccas Islands) to get nutmeg for European customers. Nutmeg has unique aroma and taste that gives food wonderful flavor.
Nutmeg tree (Myristica fragrans) grows in tropical areas including Southeast Asia, Caribbean islands, and India. The evergreen tree grows as tall as 70 feet. When it reaches reproductive stage, it produces a yellow and edible fleshy fruit that is about the size of pear. Inside the fruit is a hard egg-shaped seed of about 20 mm to 30 mm long and 15 mm to 18 mm wide, and 5 to 10 grams in weight. The seed has a red hard covering called aril which can be dried and grounded to make the popular spice mace. Nutmeg seed is grounded to make the popular spice used in cooking and cooking. A very important substance that can be extracted in nutmeg seed is essential oil. Steam distillation is the method used to extract oil from nutmeg. Nutmeg oil, which retains the aromatic flavor, is both used in cooking and treating diseases. Below are some of known health benefits of nutmeg.
[ad#co-1]
Health Benefits of Nutmeg
- Nutmeg helps detoxify our liver and kidneys. It contains potent antioxidants which eradicate free radicals – highly unstable compounds that can cause cellular damage.
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties; hence, it can be used to relieve rheumatic pain, muscle pain, neuralgia, sciatica, menstrual cramp, and toothache. Warm nutmeg oil is applied to the affected area.
- Nutmeg oil is added to cough syrups.
- Nutmeg is used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as flatulence, diarrhea, and indigestion.
- Nutmeg has beneficial effects to the cardiovascular system such as improving blood circulation and lowering of blood pressure.
- Nutmeg can improve concentration and help reduce stress.
- There are claims that nutmeg helps in dissolving kidney stones.
- Nutmeg can be helpful to people suffering from insomnia because it induces sleep by boosting serotonin production.
- Nutmeg is also an aphrodisiac. It is believed that nutmeg cure impotence, premature ejaculation, and low libido.
Safety Concern
Nutmeg should be taken in moderation because too much consumption of it can cause hallucination, convulsion, palpitation, vomiting, nausea, and dehydration.[ad#afterpost]