Five Health Benefits of Nutmeg

Nutmeg is one of the spices that grow on the evergreen trees. Its scientific classification is Myristica fragrans, also known as common nutmeg. It is native to islands near Indonesia, but is now a globally used spice. It is commonly grown in the Caribbean, other tropical areas of the world and also the Southern part of India in the state of Kerala. Nutmeg is a delicate, slightly sweet spice that is widely used in cuisines around the world, including both Asian and western recipes. The essential oils from the extract of nutmeg are highly beneficial to health, and are frequently used in herbal medicines. Like many other spices it is one of those fragrant additions to food that brings a little kick of warmth and curious complexity Apart from being used in various cuisines around the world it has beneficial properties like -

1. Detoxification of your body - It is a natural tonic for the body which helps to improve one's overall health. It helps in the detoxification of the accumulated wastes which are stored in the liver and kidney and eliminates them. It cleanses all toxins that may be stored in the kidney and liver from alcohol, drugs, pollution, food or natural organic toxins. Furthermore, active ingredients in nutmeg help to dissolve kidney stones, and increase overall functioning and efficiency of the kidney and liver.

2. Insomnia - Nutmeg has a high content of magnesium, an essential mineral in the body that reduces nerve tension, and even stimulates the release of serotonin which is a hormone that creates the feelings of relaxation or sedation. This is why it is commonly used to treat sleeplessness and insomnia. Serotonin is changed to melatonin in the brain, which is a sleep inducer. Just add a pinch of nutmeg to a class of warm milk to rectify your insomnia.

3. Pain relief - It contains similar compounds as menthol, which has natural pain-relieving characteristics. Therefore, by adding nutmeg as a spice in your cooking, you can reduce associated pain from wounds, injuries, strains, and chronic inflammation from conditions like arthritis.

4. Digestion - It is an excellent spice to aid indigestion and other common stomach complications like acidity, it increases appetite which is especially helpful for children who are problem eaters. It also induces the secretion of various gastric and intestinal juices that ease the digestive processes. Just sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on salads, desserts or any other dish to improve digestion. Since nutmeg is rich in fiber and contains essential compounds it helps to relieve stomach aches and constipation.

5. Oral problems - Nutmeg is considered the king of spices when it comes to oral health. The active antibacterial components of nutmeg help to fight against conditions like halitosis, also known as bad breath. It kills the bacteria that causes this embarrassing condition, and generally boosts the immunity of your gums and teeth. This is why nutmeg and its extracts are commonly found in toothpastes and mouthwashes, particularly in organic or herbal varieties. This wonder spice is also very effective to cure gum disease and prevent dental plaque and bacterial growth in the mouth. You can either use a tooth paste that contains nutmeg or directly apply nutmeg essential oil to affected areas.

6. Improves brain function - One of the lesser known benefits of adding nutmeg in any variety to your diet are the various components of its essential oil, called myristicin and macelignan. These compounds have been proven to reduce the degradation of neural pathways and cognitive function that commonly afflicts people with dementia and alzheimer's disease.