More information on Nut Meg සාදික්කා – 8 science-backed health benefits of nutmeg. (Part 2)
Posted on December 14th, 2020

Courtesy Healthline .com

Nutmeg is a popular spice made from the seeds of Myristica fragrans, a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia (1Trusted Source).

It can be found in whole-seed form but is most often sold as a ground spice.

It has a warm, slightly nutty flavor and is often used in desserts and curries, as well as drinks like mulled wine and chai tea.

Although it’s more commonly used for its flavor than its health benefits, nutmeg contains an impressive array of powerful compounds that may help prevent disease and promote your overall health.

This article reviews 8 science-backed health benefits of nutmeg.

1. Contains powerful antioxidants

Though small in size, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived are rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body (1Trusted Source).

Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are molecules that have an unpaired electron, which makes them unstable and reactive (2Trusted Source).

When free radical levels become too high in your body, oxidative stress occurs. It’s associated with the onset and progression of many chronic conditions, such as certain cancers and heart and neurodegenerative diseases (3Trusted Source).

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage and keeping your free radical levels in check.

Nutmeg contains an abundance of antioxidants, including plant pigments like cyanidins, essential oils, such as phenylpropanoids and terpenes, and phenolic compounds, including protocatechuic, ferulic, and caffeic acids (1Trusted Source).

One animal study showed that consuming nutmeg extract prevented cellular damage in rats treated with isoproterenol, a medication known to induce severe oxidative stress.

Rats that did not receive the nutmeg extract experienced significant tissue damage and cell death as a result of the treatment. In contrast, rats that received nutmeg extract did not experience these effects (4Trusted Source).

Test-tube studies have also shown that nutmeg extract exhibits powerful antioxidant effects against free radicals (5Trusted Source6Trusted Source7Trusted Source8Trusted Source).

SUMMARYNutmeg is rich in antioxidants, including phenolic compounds, essential oils, and plant pigments, all of which help prevent cellular damage and may protect against chronic diseases.

2. Has anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation is linked to many adverse health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis (9Trusted Source).

Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds called monoterpenes, including sabinene, terpineol, and pinene. These may help reduce inflammation in your body and benefit those with inflammatory conditions (1Trusted Source).

What’s more, the wide array of antioxidants found in the spice, such as cyanidins and phenolic compounds, also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties (1Trusted Source10Trusted Source).

One study injected rats with an inflammation-producing solution and then gave some of them nutmeg oil. Rats that consumed the oil experienced significant reductions in inflammation, inflammation-related pain, and joint swelling (11Trusted Source).

Nutmeg is thought to reduce inflammation by inhibiting enzymes that promote it (11Trusted Source12Trusted Source).

However, more studies are needed to investigate its anti-inflammatory effects in humans.

SUMMARYNutmeg may reduce inflammation by inhibiting certain inflammatory enzymes. More research is needed to investigate its potential effects in humans.

3. May boost libido

Some animal studies show that nutmeg may enhance sex drive and performance.

In one study, male rats that were given high doses of nutmeg extract (227 mg per pound or 500 mg per kg of body weight) experienced significant increases in sexual activity and sexual performance time compared to a control group (13Trusted Source).

A similar study showed that giving male mice this same high dose of nutmeg extract significantly increased their sexual activity compared to a control group (14Trusted Source).

Researchers still aren’t sure exactly how the spice enhances libido. Some surmise these effects are due to its ability to stimulate the nervous system, along with its high content of powerful plant compounds (13Trusted Source).

In traditional medicine, such as the Unani system of medicine used in South Asia, nutmeg is used to treat sexual disorders. However, research on its effects on sexual health in humans is lacking (14Trusted Source15Trusted Source).

SUMMARYSome animal research suggests that high doses of nutmeg may enhance libido and sexual performance. Nevertheless, human research in this area is lacking.

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4. Has antibacterial properties

Nutmeg has been shown to have antibacterial effects against potentially harmful strains of bacteria.

Bacteria like Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans can cause dental cavities and gum disease.

A test-tube study found that nutmeg extract demonstrated powerful antibacterial effects against these and other bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria are known to cause cavities and gum inflammation (16Trusted Source).

Nutmeg has also been found to inhibit the growth of harmful strains of E. coli bacteria, such as O157, which can cause severe illness and even death in humans (1Trusted Source17Trusted Source).

While it’s clear that nutmeg has antibacterial properties, more human studies are needed to determine whether it can treat bacterial infections or prevent bacteria-related oral health issues in humans.

SUMMARYTest-tube studies show that nutmeg has antibacterial effects against potentially harmful bacteria, including E. coli and Streptococcus mutans.

5–7. May benefit various health conditions

Although research is limited, studies suggest that nutmeg may have the following effects:

  1. May benefit heart health. Animal studies show that taking high-dose nutmeg supplements reduced heart disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels, though human research is lacking (18Trusted Source).
  2. Could boost mood. Rodent studies have found that nutmeg extract induced significant antidepressant effects in both mice and rats. Studies are needed to determine if nutmeg extract has the same effect in humans (19Trusted Source20Trusted Source).
  3. May improve blood sugar control. A study in rats showed that treatment with high-dose nutmeg extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels and enhanced pancreatic function (21Trusted Source).

However, these health effects have only been tested in animals using high doses of nutmeg extract.

Human studies are needed to determine whether high-dose supplements of the spice are safe and effective in humans.

SUMMARYAccording to animal research, nutmeg may help boost mood, enhance blood sugar control, and reduce risk factors for heart disease. Studies in humans are needed to further investigate these potential health benefits.

8. Is versatile and delicious

This popular spice has a variety of uses in the kitchen. You can use it alone or pair it with other spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.

It has a warm, sweet flavor, which is why it’s commonly added to desserts, including pies, cakes, cookies, breads, fruit salads, and custards.

It also works well in savory, meat-based dishes, such as pork chops and lamb curry.

Nutmeg can be sprinkled onto starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and pumpkin to create a deep, interesting flavor.

What’s more, you can add it to warm or cold beverages, including apple cider, hot chocolate, chai tea, turmeric lattes, and smoothies.

If you’re using whole nutmeg, grate it with a microplane or grater with smaller holes. Freshly grated nutmeg is delicious on fresh fruit, oatmeal, or yogurt.

SUMMARYNutmeg has a warm, sweet flavor that pairs well with many different sweet and savory foods.

Precautions

Though nutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it in high doses may cause adverse side effects.

It contains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts, they can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination.

Interestingly, nutmeg is sometimes taken recreationally to induce hallucinations and cause a high” feeling. It’s often mixed with other hallucinogenic drugs, which increases the risk of dangerous side effects (22).

In fact, between 2001 and 2011, 32 cases of nutmeg toxicity were reported in the U.S. state of Illinois alone. A whopping 47% of these cases were related to deliberate ingestion by those using nutmeg for its psychoactive effects (22).

Myristicin, the main component of the essential oil found in nutmeg that has powerful psychoactive properties, is thought to be responsible for these toxic effects (23Trusted Source).

Cases of nutmeg intoxication have been reported in people who have ingested 5 grams of nutmeg, which corresponds to about 0.5–0.9 mg of myristicin per pound (1–2 mg per kg) of body weight (24).

Nutmeg toxicity can cause serious symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, and agitation. It may even lead to death when combined with other drugs (25Trusted Source26Trusted Source).

Additionally, studies in mice and rats have shown that taking high doses of nutmeg supplements long term leads to organ damage. However, it’s unclear if humans would also experience these effects (27Trusted Source28Trusted Source29).

It’s important to note that the toxic effects of this spice are linked to the ingestion of large amounts of nutmeg — not the small amounts typically used in the kitchen (24).

To avoid these potentially harmful side effects, avoid consuming large amounts of nutmeg and do not use it as a recreational drug.

SUMMARYNutmeg may cause serious side effects, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and even death, when taken in large doses or combined with other recreational drugs.

The bottom line

Nutmeg is a spice found in many kitchens worldwide. Its warm, nutty flavor pairs well with many foods, making it a popular ingredient in sweet and savory dishes alike.

Aside from its many culinary uses, nutmeg contains powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds that act as antioxidants. These may improve mood, blood sugar control, and heart health, though more research is needed on these effects in humans.

Be careful to enjoy this warming spice in small amounts, as large doses can cause serious side effects.

2 Responses to “More information on Nut Meg සාදික්කා – 8 science-backed health benefits of nutmeg. (Part 2)”

  1. aloy Says:

    Although there are hundreds of ‘hela osu’ or Ayurvedic concoctions are claiming a cure for Covid, to my mind, none can say it is their ‘peniya’ (or syrup) that has cured it as 99.9% of those infected persons recover with natural immunity.
    Sri Lankans take in loads of spices with their food and that might be keeping a well balanced composition in their systems to fight such diseases. Our high humidity and the bright sunshine also may be helping.

    So far overwhelming number of those who have succumbed are very old city dwellers living in polluted environments in my observation.

    However these may be helpful in the long run rather than vaccines that might damage the natural immune system.
    But, someone can say who am I to give such advice, which are confined to expert medics?.

  2. aloy Says:

    Please correct the last line as:

    “But someone can say who am I to air such views publicly, when it is the medical experts who should say so.”

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