{"id":109728,"date":"2020-12-14T17:05:19","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T00:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/?p=109728"},"modified":"2020-12-15T08:17:48","modified_gmt":"2020-12-15T15:17:48","slug":"more-information-on-nut-meg-%e0%b7%83%e0%b7%8f%e0%b6%af%e0%b7%92%e0%b6%9a%e0%b7%8a%e0%b6%9a%e0%b7%8f","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/2020\/12\/14\/more-information-on-nut-meg-%e0%b7%83%e0%b7%8f%e0%b6%af%e0%b7%92%e0%b6%9a%e0%b7%8a%e0%b6%9a%e0%b7%8f\/","title":{"rendered":"More information on Nut Meg \u0dc3\u0dcf\u0daf\u0dd2\u0d9a\u0dca\u0d9a\u0dcf – 8 science-backed health benefits of nutmeg. (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Courtesy Healthline .com<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n

Nutmeg is a popular spice made from the seeds of Myristica fragrans<\/em>, a tropical evergreen tree native to Indonesia (1Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can be found in whole-seed form but is most often sold as a ground spice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article reviews 8 science-backed health benefits of nutmeg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Contains powerful antioxidants<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though\nsmall in size, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived are rich in plant\ncompounds that act as antioxidants in your body (1Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antioxidants\nare compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.\nThese are molecules that have an unpaired electron, which makes them unstable\nand reactive (2Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When\nfree radical levels become too high in your body, oxidative stress occurs. It\u2019s\nassociated with the onset and progression of many chronic conditions, such as\ncertain cancers and heart and neurodegenerative diseases (3Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antioxidants\nneutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage and keeping your free\nradical levels in check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutmeg\ncontains an abundance of antioxidants, including plant pigments like\ncyanidins, essential oils<\/a>, such as phenylpropanoids and\nterpenes, and phenolic compounds, including protocatechuic, ferulic, and\ncaffeic acids (1Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One\nanimal study showed that consuming nutmeg extract prevented cellular damage in\nrats treated with isoproterenol, a medication known to induce severe oxidative\nstress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rats\nthat did not receive the nutmeg extract experienced significant tissue damage\nand cell death as a result of the treatment. In contrast, rats that received\nnutmeg extract did not experience these effects (4Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test-tube\nstudies have also shown that nutmeg extract exhibits powerful antioxidant\neffects against free radicals (5Trusted Source<\/a>, 6Trusted Source<\/a>, 7Trusted Source<\/a>, 8Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUMMARY<\/strong>Nutmeg is rich in antioxidants, including phenolic\ncompounds, essential oils, and plant pigments, all of which help prevent\ncellular damage and may protect against chronic diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Has anti-inflammatory properties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chronic\ninflammation is linked to many adverse health conditions, such as heart\ndisease, diabetes, and arthritis (9Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutmeg\nis rich in anti-inflammatory compounds called monoterpenes, including sabinene,\nterpineol, and pinene. These may help reduce inflammation in your body and\nbenefit those with inflammatory conditions (1Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s\nmore, the wide array of antioxidants found in the spice, such as cyanidins and\nphenolic compounds, also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties (1Trusted Source<\/a>, 10Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One\nstudy injected rats with an inflammation-producing solution and then gave some\nof them nutmeg oil. Rats that consumed the oil experienced significant\nreductions in inflammation, inflammation-related pain, and joint swelling (11Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutmeg\nis thought to reduce inflammation<\/a> by inhibiting enzymes\nthat promote it (11Trusted Source<\/a>, 12Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However,\nmore studies are needed to investigate its anti-inflammatory effects in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUMMARY<\/strong>Nutmeg may reduce inflammation by inhibiting certain\ninflammatory enzymes. More research is needed to investigate its potential\neffects in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. May boost libido<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some\nanimal studies show that nutmeg may enhance sex drive<\/a> and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In\none study, male rats that were given high doses of nutmeg extract (227 mg per\npound or 500 mg per kg of body weight) experienced significant increases in\nsexual activity and sexual performance time compared to a control group (13Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\nsimilar study showed that giving male mice this same high dose of nutmeg\nextract significantly increased their sexual activity compared to a control\ngroup (14Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researchers\nstill aren\u2019t sure exactly how the spice enhances libido. Some surmise these\neffects are due to its ability to stimulate the nervous system, along with its\nhigh content of powerful plant compounds (13Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In\ntraditional medicine, such as the Unani system of medicine used in South Asia,\nnutmeg is used to treat sexual disorders. However, research on its effects on\nsexual health in humans is lacking (14Trusted Source<\/a>, 15Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUMMARY<\/strong>Some animal research suggests that high doses of\nnutmeg may enhance libido and sexual performance. Nevertheless, human research\nin this area is lacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4. Has antibacterial properties<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutmeg\nhas been shown to have antibacterial effects against potentially harmful\nstrains of bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bacteria\nlike Streptococcus mutans <\/em>and Aggregatibacter\nactinomycetemcomitans <\/em>can cause dental cavities and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A\ntest-tube study found that nutmeg extract demonstrated powerful antibacterial\neffects against these and other bacteria, including Porphyromonas\ngingivalis<\/em>. These bacteria are known to cause cavities and gum inflammation\n(16Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutmeg\nhas also been found to inhibit the growth of harmful strains of E. coli<\/em> bacteria,\nsuch as O157, which can cause severe illness and even death in humans (1Trusted Source<\/a>, 17Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While\nit\u2019s clear that nutmeg has antibacterial properties, more human studies are\nneeded to determine whether it can treat bacterial infections or prevent\nbacteria-related oral health issues in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUMMARY<\/strong>Test-tube studies show that nutmeg has antibacterial\neffects against potentially harmful bacteria, including E. coli<\/em> and Streptococcus\nmutans<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5\u20137. May benefit various health conditions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although\nresearch is limited, studies suggest that nutmeg may have the following\neffects:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. May\n benefit heart health.<\/strong> Animal studies show that taking high-dose\n nutmeg supplements reduced heart disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol<\/a> and high\n triglyceride levels, though human research is lacking (18Trusted\n Source<\/a>).<\/li>
  2. Could\n boost mood. <\/strong>Rodent studies have found that nutmeg extract\n induced significant antidepressant effects in both mice and rats. Studies\n are needed to determine if nutmeg extract has the same effect in humans (19Trusted Source<\/a>, 20Trusted\n Source<\/a>).<\/li>
  3. May\n improve blood sugar control.<\/strong> A study in rats showed that treatment with\n high-dose nutmeg extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels<\/a> and\n enhanced pancreatic function (21Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    However,\nthese health effects have only been tested in animals using high doses of\nnutmeg extract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Human\nstudies are needed to determine whether high-dose supplements of the spice are\nsafe and effective in humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    SUMMARY<\/strong>According to animal research, nutmeg may help boost\nmood, enhance blood sugar control, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.\nStudies in humans are needed to further investigate these potential health\nbenefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. Is versatile and delicious<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This\npopular spice has a variety of uses in the kitchen. You can use it alone or\npair it with other spices<\/a>, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and\ncloves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\nhas a warm, sweet flavor, which is why it\u2019s commonly added to desserts,\nincluding pies, cakes, cookies, breads, fruit salads, and custards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\nalso works well in savory, meat-based dishes, such as pork chops and lamb\ncurry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nutmeg\ncan be sprinkled onto starchy vegetables<\/a> like sweet potatoes, butternut\nsquash, and pumpkin to create a deep, interesting flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What\u2019s\nmore, you can add it to warm or cold beverages, including apple cider, hot\nchocolate, chai tea, turmeric lattes, and smoothies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If\nyou\u2019re using whole nutmeg, grate it with a microplane or grater with smaller\nholes. Freshly grated nutmeg is delicious on fresh fruit, oatmeal, or yogurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    SUMMARY<\/strong>Nutmeg has a warm, sweet flavor that pairs well with\nmany different sweet and savory foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Precautions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Though\nnutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it\nin high doses may cause adverse side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\ncontains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts,\nthey can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Interestingly,\nnutmeg is sometimes taken recreationally to induce hallucinations and cause a\nhigh\u201d feeling. It\u2019s often mixed with other hallucinogenic drugs, which\nincreases the risk of dangerous side effects (22<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In\nfact, between 2001 and 2011, 32 cases of nutmeg toxicity were reported in the\nU.S. state of Illinois alone. A whopping 47% of these cases were related to\ndeliberate ingestion by those using nutmeg for its psychoactive effects (22<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Myristicin,\nthe main component of the essential oil found in nutmeg that has powerful\npsychoactive properties, is thought to be responsible for these toxic effects (23Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cases\nof nutmeg intoxication have been reported in people who have ingested 5 grams\nof nutmeg, which corresponds to about 0.5\u20130.9 mg of myristicin per pound (1\u20132\nmg per kg) of body weight (24<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nutmeg\ntoxicity can cause serious symptoms, such as rapid heartbeat, nausea,\ndisorientation, vomiting, and agitation. It may even lead to death when\ncombined with other drugs (25Trusted Source<\/a>, 26Trusted Source<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally,\nstudies in mice and rats have shown that taking high doses of nutmeg\nsupplements long term leads to organ damage. However, it\u2019s unclear if humans\nwould also experience these effects (27Trusted Source<\/a>, 28Trusted Source<\/a>, 29<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It\u2019s\nimportant to note that the toxic effects of this spice are linked to the\ningestion of large amounts of nutmeg \u2014 not the small amounts typically used in\nthe kitchen (24<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To\navoid these potentially harmful side effects, avoid consuming large amounts of\nnutmeg and do not use it as a recreational drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    SUMMARY<\/strong>Nutmeg may cause serious side effects, such as\nhallucinations, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, and even death, when taken\nin large doses or combined with other recreational drugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The\nbottom line<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nutmeg\nis a spice found in many kitchens worldwide. Its warm, nutty flavor pairs well\nwith many foods, making it a popular ingredient in sweet and savory dishes\nalike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Aside\nfrom its many culinary uses, nutmeg contains powerful anti-inflammatory plant\ncompounds that act as antioxidants. These may improve mood, blood sugar\ncontrol, and heart health, though more research is needed on these effects in\nhumans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Be\ncareful to enjoy this warming spice in small amounts, as large doses can cause\nserious side effects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[122],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-109728","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109728","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109728"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109728\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109728"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109728"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lankaweb.com\/news\/items\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109728"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}