Nutmeg 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Nutmeg 100 g ($12.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients and Compounds

Nutrition value as per 100 g of ground Nutmeg

Calories Total Fat Sodium Potassium Carbohydrates Dietary Fiber Sugar Protein

525 36 g 16 mg 350 mg 49 g 21 g 28 g 6 g

Antioxidants  Though small in size, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived are rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body (1). 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 (2). 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 (3). 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 (1).

One animal study showed that consuming nutmeg 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 did not experience these effects (4). Test-tube studies have also shown that nutmeg exhibits powerful antioxidant effects against free radicals (5, 6, 7, 8). Antioxidants scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Chronic oxidative stress is associated with an increased risk of disease.

Nutmeg contains antioxidants, including:

• Vitamins
• Carotenoids (beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin)
• Terpenoids
• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Lignans
• Phenolic compounds

Research done in test tubes has validated the antioxidant effects of nutmeg extract.⁶ However, more studies in humans are needed to determine the effects of these antioxidants.

Anti-Inflammatory  Chronic inflammation is linked to many adverse health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis (9). 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 (1). The wide array of antioxidants found in the spice, such as cyanidins and phenolic compounds, also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties (1, 10).

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 (11). Nutmeg is thought to reduce inflammation by inhibiting enzymes that promote it (11, 12). However, more studies are needed to investigate its anti-inflammatory effects in humans.

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 (13). 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 (14). 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 (13).

In traditional medicine, such as the Unani system of medicine used in South Asia, nutmeg is used to treat sexual disorders. Research on its effects on sexual health in humans is lacking (14, 15). Supplemental nutmeg extracts enhanced libido (sex drive) in male rats. Male rats were given 50% ethanol nutmeg extract in varying doses: 100, 250, and 500 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of weight (mg/kg) for seven days. In the rats, 500 mg/kg produced a significant change in sexual activity.⁸ Researchers suggest this is due to nutmeg extract’s effects on the central nervous system. Human studies are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of using nutmeg for libido.

Anti-Bacterial  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 demonstrated powerful antibacterial effects against these and other bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria are known to cause cavities and gum inflammation (16). 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 (1, 17). 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.

Oral Health  Nutmeg has antibacterial properties which cleanses the mouth of bacteria. It protects the teeth and gums from cavities, toothache, tooth decay, yellowing of teeth and bad breath. Nutmeg has magnesium and antioxidants which help in maintaining the dental and oral health by strengthening the teeth.

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 (19, 20).

Blood Sugar. Nutmeg maintains the glucose levels in the body. It has triterpenes compounds which are anti-diabetic in nature. It reduces high blood sugar levels which are responsible for giving rise to other severe diseases. High blood sugar level also led to obesity and high blood pressure levels which can result in heart disease. If you suffer from diabetes, consume a tablespoon of nutmeg powder with black pepper daily for effective diabetes treatment.

A study in rats showed that treatment with high-dose nutmeg extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels and enhanced pancreatic function (21). These health effects have only been tested in animals using high doses of nutmeg.

Skin
Hyperpigmentation  Nutmeg combats hyperpigmentation and discoloration caused on the skin due to hormonal changes in the body, aging, medication, exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, etc. There can be several other reasons for hyperpigmentation as well. Melanin present in the skin darkens and causes dark spots, uneven skin tone, discoloration around lips and forehead. You can use nutmeg to counter the effect by adding it to your face masks, scrubs or even by consuming it directly through mouth. Combine it with lemon juice for effective results.

Exfoliation  Nutmeg has tiny scruffy particles filled with antioxidants and natural nutrients which help in exfoliating the skin. It extracts the layers of dead skin cells on the face, remove blackheads and whiteheads, release clogged pores and combat acne. It leaves the skin smooth, soft and supple. It removes the accumulated oil, dirt and grime on the face. It reduces the pores, blemishes, acne scarring and dark spots on the face. Make a face mask of nutmeg using honey, baking soda, clove oil and lemon juice. Combine all the ingredients together into a paste and apply a layer all over the face.

Oily Hair  Nutmeg exfoliates the dead skin cells and extracts the impurities accumulated on the scalp. It extracts the excess oil which clogs the pores of the scalp. Nutmeg balances the level of natural oils on the scalp. Oily scalp is the reason for stringy and sticky hair. It gives rise to scalp infections like eczema, fungus, dandruff, etc. Apply a nutmeg hair mask by combining it with yogurt and lemon juice. The citrus helps in removing excess oil from the scalp.

Scalp Infections  Nutmeg combats oily hair and excess sebum produced on the scalp which is mainly responsible for the growth of fungus and bacteria. Oily hair causes patchy, scaly skin, it increases itching and accumulation of dirt on the hair. Nutmeg exfoliates and extracts all the impurities which attract bacteria. Nutmeg reduces scalp infection as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes and calms broken skin. Combine nutmeg with aloe vera and apply it over the scalp for best results.

Dandruff  Nutmeg acts as a cleaning and exfoliating agent. Besides combating excess oil, it removes accumulated dandruff from the scalp. It acts against the bacteria responsible for the growth of dandruff. It cleanses dandruff off the scalp and prevents further accumulation in the future. Apply a nutmeg hair mask for dandruff using yogurt and lemon juice for effectively extracting dandruff from the scalp.

Cancer Prevention  Nutmeg has antioxidants which prevent the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Studies have shown that use nutmeg delays the formation of blood vessels responsible for giving rise to tumors. It prevents colon cancer and pancreatic cancer. You should consume nutmeg daily with milk or honey for effectively preventing growth of cancer.

Joint Pain  Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties which help in treating chronic muscle and joint pain. Nutmeg has a high content of magnesium which gets absorbed quickly into the skin. Magnesium is known to reduce muscle ache. It soothes and calms the muscles and joints. You can apply nutmeg by combining it with cayenne pepper for a hot pepper rub to reduce muscle pain. Nutmeg also helps in treating pain associated with arthritis.

Using nutmeg oil externally on the body may help reduce joint pain, but research is very limited.

One randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial examined the clinical effects of topical nutmeg in people with painful diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to diabetes).³ Seventy-four participants used either nutmeg extract, mace oil, nutmeg oil, coconut oil, methyl salicylate, menthol, or a placebo (an intentionally ineffective treatment given to people in a control group).³ After four weeks, the nutmeg group showed improvement in pain, mood scores, and daily functions. However, the results were not statistically significant between the nutmeg and placebo groups. This study was small and short term; therefore, more research is needed to better evaluate its effects.³

Digestion  Nutmeg helps in regulating the movement of food from the esophagus to the intestines. It helps in easing digestion and absorption of nutrients and minerals. It reduces problems associated with digestion such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas. Nutmeg also contains fiber which helps with easy bowel movements.

Stress  Nutmeg has soothing and calming properties which helps de-stressing and dealing with anxiety. Nutmeg is a known anxiogenic and antidepressant which naturally reduces anxiety and depression. It stimulates the function of brain and boosts brain activity. Nutmeg has dopamine and serotonin which helps boosting the mood and transmitting messages to the brain.

Insomnia  Nutmeg has calming effects on the mind. It helps in inducing sleep when consumed an hour before sleep. Nutmeg helps in de-stressing the mind and calming the senses which helps in improving the quality of sleep. It reduces disturbances and prolongs sleep. Nutmeg has a sedative quality which calms the mind and treats insomnia. Just add a pinch of nutmeg to warm glass of milk and consume it before bedtime.

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 (18).

Blood Pressure  Nutmeg contains micronutrients calcium and magnesium, which are important in regulating blood pressure.⁷ Human research on the direct effect of nutmeg ingestion and blood pressure is lacking. It is highly unlikely that simply consuming nutmeg will impact your blood pressure, rather, your overall dietary patterns are more important. However, using spices like nutmeg to flavor dishes and reduce sodium intake may contribute to improvements in blood pressure, in addition to other measures.

High Cholesterol  The magnesium levels present in the nutmeg acts as catalyst in reducing high cholesterol in the body. It breaks down the levels of cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart diseases, obesity, stroke and brain disease. Add nutmeg to a warm glass of milk and consume it daily to reduce cholesterol and risks associated with heart disease.

Weight Loss  Nutmeg has high levels of fiber which makes the stomach feel full faster. It reduces appetite, helps easy digestion of food and bowel movements. Consuming nutmeg before bedtime induces sleep faster and reduces the chances of binging before bedtime.

Urinary Inconsistency  Studies have shown that nutmeg helps in treating urinary inconsistency. Combine a pinch of nutmeg and warm milk. Drink the mixture before bedtime to regulate the function of kidneys and the urinary tract.

 

Botanical Name: Myristica fragrans
English: Nutmeg
Ayurvedic: Jaatiphala, Jaatishasya, Maalatiphala
Also, known as: Chan Thet, Neut, Muskaatneut, Foelie, Rou Dou Kou, Yu Guo Hua, Noix De Muscade, Fleur De Muscade, Jaatipatri, Jaatipatra, Jaatipatraka, Jaatikosha, Muskatu, Muskatblüte, Buah Pala, Sekar Pala, Meesu, Mirisutika, Noce Moscata, Mace, Buah Pala, Sekar Pala Nuez Moscada, Macis, Jauzbuwaa, Dok Chan Thet, Jaathikkai, Saadikai, Jajikaya, Atipalam, Jatikkai, Jatippu, Moscada, Nuez moscada, Sadikka, Jatiphala, Jaiphala, Jayphal, Jayfal, Jathi, Jathikka, Jathikkayu, Jathikosham, Muskat, Muscata, Jakayi, Jatiphala, Moschokarido. Noix de muscade, Muscade, Nootmuskaat, Muskaatnoot, Dou kou shu, Dauh kau syuh, Yuhk dauh kau, Jouza al-Teeb, Josat al-Tib, Jowz buwwa, Jatisasya, Kanivish, Jadikan, Jaykai, Jaidikai, Jafal, Jatika, Sathikkai, Jathikkai, Jatikkai, Jadhikai Jadhikkai, Jajikaya, Jauzbuwa,
Habitat: Banda Islands – Indonesia
Origin: India
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Fruit
General Information:

Myristica fragrans, is a small evergreen, dioecious or occasionally monoecious aromatic tree growing not more than 40 feet in height. The name nutmeg is misleading as the seed is not a nut. The bark is smooth, greyish-brown, green on the younger branches, contains watery pink or red sap. The alternate leaves are oblong-ovate, acute, entire, smooth, and dark green with shiny upper leaf surfaces. The pointed dark green leaves are arranged alternately along the branches and are borne on leaf stems about 1-2 cm long. The flowers are small, pale yellow, waxy, fleshy and bell-shaped, very small and unisexual Occasionally male and female flowers are found on the same tree, female flowers are 1-3 in groups and up to 1 cm long; males flower are 1-10 in groups and 5 to 7 mm long. The tree does not flower until around 9 years old, when it fruits; it can continue to do so for a further 65-70 years. The fruits are fleshy drooping, smooth, yellow, 3.8 cm long, resemble a pear grooved by a longitudinal furrow and contain a single erect seed. When ripe, the succulent yellow fruit coat splits into half revealing a purplish-brown shiny seed, known as “nutmeg” are broadly ovoid, firm, fleshy and surrounded by a red ant known as “mace”, which on drying, separates from the seed as an orange-yellow papery material. The mare when dried is often sprinkled with salt water to preserve it. The ripe, dried and shelled seeds, nutmegs about 25 mm long and 16 mm in diameter, greyish in color, with a wrinkled surface and have a spicy flavour and aroma The seeds (nutmegs) need 3 to 6 weeks to dry before they are ready for use.

Nutmegs are graded according to then size. Larger nutmegs with a mass around 8-8.2g are gendered superior and are traded at higher price, Nutmeg has an exceptionally wide range of culinary meat a spice as well as nutmeg tree and its that are a powerful medicinal herb, it is used in ground of grated form in number of dishes.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.