Nutmeg, also called pala in Indonesia, is a spice from the several tree species in the Myristica genus. The other spice is called mace and the most vital commercial species is Myristica fragans, which is an evergreen tree native to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas Island in Indonesia. As a spice, nutmeg contains the following health benefits.
General Nutrition
Nutmeg is packed with vitamins and minerals. According to Nutrition and You, nutmeg contains vitamins A, B, and C. Vitamin A is great for vision and it also promotes the integrity of the skin and the mucus membranes. Vitamin B is essential for nervous function, which includes learning, thinking, memory, and sensation. Then, vitamin C boosts the body’s defenses against infection and illness and it also promotes the function of the substance collagen, which acts as cement and binds loosely connected cells and tissues. Along with vitamin A, vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, helping the body get id of unwanted and toxic substances, such as free radicals, which usually lead to cancer.
In terms of minerals, nutmeg contains calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, and potassium. Calcium and phosphorus help strengthen the bones and teeth while iron ensure proper oxygen delivery. Magnesium promotes neuromuscular function while zinc promotes digestive health and wound healing. Copper and manganese work together for boosting the person’s metabolism, as well as promotes the growth and development of cells and tissues. Finally, sodium and potassium regulate the body fluid balance and the latter also adds to cardiovascular health by relaxing the blood vessel muscles to prevent high blood pressure.
Nutmeg and Pain
Aside from the aforementioned nutrients, nutmeg also helps alleviate pain. According to Organic Facts, nutmeg has natural pain-relieving characteristics, which are comparable to those of menthol’s. As per the publication, including nutmeg as a spice in meals helps decrease pain due to injuries, strains, wounds, and inflammation, such as in arthritis.
Nutmeg as Antibacterial and Anti-Cancer
Nutmeg also has antibacterial properties and it has also shown some impact on cancer. According to Mercola, nutmeg has bactericidal properties, which combat three sorts of streptococcus bacteria. As per the publication, the ethanol extracts from nutmeg can be infused in various oral care products in the market. Also, methanol extracts considerably inhibited the increase of leukemia cells in the body and it also stimulated apoptosis in a university study. However, further investigation on the mode of action behind the apoptosis is yet to be done.
Recipe
Nutmeg can be added to various recipes, such as Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread. According to All Recipes, the ingredients include three cups of white sugar, 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, a cup of vegetable oil, two-third cup of water, four eggs, three and a half cups of all-purpose flour, a tablespoon of ground cinnamon, two teaspoons of baking soda, one and a half teaspoons of salt, a cup of miniature semisweet chocolate chips, and half cup of chopped walnuts, a tablespoon of ground nutmeg.
To prepare, as per the publication, the oven is preheated to 175 degrees Celsius. Next, three one-pound size coffee cans are greased and floured. Then, in a large bowl, sugar, water, eggs, and pumpkin oil are combined and beaten until smooth. After that, the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg are blended in. After that, the chocolate chips and nuts are added and cans are filled half to three-fourth full. Finally, the bread is baked for an hour or until an inserted knife comes out clean.
Nutmeg has shown it nutritional benefits. Thus, its inclusion to various meal recipes will boost a person’s total health and wellness.
Source:pinterest.com
