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Nutmeg is commonly used in baking and cooking and you probably have some in your pantry. Many people pair it with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice to make holiday treats and beverages. Besides cooking or baking with this spice – made from the seeds of a tropical evergreen tree – that is native to Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, nutmeg has been used in traditional healing for centuries, according to Verywell Fit.
While nutmeg doesn’t pack a big nutritional punch, it does contain a large number of powerful compounds that may promote healing and help prevent disease, according to Healthline. While most people buy ground nutmeg in their local supermarket, you can also find whole seeds, and nutmeg essential oil in health food stores. Check out these five proven health benefits of nutmeg
Contains Mighty Antioxidants
The nutmeg seeds are rich in plant compounds that are antioxidants which protect your body from cell damage that are caused from free radicals. High levels of free radicals cause oxidative stress which is responsible for many chronic diseases including diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease.
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Has Antibacterial Properties
Nutmeg has antibacterial properties against some strains of bacteria. The spice is effective against the bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum inflammation, and bad breath. Nutmeg may also inhibit the growth of the strains of E.coli bacteria that are very harmful to people.
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Helps With Inflammation
Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds including: sabinene, terpineol, and pinene that could reduce inflammation in your body and help ease the symptoms of arthritis and other health conditions. A study conducted with rats that was published in the journal Food & Nutrition Research showed that the rodents that received nutmeg oil experienced reductions in inflammation, the pain caused by inflammation, and joint swelling.
Nutmeg essential oil can also be used to treat joint and muscle pain, reported Food.NDTV. You may relieve pain by rubbing a few drops of the oil onto the places that hurt.
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Good for Gut Health
The fiber in nutmeg can help keep your gut healthy. This can help people suffering from IBS, constipation, gas, and bloating. Just add some nutmeg to soups and stews to reap the benefits, after all, a happy gut will help you feel your best.
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Helps You Sleep
This spice has been used in Ayurvedic healing to help promote sleep. That’s because nutmeg contains the chemical trimyristin that is responsible for relaxing your body, calming you, and for inducing sleep, according to The HealthSite. Just add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk before going to bed or indulge in some decaf chai tea.
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