Know these excellent health benefits of nutmeg

Nutmeg is a fragrant spice with Indonesia as its birth place. The outer shell, the seed and the mace are all known for its incredible medicinal properties. It is a store house of anti oxidants and is added in dishes and gravies to enhance its flavor and aroma.

The nutmeg essence is extracted from the mace and the seed as well. The mace is used to make spicy pickles. The nutmeg essence is an excellent pain reliever that can even fight severe diseases like cancer. It has been proven that nutmeg can effectively prevent colon cancer.

Many spices including nutmeg can reduce the level of glucose in the blood. Diabetic patients use the nutmeg essence to relieve pain and other discomfort. Nutmeg could be consumed by those who have pain and swelling in the joints. Drinking a glass of warm milk with a pinch of nutmeg powder in it right before going to the bed at night would help induce sleep. This fragrant spice has the ability to relieve stress and calms the mind as well.

The fibers in it would ease the digestive process. It could also ease the muscle cramps and joint pains. The oil called eugenol that is contained in nutmeg has great anti inflammatory properties. This helps reduce swelling and pain. 100 nutmegs contain 2.9 grams manganese which helps reduce cholesterol. The anti bacterial properties of the nutmeg are excellent for oral health and hygiene. It can fight against the streptococcus bacteria that cause infections in the mouth and ensure dental health.

Nutmeg could be called a brain tonic that improves the brain activities. It also helps keep away the signs of depression by increasing the production of the serotonin hormones.

Nutmegs with its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties can fight pimples. An easy face pack could be prepared by mixing nutmeg powder in milk. Wash the face in lukewarm water before applying this face pack. Wash off the pack after a few hours or after it has dried completely.

A rich source of carbohydrates, fat, protein, fibers and vitamins A and C, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folate and thiamin nutmeg could be consumed in small portions daily. Besides, this spice also has sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc and many other minerals and phyto nutrients as well. It must, however, be noted that nutmeg should not be used in huge quantities, especially pregnant women and nursing mothers.