Content
- 1 What it looks like and where it grows
- 2 The chemical composition and calorie content of nutmeg
- 3 Why is nutmeg useful for the body
- 4 Nutmeg for children
- 5 Is nutmeg good for weight loss?
- 6 Healing properties of nutmeg
- 7 Nutmeg in folk medicine
- 8 The use of nutmeg in cosmetology
- 9 Essential oil of nutmeg: benefits and uses
- 10 Nutmeg in cooking
- 11 Benefits of nutmeg with milk
- 12 What is the effect of eating nutmeg with kefir
- 13 How to grind nutmeg
- 14 Harm of nutmeg and contraindication
- 15 How to choose and store nutmeg
- 16 Conclusion
- 17 Reviews
Nutmeg is an evergreen tree native to the Maluku Islands (Rune), Indonesia. You can often find other names: Muscat, Myristica, Muscat. Along with most representatives of the flora, the plant has useful properties for the human body and can harm if consumed excessively. The benefits and harms of nutmeg is an issue that requires detailed consideration.
What it looks like and where it grows
It is an evergreen tree with spreading branches. Fruiting up to 40 years, lives over 100 years. The height reaches 9-11 meters. Fruits are yellow and orange in color, with a core. The edible part of the nutmeg is in the photo.
The core of the stone is a brown oval, reaching 3 cm in length, 2 cm in width, weighing up to 5 g. Grows in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Grenada and Africa. At the moment, Indonesia is in first place in terms of imports.
The chemical composition and calorie content of nutmeg
Chemical composition:
- essential oil (5-15%);
- fatty oil (40%);
- pigments;
- starch;
- pectin;
- saponins;
- protein substances.
The main elements of essential oil:
- camphene;
- beta pinene;
- terpinene-limonene;
- linalool;
- safrole;
- myristicin.
Due to the content of the substance myristicin in large quantities, the spice can do not benefit at all, but harm: it can cause hallucinations, seizures, lethargy and even loss of consciousness. The permissible dose for consumption is 30 grams.
The calorie content of nutmeg per 100 grams is 525 kcal.
Proteins - 6-7 g, fats - 40-50 g, carbohydrates - 49 g.
Why is nutmeg useful for the body
It is worth noting the beneficial properties of the spice.
- It contains vitamins A, B2, B6, PP, C, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron and calcium.
- In addition, the composition contains substances that stimulate the work of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties.
The video will tell you in detail about the useful properties of a valuable product:
For women
Mysticism is good on the days of menstruation in women. Eugenol has analgesic properties, and the iron contained in the composition stimulates the reproduction of red blood cells.
The spice will be beneficial in the treatment of mastopathy.
For men
Recommended for use in case of problems in the intimate life of men: to normalize ejaculation, as a cure for impotence.
Young Muscat fruits are used as an aphrodisiac to enhance sex drive and arousal.
Is it possible for pregnant and lactating
In addition to being useful, nutmeg can cause harm. Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation. Many experts advise to abstain from use altogether during these periods. If there is a need for nuts, it is better to give preference to walnuts, pine nuts or hazelnuts. They will not harm the unborn baby, but the benefits from them are tangible.
Nutmeg for children
Muscat is categorically contraindicated in children under 3 years of age. Moreover, it does not have an attractive taste for babies, and there are no useful reasons for including the product in a children's diet.
Children over 3 years old can use, for example, confectionery, which contains spice in moderate doses. But in order to avoid harm, it is still better not to take risks.
Is nutmeg good for weight loss?
The spice will not help you to lose weight. The best way is moderate activity, sports, and proper nutrition. You need to balance the diet in accordance with your daily needs for proteins, fats and carbohydrates and play sports or at least go out more often for a walk in the fresh air.
A healthy product will be an excellent addition to low-calorie vegetable salads, stewed vegetables, rice, soups.
Magnesium contained in it in large quantities will help reduce cravings for sweets, which is very important for those with a sweet tooth who have set foot on the path of proper nutrition.
Healing properties of nutmeg
The healing properties of the nutmeg core are extensive. But do not forget: nutmeg will not cause harm only when consumed in moderation.
A harmless dose for an adult is 30 g: 1 nut - approximately 5 g.
Benefits from use:
- It has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, improves sleep, awakens appetite and strengthens the immune system.
- Improves the general condition with arthritis, varicose veins, rheumatism, migraine.
- Due to the beneficial properties and low glycemic index, nutmeg is acceptable for diabetes.
- At the beginning of a cold, it strengthens the immune system, stimulating it to actively fight the virus (tea with the addition of a pinch of crushed fruit).
- It has been proven that due to the content of magnesium and potassium, blood pressure and heart rate stabilize.
- It normalizes the digestive tract, helps with diarrhea and constipation, and reduces gas formation.
- It has a positive effect on the digestion process, increases appetite.
Nutmeg in folk medicine
The inhabitants of Ancient Rome were already aware of the beneficial properties of nutmeg.
There are many simple recipes with a healthy miracle spice in Russian folk medicine.
What are the benefits of nutmeg for the human body and how to use nutmeg for various diseases?
The remedy is especially useful for digestive problems. To relieve bloating, people use a simple recipe for yogurt with ginger and nutmeg as a healthy breakfast.
Preparation:
- Ginger is best taken in dry powder form.
- Pour yogurt into a container.
- Add a pinch of ginger.
- Grate some walnuts.
- You can drink the cocktail both before meals and after meals.
Nutmeg tea with ginger will help you not get sick in cold autumn.
- Brew tea. It is better to give preference to tea without adding flavors.
- Grate fresh ginger and walnut.
The beneficial condiment eliminates toothache, odor and bacteria.
Alcohol smelling nutmeg is an effective hangover aid.
It is simple to use: rub the cut side of the nut against your teeth or drink strong tea with a pinch of spice.
The fruit of myristics is used in folk medicine in the treatment of arthritis, osteochondrosis, rheumatism and varicose veins.
Healing paste:
- Heat vegetable oil in a steam bath.
- Mix with grated nutmeg.
- Apply the resulting mass to the painful area of the body, wrap it with foil, wait 10–20 minutes.
- After that, the area can be lightly wiped with a damp cloth.
Vodka tincture of nutmeg is very popular. It is recommended to rub it in for arthritis, osteochondrosis, rheumatism, colds. Saves from frostbite in winter.
- Grate 200 grams of fruit core.
- Pour 1 liter of vodka.
- Insist in a dark place for 2 weeks.
- Use the aged tincture for rubbing.
The use of nutmeg in cosmetology
The aromatic product is popular in the manufacture of perfume compositions. The woody, warm and spicy note gives the perfume and eau de toilette an oriental touch. Most often used in men's perfumes. Equated to aphrodisiacs.
Manufacturers of selective (niche) perfumery use the spice to create exclusive compositions.
Many famous fragrances include a spicy woody note: Polo Double Black Ralph Lauren, Organza Givenchy, Bleu de Chanel and others.
The spice is used in the production of anti-cellulite, anti-aging cosmetics: creams, lotions, body wrap masks. Thanks to the beneficial properties of warming and stimulating blood circulation, cosmetics based on nutmeg are an excellent assistant in the fight against the problem.
If you pay attention to the compositions of toothpastes, then you can find nutmeg oil there. Antiseptic properties help fight bacteria by eliminating bad breath.
Face masks and scrubs
A nutmeg-based face scrub is quite simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- olive oil (base);
- nut fruit;
- natural coffe.
Preparation and application:
- Add coffee grounds to the base.
- To warm.
- Grate the core of the nutmeg into the mass.
- Apply to skin and cleanse with gentle circular motions.
This recipe is contraindicated for sensitive skin and allergy sufferers.
Ground nutmeg for hair
The beneficial properties of ground nutmeg are used to treat alopecia and to boost hair growth.
- Take jojoba, olive or burdock oil as a base.
- Add 5-10 drops of essential nut oil.
- Massage the resulting mass into the base of the hair with gentle massaging movements.
- Put on a hat, wrap your head with a warm towel and hold for 15–20 minutes.
In the process, a slight tingling may be felt. The result of the mask is strengthening and shine of hair without harm to the scalp. It is allowed to use both essential oil and grated mass.
Essential oil of nutmeg: benefits and uses
The beneficial properties of nutmeg oil are expressed in warming, emollient and antiseptic properties.
It is used for inhalation, air disinfection, and aromatherapy filling. In addition, they are included in the composition of cosmetics, tinctures and compresses.
For aromatization and disinfection - 4-5 drops per 20 sq. m. premises.
For bathing - 2 drops.
Nutmeg in cooking
In cooking, spice is a great step towards creating savory dishes. It is used in the preparation of first and second courses, desserts and drinks.
The spice is a great addition to puddings, pies, vanilla desserts and even custard.
It is a traditional ingredient in the worldwide popular gingerbread cookie.
It goes well with the following products:
- pumpkin, zucchini, cabbage;
- spinach;
- cheese and cheese dishes;
- fish, meat, including white;
- tomatoes, potatoes;
- mushrooms;
- baked fruit.
Meat or fish marinated with a piquant spice will pleasantly surprise guests and will decorate any festive table.
Benefits of nutmeg with milk
Nutmeg with milk at night is especially beneficial after a hard day. The milk is slightly warmed up (chilled), a little grated nut fruit is added.
The drink helps to relax the body, ensure good sleep, relieve anxiety and headaches.
Milk with nutmeg is recommended for gastrointestinal problems, sleep disorders, colds.
What is the effect of eating nutmeg with kefir
But it is impossible to achieve a beneficial result from the use of a nut with kefir. Fermented milk products, mixed with the composition of nutmeg, can have an unpredictable effect and harm not only the liver, but also the human psyche.
How to grind nutmeg
Grinding is very simple. You will need a grater or food processor. You can use a coffee grinder.
Harm of nutmeg and contraindication
Nut spice can transfer its beneficial properties to the body, or it can cause irreparable harm to it.
It is contraindicated for allergy sufferers, epileptics, people with severe mental disorders, women during lactation, pregnancy.
Pregnant women should not eat the fruits of mysticism, since the body's reaction can be unpredictable, up to the threat of premature birth.
Another limitation is childhood. Children are not advised to eat spice raw, only as part of food dishes in strictly limited quantities.
You should carefully combine the spice with strong alcohol and medications. Better not to let this happen.
Since the fetus has a direct effect on blood pressure, it should be eaten in small dosages. With excessive accumulation in the body, it can cause tachycardia, heart attacks, and increased blood pressure.
How to choose and store nutmeg
- The cores of light brown and brown color are of good quality.
- In diameter - 1.5–2 cm, oval.
- The fruits must be strong and free of visible damage, dots, holes, dents, mold.
Store nuts in a dry place, in an airtight container or in a tin can. This way the beneficial properties and wonderful smell will be preserved for a long time.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of nutmeg are a very important issue. The product has won high popularity for a reason. You can fall in love with the spicy aroma of incredibly delicious culinary dishes with this spice, and the beneficial properties will help strengthen the immune system and improve well-being. But do not forget about moderation in use, in order to avoid harming the body.
