11 Benefits Of Nutmeg, Side Effects, And Nutritional Profile

Nutmeg is a spice known for its unique woody and sweet flavor. It is used in various cuisines worldwide. Nutmeg’s benefits are numerous, and they can be attributed to its rich nutritional content. This spice is loaded with minerals, vitamins, and secondary metabolites. In addition, it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and psychoactive properties (1).

Nutmeg effectively manages the wellness of your body as it regulates blood sugar levels, combats high blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol. These positive effects can be attributed to the bioactive compounds in it. It also relieves stress and anxiety with its psychotropic property. In this article, you will learn all about nutmeg, the benefits it offers, its nutritional profile, and the side effects associated with consumption. Keep reading!

Know Your Ingredient: Nutmeg

What Is It?
Nutmeg is a spice famous for its unique woody and sweet flavor derived from a tree of the species of the genus Myristica fragrans.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may help in fighting arthritis pain and inflammation, treating insomnia, anxiety, and depression, and managing diabetes and blood pressure.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone except pregnant and breastfeeding women and those who are taking sedatives can consume it in small amounts or topically apply a paste to treat acne.

How Often?
You can consume it daily but in moderation.

Caution
Overconsumption of nutmeg may cause symptoms like hallucinations, dry mouth, dizziness, and nausea.

What Is Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is a nutrient-dense, aromatic spice that is made from the seeds of the nutmeg tree (scientifically called Myristica fragrans). It is native to Indonesia (1). It has a warm and spicy flavor, which is why it is popularly used in cooking, baking desserts (like apple pie), beverages (like mulled wine), and as a garnish on certain coffee drinks. It goes quite well with creamy and cheesy dishes.

Trivia

In the 1600s, the Dutch kept nutmeg a trade secret and plotted to keep the French and English from obtaining nutmeg seeds.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Nutmeg?

1. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk

Sources state that the essential oil of nutmeg can act as an antioxidant and may assist in preventing cancer in the process. The oil has powerful free radical scavenging activity and can be used to develop anti-cancer drugs.

Other studies have shown that nutmeg may aid the prevention of colon cancer by decreasing intestinal tumorigenesisⁱ  XA complex process of the formation of cancer cells from normal cells in 3 stages: Initiation, progression, and metastasis. (2), (3).

2. May Aid Diabetes Treatment

Nutmeg is a rich source of antioxidants. In rat studies, nutmeg, along with other spices, was found to decrease blood glucose levels significantly. The extracts of nutmeg were found to have beneficial effects on blood glucose levels.

However, more studies are needed to project nutmeg as a potential treatment for diabetes (4). Studies also show that oil may relieve symptoms of chronic inflammatory pain, which could be a serious concern for people with diabetes (5).

3. May Control High Blood Pressure

Studies on nutmeg have shown that it contains several essential oils, such as linalool. Linalool is a strong vasodilator of smooth muscles, including blood vessels, and can help in lowering high blood pressure.

Animal studies confirm the linalool’s ability to reduce overall blood pressure (6). These effects need further experimental validation on humans.

4. May Relieve Arthritis Pain And Inflammation

Nutmeg has shown to ease chronic inflammatory pain, which is the primary characteristic of arthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of nutmeg can reduce joint pains and inflammation associated with arthritis (5).

The seed contains high quantities of myristicin, elemicin, and eugenol, which could be the reason for its anti-inflammatory properties (7).

5. May Treat Insomnia

Nutmeg may also help with stress relief, and this may aid insomnia treatment (8). This seed contains myristicin and elemicin. These prominent compounds in nutmeg work together to relax the human brain. The seed itself also can act as a mild sedative.

A product containing nutmeg as one of the primary ingredients was found to improve mood and help treat insomnia (1). The spice was also used in ancient medicine as a way to de-stress and calm one’s mind.

6. May Improve Digestion

According to some studies, the essential oils in nutmeg have a carminative effect, which may assist in reducing flatulence. Nutmeg can relieve issues like diarrhea (9). It also contains fiber, which may help with bowel movements (9).

7. May Ease Pain

Nutmeg oil is often used to treat spasms and pain. It is topically applied for pain relief, particularly in the muscles and joints. Another volatile oil in nutmeg, eugenol, has anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate pain associated with inflammation (5).

8. May Lower Cholesterol Levels

According to a rat study, nutmeg possesses cholesterol-lowering potential and protective ability (10). The study also suggests that nutmeg extracts could help reverse liver toxicity caused by high cholesterol diets.

9. May Improve Dental Health

Nutmeg is a powerhouse of antibacterial properties that potentially contribute to oral health. The spice is known to treat dental issues, including dental caries. It fights pathogens like Streptococcus mutans that can cause oral infections (3).

10. May Treat Depression And Anxiety

Rat studies showed that nutmeg might also work as an antidepressant, potentially assisting in reducing symptoms of depression by boosting serotonin (11). However, it is important to note that nutmeg does not replace medical treatment that may include medications, therapy, or both.

The spice is basically a brain tonic that stimulates your brain function. It also helps eliminate mental fatigue and stress and boosts mental activity (12). In addition, nutmeg has the ability to promote the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This could help the human body and brain fight depression and anxiety biochemically.

Trivia

Nutmeg was used by Ancient Greeks and Romans as a brain tonic to treat anxiety and depression.

11. May Help Fight Acne

Nutmeg exhibits strong antibacterial and antifungal activities – and this may help in reducing acne. Nutmeg has been used externally to treat skin infections, rheumatism, and paralysis (1).

The spice has traditionally been used as a skin whitening agent, and a patent is underway that uses the extract of nutmeg in its chemical formulas (13). The lignan found in nutmeg evens the pigmentation in the skin by inhibiting melanin production.

Additionally, nutmeg also helps improve immunity, respiratory health, and hair health, and aids in weight loss.

These are the benefits of nutmeg. Below is a detailed nutritional profile of nutmeg.

What Is The Nutritional Profile Of Nutmeg?

*values sourced from Scientia Agriculturae

Nutmeg sure contains some powerful nutrients. But this doesn’t mean you can consume as much as of it as you want.

How Much Nutmeg Is Safe Per Day?

Prolonged use of nutmeg, in doses of more than two spoons per day (15 g), may cause hallucinations, dizziness, acute nausea, dry mouth, and agitation. Cases of overdose have been reported in the literature (14), (15).

Here are the side effects of nutmeg.

What Are The Side Effects Of Nutmeg?

• Hallucinations And Other Mental Side Effects

Chronic consumption of nutmeg is associated with tachycardiaⁱ  XA medical term for heart rate above 100 beats a minute. It can be risky depending on age and level of exertion. , nauseaⁱ  XAn uneasy and uncomfortable feeling in the stomach that causes an urge to vomit but does not lead to vomiting. , vomiting, agitation, and hallucinations (14). This toxicity has been attributed to the myristicin oil present in nutmeg. Studies have suggested keeping the spice out of children’s reach due to safety concerns.

• Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Excess consumption of nutmeg can cause miscarriages or birth defects (16). There are no studies reporting the effects of nutmeg consumption on breastfeeding. Hence, avoid nutmeg in both instances.

In rare cases, excess consumption of nutmeg can lead to death.

Nutmeg can be enjoyed in versatile ways.

How To Use Nutmeg

Apart from using it as a spice, you can also consume nutmeg tea to enjoy its health benefits. Nutmeg can also be incorporated into skin and oral routines in the following ways.

• How To Prepare Nutmeg Tea

Add nutmeg powder (less than 3 g) to boiling water along with a piece of ginger. Allow it to steep for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain and sip on the tea.

You can also add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and drink it before bedtime to aid better sleep.

• How To Use Nutmeg To Treat Acne

Using it for treating acne is simple. You need to crush two to three nutmeg seeds and add a little milk to make a paste. Wash your face with warm water and then apply it to your face. Leave it on for a couple of hours before washing your face with cool water.

• How To Use Nutmeg For Oral Health

You can brush your teeth with a mixture of a little nutmeg powder and a small amount of oregano oil. Repeat this several times per week.

Infographic: Health Benefits Of Nutmeg

Nutmeg’s antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties are well known. The spice has been used for ages in Ayurveda and other traditional forms of medicine for its many benefits. While further scientific evidence is required to understand its efficacy in treating various conditions, its soothing properties have made it popular. In the infographic below, we have summarized the potential health benefits of nutmeg. Check them out.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good substitute for nutmeg?

Mace is the closest substitute for nutmeg. Mace is nothing but the outer membrane of the nutmeg seed before it is harvested, which is why it has a similar flavor.

How long does nutmeg high last?

It can also lead to a high, often called ‘nutmeg high.’ Nutmeg high has been reported to last for two days with symptoms similar to that of a hangover. Caution should be taken when operating heavy machinery or other activities like driving while under the influence of nutmeg because of its psychoactiveⁱ  XSubstances that change the function of the nervous system and alter perception, mood, and behavior. nature.

Can you smoke nutmeg?

Yes, but you shouldn’t do it as smoking nutmeg is dangerous.

Is nutmeg good for your kidneys?

No, animal studies suggest that excessive intake of nutmeg can prove to be detrimental to your kidneys. It can have a toxic effect and even impede metabolic functions. However, further studies are warranted to understand this link further (17).

Does nutmeg detoxify the body?

Yes, nutmeg helps flush out toxins from the liver and kidneys, thus naturally detoxifying the body (18).

Is nutmeg good for your heart?

Yes, nutmeg may increase blood circulation and improve the overall functioning of the heart (19)

Can nutmeg damage your liver?

Animal studies suggest that nutmeg may damage the liver and negatively impact liver function (20). However, clinical trials need to be conducted to understand the association further.

Does nutmeg help with stroke?

Research suggests that nutmeg essential may help reduce blood pressure levels which can reduce the risk of getting a stroke (21), (22).

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Kelly McKenzieRN

 

Kelly McKenzie is a Registered Clinical Nutritionist with 3 years of experience, based in Auckland, New Zealand. She is the founder of All About Nutrition, a nutrition consultancy that takes a holistic approach to their clients health and wellbeing. Kelly is passionate about wellbeing and believes that our food and environment speak to our genes, contributing to either health or...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Sindhu KogantiHealth & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to...more