Benefits of Nutmeg

Although it is commonly known for adding a warm nutty flavour to both sweet and savoury dishes, nutmeg has a lot more to offer. This culinary gem is packed with nutrients and can help boost your immunity, and brain power, improve digestion, and fight depression, among other things. In this article, we will explore the plethora of advantages of nutmeg that make it a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

What is Nutmeg or Jaiphal?

Nutmeg, also referred to as ‘Jaiphal’ in Hindi, is a spice derived from the seed of the Myristica fragrans tree. The spice is popularly used to provide a warm, aromatic flavour to a variety of dishes. Furthermore, jaiphal is known for its versatility, being used in both sweet and savoury recipes, as well as in beverages. In addition to its role in the kitchen, it has found applications in traditional medicine and skincare due to the various benefits of jaiphal.

Nutritional Value of Nutmeg

Nutmeg is nothing less than a treasure trove of nutrients, such as dietary fibre, copper, manganese, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, zinc, and more. Here is the nutritional value of nutmeg per 100 g.

1. Protein - 10%
2. Carbohydrates - 38%
3. Energy - 26%
4. Cholesterol - 0%
5. Dietary fibre - 55%
6. Vitamin A - 3.5%
7. Vitamin C - 5%
8. Potassium - 7.5%
9. Calcium - 18%
10. Copper - 114%
11. Iron - 38%
12. Zinc - 20%

9 Nutmeg Benefits You Should Know

Be it improving digestion, bolstering immunity, fighting insomnia or improving digestion, here are the 9 main benefits of nutmeg spice that make it a versatile addition to ensure holistic wellness.

1. Boosts Immunity
2. Fights Insomnia
3. Aids Detoxification
4. May Benefit Heart Health
5. Boosts Brain Power
6. Fights Depression & Anxiety
7. Prevents Cavities
8. Relieves Joint & Muscle Pain
9. Improves Digestion

    1. Boosts Immunity

    Due to the array of vitamins and minerals, nutmeg is a spice that acts as a natural immunity booster. In addition, the antioxidants help safeguard the body against various infections. This makes it an excellent addition to your winter diet as it is much easier to catch infections and fall sick during the colder months.

    2. Fights Insomnia

    For people who are suffering from insomnia or are seriously sleep-deprived, nutmeg can be the ultimate saviour. This is because nutmeg has the ability to induce a calming effect that can promote better sleep. So, add a pinch of nutmeg to a cup of warm milk at night and fall into a relaxing slumber.

    3. Aids Detoxification

    Nutmeg benefits the detoxification process of the body by facilitating the elimination of toxins. This natural detox reduces the burden on the organs involved in filtration and promotes overall well-being.

    4. Improves Digestion

    Another advantage of nutmeg is that it supports digestive health by reducing bloating and indigestion. The spice also helps in the breakdown of food with the help of digestive enzymes. Thus, it is an excellent addition to your diet if you are suffering from digestive issues.

    5. Boosts Brain Power

    Not many people know but nutmeg benefits the cognitive function of the brain due to its neuroprotective properties. Therefore, regularly consuming this delicious spice can help support your concentration, memory and brain health.

    6. Fights Depression & Anxiety

    The calming properties of nutmeg contribute to improving mood and potentially alleviating the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hence, this delicious spice can contribute to better mental health and emotional wellness.

    7. Prevents Cavities

    Since nutmeg has anti-microbial properties, it can be beneficial in improving your oral health and hygiene. It can help you prevent cavities by promoting overall dental health and 

    8. Relieves Joint & Muscle Pain

    Nutmeg oil benefits the muscles by providing relief from pain. Nutmeg is a natural remedy for joint and muscle pain, making it a valuable addition to your diet.

    9. May Benefit Heart Health

    According to some studies, it has been seen that regularly consuming nutmeg can reduce the risk of heart disease. However, more research is required on the subject to prove this.

    Nutmeg Benefits for Skin

    Apart from the numerous benefits of nutmeg mentioned above, the spice has also proved beneficial for the skin in multiple ways. Whether in the form of a nutmeg powder or nutmeg oil, it showcases effectiveness in addressing various skincare concerns, such as:

    • A major nutmeg benefit for skin is that it has significant anti-ageing benefits and can help restore a youthful look. 
    • The antibacterial properties of nutmeg make it helpful in combatting acne and achieving a smoother skin texture.
    • Some more benefits of nutmeg on face include exfoliation, skin brightening, and combatting skin pigmentation.

    How to Use Nutmeg?

    There are several benefits of using nutmeg, but do you know how to incorporate this spice in your routine? Let’s discuss a few simple ways you can leverage the benefits of nutmeg for skin and body.

    Nutmeg Oil: Nutmeg is a potent ingredient that can be used in the form of an essential oil or by mixing it with another carrier oil. Nutmeg oil benefits acne-prone skin through spot treatment or can be used for relaxation. 

    Nutmeg Powder: Whether it is sprinkled on desserts or added to savoury dishes, nutmeg powder adds a warm and aromatic flavour to most culinary dishes. Some benefits of nutmeg powder include digestive aid, relaxation and aiding oral health.

    Face Mask: You can also blend nutmeg powder with yoghurt or honey to create a DIY nutmeg face mask that can provide a radiant glow to the skin.

    The Takeaway

    Nutmeg is a popular spice that has a variety of uses in the kitchen and rightly so! In addition to having a delicious taste that makes it a culinary favourite, the spice is also filled with a myriad of nutrients. It is extremely beneficial for the skin while having many other advantages, such as boosting immunity, brain power, aiding digestion, fighting insomnia, and much more. 

    FAQs on Nutmeg Benefits

    Is it safe to take nutmeg every day?

    While a pinch of nutmeg is safe to take every day, it should only be taken in moderation. This is because excessive amounts of nutmeg can have adverse effects on your health.

    Is nutmeg good for sleep?

    Yes, nutmeg has relaxing properties that help cure insomnia and improve the quality of sleep. The sedative quality of nutmeg is extremely good for inducing sleep, making it the perfect addition to some warm beverages.

    What are the side effects of nutmeg?

    Excessive use of nutmeg can cause some side effects such as dizziness, nausea, and hallucinations in some people. Thus, it is best to use it in moderation in your culinary adventures.

    What are the jaiphal benefits for males?

    Apart from the traditional health benefits of Jaiphal, or nutmeg, it is also believed to have potential benefits for males, including supporting their reproductive health and overall wellness. Some more nutmeg benefits for men include increasing testosterone levels and improving circulation.