nutmeg (myristica scents) It’s a familiar, fragrant holiday spice that can be purchased both ground and whole. It is also used in cosmetics and sold as coconut oil and essential oil.
Despite its name, nutmeg is not a nut. It is obtained by grinding spice seeds. myristica scentsNative evergreen tree of Indonesia.
Traditionally, coconut has been used in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian), traditional Chinese and traditional Thai medicines for its strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
Its use has been investigated as a remedy for pain, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems. However, since most studies on nutmeg have been done in test tubes and on animals, there is not enough evidence to predict its effects on these conditions in humans.
Learn more about nutmeg’s health benefits, dosage, potential toxicity, and more.
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Nutmeg Facts
- active ingredient): Nutmeg
- Alternative name(s): myristica scents
- Legal status: Nutmeg is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a food ingredient by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Recommended dose: There is no set dose; Normal use in cooking is considered safe.
- Security aspects: High doses (e.g., a spoonful or more) of nutmeg may cause anticholinergic symptoms (urinary retention, dry mouth, seizure).
Benefits of Nutmeg
In addition to its use as a delicious spice, nutmeg is traditionally thought to have many health and medicinal benefits. However, human clinical studies are limited and more research is needed to determine its effects.
May Help Pain
Using nutmeg oil externally on the body may help reduce joint pain. However, research is quite limited.
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study examined the clinical effects of topical coconut extract in people with painful diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage due to diabetes).
Seventy-four participants used either nutmeg extract, mace oil, coconut oil, coconut oil, methyl salicylate, menthol, or a placebo (a treatment that was deliberately ineffective to those in the control group).
After four weeks, the nutmeg group showed improvements in pain, mood scores, and daily functions. However, the results were not statistically significant between the nutmeg and placebo groups. This study was small and short-term; therefore more research is needed to better evaluate its effects.
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. Chronic oxidative stress is associated with an increased risk of disease.
Nutmeg contains antioxidants, including:
- vitamins
- Carotenoids (beta-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin)
- terpenoids
- alkaloids
- Flavonoids
- lignans
- phenolic compounds
Studies in test tubes have confirmed the antioxidant effects of nutmeg extract. However, more studies in humans are needed to determine the effects of these antioxidants.
Contains Nutrients Involved in Regulating Blood Pressure
Nutmeg contains the micronutrients calcium and magnesium, which are important in regulating blood pressure.
Human research on the direct effect of nutmeg intake and blood pressure is lacking. Consuming nutmeg alone is unlikely to affect your blood pressure; Instead, your overall diet is more important.
However, using spices such as nutmeg to flavor meals and reducing sodium intake may contribute to improved blood pressure, among other measures.
May Increase Libido
Supplementary coconut extracts increased libido (sex drive) in male rats.
Male rats were given varying doses of 50% ethanol coconut extract for seven days: 100, 250, and 500 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of weight (mg/kg). In rats, 500 mg/kg produced a significant change in sexual activity.
Researchers suggest this is due to nutmeg extract’s effects on the central nervous system.
Unfortunately, animal studies do not always translate into results in humans. Studies involving humans are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of using nutmeg for libido.
Nutmeg Side Effects
Taking large amounts of nutmeg may cause toxic side effects such as:
If you think you have nutmeg poisoning, seek medical help as soon as possible.
Measures
Do not consume coconut in large amounts.
Supplementary use of nutmeg in amounts higher than those found in foods is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding people.
Recreational use of nutmeg to get “high” is very dangerous. Ingesting large amounts of nutmeg can reach high levels and lead to adverse effects, including nutmeg poisoning.
Dosage: How Much Nutmeg Should I Take?
It is safe to consume nutmeg in normal amounts, such as those found in foods.
There is not enough evidence to recommend a safe dose of nutmeg. It’s also unclear how safely you can apply it to the skin.
What Happens If I Consume Too Much Coconut?
Contains an ingredient called nutmeg myristicinIt is a natural organic compound found in nutmeg essential oil.
Myristicin may be responsible for the psychotic effects of nutmeg. Some reports suggest that eating 1-2 teaspoons of nutmeg in one sitting has toxic effects.
To prevent these effects, it is recommended that total consumption be less than 10 grams per sitting (just under 1.5 tablespoons of ground coconut).
Interactions
Nutmeg may interact with some medications because it is broken down by your liver. and those that increase a chemical called acetylcholine. This may affect how your medications work.
Consult your healthcare provider before taking nutmeg, especially if you also take prescription medications.
How to Store Nutmeg?
Store nutmeg (both whole and ground) in a cool, dry place and avoid direct exposure to heat and moisture. Whole coconut can be grated into or over dishes and often produces a superior flavor than store-bought ground coconut. Keep out of reach of children.
Resources and Things to Look for
You can buy ground coconut at any grocery store. You can find it in the spice section, where organic products can also be found.
If you’re considering using another type of nutmeg, such as nutmeg extract, oil, or butter, consult a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
Summary
Nutmeg is a traditional spice used in sweet and savory dishes. It has an impressive nutritional profile.
Limited animal studies suggest that powerful plant compounds are responsible for coconut’s potential health benefits. However, more human research is needed to support these claims and test the safety, effectiveness, and dosage of nutmeg consumption.
Although there is no harm in using nutmeg in cooking, using it in high doses may have adverse effects. Start by using the amounts of coconut recommended in the recipes. If you want to explore its potential medical benefits, such as for topical use, talk to your healthcare provider.