In the East, this tree is highly valued. Or rather, not the tree itself, but its fruits - nutmeg. The benefits and harms of the walnut are very well known to the ancient peoples, especially the Sumerians, because it served them as a fragrant spice 5 millennia ago. Few condiments can boast such an interesting past and rich history. Nowadays, nutmeg is used not only in cooking, but also in perfumery and folk medicine. The Muscat tree is quite tall - from 9 to 12 m, lives on average up to 120 years, however, bears fruit only half of its life. The fruit of the tree is 6 to 9 cm in diameter, and its seed is nutmeg, the size of which is an order of magnitude smaller - 1-2 cm. The annual harvest of one tree has about 10 thousand nuts.
The benefits of nutmeg. Composition
Nutmeg is valued for the beneficial substances present in its composition and the healing properties due to them. The nut is quite high in calories, contains a lot of protein, about 3% essential oil (eugenol, linool), about 40% fatty oil, 20% starch, pigment and pectin substances. Nutmeg is rich in trace elements such as phosphorus, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains vitamin A and part of the B vitamins.
Nutmeg. Benefits and harms
Nutmeg is a kind of "double-edged sword". Excessive use of this spice is extremely dangerous and can be fatal (2 cases of nut intoxication were recorded in the medical history)! The nut contains the narcotic substance elimycin, a well-known hallucinogen. It is undesirable to eat more than 3 nut kernels, and as a seasoning it is quite enough to add it on the tip of a knife - an excess leads to arrhythmias and intracranial pressure jumps.
Nutmeg. The benefits and harms of spices in cooking
Spice is distinguished by its incredible aroma! When you inhale the smell of nutmeg, the hormone of happiness serotonin is produced, so it will not only make food even tastier, but also cheer you up! Residents of Europe, especially Holland, widely use this spice, adding it to almost all dishes. Meat, fish, various sauces are seasoned with nutmeg, with the exception of pasta and mushrooms, with which the nut is not combined at all. Best of all, the seasoning has proven itself in sweets (cakes and other pastries), drinks (cocoa, coffee, mulled wine, tea). Children for he althy sleep, as well as any adult to relieve tension, a drink made from milk with the addition of ginger, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg is suitable. Such a cocktail will have a beneficial effect on the entire body and calm the nervous system.
Medicine Nutmeg
When used rationally, nutmeg will bring considerable benefits to the entire body. In terms of its healing properties, it is not inferior to ginger and other valuable spices. Nutmeg "charges" the body with new strength and positive energy, strengthens blood vessels, improves the functioning of the heart muscle, has a beneficial effect on the nervous system (it helps to relax and cheer up). There is a positive effect of the spice on the reproductive system of both men and women. Various tinctures and dishes seasoned with nutmeg help with colds, and also increase the body's immunity. Nut perfectly warms both from the inside and outside, so nutmeg-based therapeutic ointments help to cope with rheumatism, osteochondrosis. It stimulates the intestines, increases appetite, cleanses the liver, eliminates flatulence, stimulates blood circulation, and has an excellent warming effect. Improves memory, inhibits the development of tumors, helps with tuberculosis, is used as a pain reliever, and shampoos containing nutmeg strengthen hair roots, making them shiny and he althy.
Those who take care of their he alth, nutmeg will be very useful. The benefits and harms of this spice are now well known to you, be careful and do not overdo it. And take care of your he alth!