Nutmeg: benefits, harm, contraindications, use

The world of spices and spices is amazing and for many, all its secrets and secrets have not been fully disclosed. Some spices are successfully used not only in culinary dishes, but also in cosmetology and perfumery. One of these versatile spices is nutmeg.

Benefits of nutmeg

This seasoning has a special tart aroma. It takes very little to completely transform the dish and make it sparkle with new colors. But nutmeg is appreciated not only for the richness of aroma and pleasant taste. He also has other valuable qualities.

It is customary to use nutmeg in small quantities. It invigorates the body and gives it strength. Let's see what the constant use of this spice gives:

• Nutmeg has a good effect on human memory. Its frequent use in food helps to enhance brain activity.
• The human body becomes resistant to stress.
• Sleep improves and the risk of developing nervous diseases decreases.
• The appetite improves and the digestive process returns to normal.
• Nutmeg is good for women with anorexia. It contributes to the establishment of metabolic processes.
• This seasoning can be used for massage as it has a warming effect and stimulates blood flow.
• During the period of mass colds nutmeg enhances immunity.
• It is useful to use this seasoning for people with benign tumors and as a prophylaxis for malignant neoplasms.
• In women, the menstrual cycle returns to normal.
• In some cases, nutmeg is used as a remedy for tuberculosis.
• It stops diarrhea.
• A small amount of nutmeg neutralizes bad breath.
• Reduces the risk of developing varicose veins.
• In addition, it is worth noting that nutmeg is considered a natural aphrodisiac. It restores potency in men.

Nutmeg harm

As we noted above, nutmeg is usually consumed in very small quantities. In addition to the fact that this seasoning has a strong aroma and taste, there are other reasons for this. The fact is that this spice is simply unhealthy to use in large dosages. Such recklessness can cause serious disturbances in metabolic activity in the body.

Too much of this seasoning in the body leads to an inevitable heart attack, irregular heart rhythm and a large jump in blood pressure. At the same time, a person has impaired motor coordination, his head is very dizzy, and other obvious symptoms of severe intoxication are also noted.

The reason for this phenomenon is that the composition of nutmeg contains components that have toxic and hallucinogenic properties. At high concentration, they can cause all the signs of drug intoxication - euphoria, hallucinations and convulsions.

Therefore, remember that no more than two pieces of nutmegs are allowed per day. Exceeding this dose can cause coma or even death.

Contraindications for nutmeg

In addition to a large dosage, nutmeg can do harm in other cases. The most important contraindication can be considered an individual intolerance to this seasoning. It is not at all recommended to use this spice during pregnancy. This prohibition applies to the entire period of pregnancy, as well as to the time when breastfeeding is carried out. feeding baby... This is due to the ability of nutmeg to induce blood flow to the uterus, which can cause severe bleeding. In addition, the toxins contained in nutmeg easily penetrate the placenta and cause irreparable harm to the baby.

Can't use nutmeg and people suffering from nervous and mental illness, epilepsy, children and the elderly.

Application of nutmeg

First of all, nutmeg is usually used as a seasoning and spice. For this, pre-dried seedbeds are used. They are added to culinary dishes because of their rich taste and pronounced aroma.

Actually, nutmegs can also be used as a spicy condiment. To do this, they are pretreated - dried, the kernels are separated and processed in a special mixture to increase the shelf life.

Ready-made, nutmeg is sold as gray kernels with a pleasant warm aroma. The highest content of essential oils, which emit a pleasant smell, is noted in the rounded kernels.

For these same essential oils, nutmeg is valued in the perfumery and cosmetic industry. It is obtained by distillation from nutmeg kernels. it butter can irritate and warm the skin, improve blood circulation and eliminate muscle spasms. Therefore, it is often added to massage products. It is also used to get rid of joint diseases, as well as in sports medicine.

Even in ancient times, the healing properties of nutmeg were used for the stomach. It was believed that it gives a person some supernatural properties.

Modern medicine also notes the positive effect of nutmeg on the gastrointestinal tract. It improves the secretory activity of the stomach and speeds up its work. In addition, a small amount of nutmeg acts as an effective pain reliever. In general, we can say that nutmeg cannot be used as an independent remedy, but as an additional component for other components, it fits perfectly. Therefore, it is included in the composition of many medicines.

Nutmeg is especially popular in many countries as an additive to many dishes. It has been used by Asian chefs for several centuries. There it is added to vegetable salads, meat products - different types of sausages and pates, as well as to cottage cheese and cheese.

Nutmeg is great for soups made from meat, mashed potatoes and broths. It is especially good to add it to fatty and indigestible foods, for example, to dishes made from lamb or pork. It also suits birds or game. Some housewives add nutmeg to homemade preserves and marinades. It is especially good to add nutmeg to marinades together with cloves or cinnamon.