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Nutmeg is most often used as a spice in the kitchen, but due to its healing properties it has also found application in natural medicine. However, the greatest interest is aroused due to its hallucinogenic properties. The substance in nutmeg can act as a narcotic and cause intoxication. Check what properties nutmeg has, when it has a he alth effect and when it can be harmful.
Nutmegis the middle part of the seed of the nutmeg fruit, an evergreen tree native to the Spice Islands (Molucca Islands).Nutmegis most often used asspicein the kitchen, but due to itshealing propertiesfound applicationalso in natural medicine. Apart from nutmeg, the nutmeg spice also provides another spice - the so-called mace flower (Macis). It is a stone aril - a bright red casing, resembling a net, which is used in the kitchen after drying. However, the most popular is nutmeg, not only because of its culinary and he alth-promoting properties, but also because of the content of a psychoactive substance called myristicin.
Nutmeg like a drug?
Strong smell and bitter-spicy tastenutmegowes to the oil. Its main ingredient is myristicin, which exhibitshallucinogenic properties .
Nutmeg can have negative effects only after consuming large doses. In small amounts, nutmeg has healing properties.
100 g of dry powdered fruit contains 1050 mg of myristicin, while nutmeg oil contains about 4%. The hallucinogenic dose is 60-315 mg (6-30 g powdered scoops) .¹ The symptoms of myristicin effect appear 3-6 hours after ingestion and disappear after 24 hours. It causes anxiety, disorientation in time and space, detachment from reality and daydreams, floating sensation, delusions and visual hallucinations .¹ In high concentrations it can be very dangerous to your he alth because it causes liver cancer. Butthe culinary use of nutmeg should not produce the effects described. It is worth knowing that myristicin is also a component of the oil from the seeds of some varieties of parsley.
Worth knowingNutritional value of ground nutmeg (in 100 g / one teaspoon - 7 g)Energy value - 525/37 kcal Total protein - 5.84 / 0.41 g Fat - 36.31 / 2.54 g Carbohydrates - 49.29 g / 3.45 (including simple sugars 2.99 / 0.21) Fiber - 20.8 / 1.5 gVitamins
Thiamine - 0.346 / 0.024 mg Riboflavin - 0.057 / 0.004 mg Niacin - 1.299 / 0.091 mg Vitamin B6 - 0.160 / 0.011 mg Folic acid - 76/5 µg Vitamin A - 102/7 IU Vitamin C - 3.0 / 0.2 mgMineralsCalcium - 184/13 mg Iron - 3.04 / 0.21 mg Magnesium - 183/13 mg Phosphorus - 213/15 mg Potassium - 350/24 mg Sodium - 16/1 mg Zinc - 2.15 / 0.15 mg
Fatty acids
saturated - 25.940 / 1.816 g monounsaturated - 3.220 / 0.225 g polyunsaturated - 0.350 / 0.024 gData Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
Potency nutmeg
Nutmeg stimulates the nervous system and, therefore, can affect sexual function in humans. . Apparently, you only need a pinch to achieve this effect.
In turn, nutmeg oil can be used externally as a component of preparations to alleviate rheumatic pains, joints and tendons.
It is worth knowing that the main ingredient of the cap, myristicin, is the starting substance in the production of "love pills" - MDA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Initially, MDA, like amphetamines, was considered an appetite suppressant. It was not until the 1950s that the effects of MDA on human sexual function were known .²
Nutmeg improves digestion, may prevent stomach ulcers
Nutmeg increases the secretion of gastric juice, thus improving digestion. Besides, it is carminative. Researchers' preliminary research also shows that nutmeg may prevent the development of stomach ulcers. All thanks to the content of a substance called eugenol, which is present in significant amounts not only in nutmeg, but also in clove oil. The mechanism of the anti-ulcer action of this substance is unclear. Eugenol has been credited with inhibiting the release of leukotrienes (substances involved in inflammation), which is expected to prevent damage to the lining of the stomach .³
Nutmeg can preventblood clots
Nutmeg ingredients inhibit the aggregation (clumping) of platelets, and thus - prevent blood clots. This effect is comparable to indomethacin, a drug from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that performs the same function.
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Author: Time S.A
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Find out moreWorth knowingKnobnutmegmay cause allergy
Nutmeg, like other spices such as paprika, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, can cause food allergy symptoms in people allergic to pollen from herbaceous plants.
Paweł Pawelec on nutmeg: This is a very good, legal measure
Source: TVN Meteo Active / x-news
Knob as a spice - use in the kitchen
The kitchen uses not only nutmeg, but also nutmeg, which is more spicy than a nutmeg. Both nutmeg and macis are used after crushing as an aromatic seasoning, although in European cuisine, mace is not that popular. The exception is Bavarian cuisine, where it is used in the production of white sausages.
The most intense flavor and aroma is found in a freshly grated knob. Just add a little bit at the end of cooking.
On the other hand, a knob is a spice added to various types of meat, sausages, pates, and even fish and seafood (e.g. mussels and crustaceans). It complements the taste of eggs and some vegetables (e.g. cabbage, spinach, eggplant, onions, beans). Nutmeg is also an indispensable ingredient of mulled wine and cakes - especially gingerbread. It can be used to flavor compotes, punches and cocoa.
Besides, nutmeg is an ingredient in a herbal blend called garam masala, which also includes cumin, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon and chili. It can also be found in the Moroccan Ras el Hanout spice blend and curry. Besides, nutmeg is one of the ingredients of the Indian tea Masala czaj.
Bibliography:
1. Rostkowska-Nadolsk B., Machoń Z., Hallucinogens. Part I - Natural hallucinogens, "Farmacja Polska", 2009, 2 (65) 2.Mikzińska K., Matławska I., The importance of herbs in sexual disorders, "Postępy Phytoterapii" 2007, No. 13. Kedzia B., Nowości bibliograficzne. Eugenol prevents the formation of stomach ulcers, "Advances in Phytotherapy" 2001, nr 1