Can adding nutmeg to your food bring down cholesterol?

Nutmeg or Jaiphal is a little oval-shaped spice that has long been used in regional cuisines across India. It releases a distinct smell when added to the food, but it also does a lot more than just make the food aromatic. This spice from Indonesia is packed with a lot of curative qualities. In India, nutmeg is usually cultivated in parts of South India such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala but is available throughout the country. Including a dash of nutmeg to your food is a great way to have a healthier body. However, before you head to buy big batches of nutmeg, also take a moment to read about its side-effects. Here are 5 reasons why you should include nutmeg to your diet.

Nutmeg is an excellent spice to add to your diet if you routinely suffer from digestive issues. It can provide relief from a multitude of digestive problems like gas, constipation, diarrhoea and more. The best way to have nutmeg if you have any of the issues above is to add a pinch to your soup. Nutmeg is loaded with essential oils that can kickstart the release of digestive fluids. What’s more? It also repairs minor damages caused to the organs due to the exposure to toxins.

Regular but moderate consumption of nutmeg has been associated with reducing levels of lipoprotein and lipids in the blood. These elements are known for binding cholesterol and leading them to clog the arteries and blood vessels. Adding nutmeg to your regular diet will reduce the risen levels of cholesterol in the body. Although, try to have it in simple foods instead of eating nutmeg flavoured desserts that are loaded with sugar.

If your sleeping pattern has also gone for a toss during the lockdown (just one more episode!), nutmeg can help. It has sleep-inducing qualities that can aid you to have a peaceful and relaxing sleep. Add nutmeg to your foods to correct your sleep cycle.

Nutmeg is brimming with nutritional properties such as calcium, iron, potassium, manganese etc. that can support the healthy functioning of the body. It also helps regulate proper blood flow throughout the body and clears the toxins from the body.

Nutmeg is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, thus protecting the body from inflammation and the pain that closely follows. This makes it a useful pain-relieving food for joints and muscles. Applying nutmeg oil on affected areas can also help with the pain.

Even though nutmeg is loaded with nutritive properties, there is a reason why you should only have ‘a dash’ of this wonderful spice. Try not to exceed 1/2 tsp of nutmeg in a day and do not consume it on its own. Having more than the recommended quantity of nutmeg can cause intoxication. It can even lead to organ failure. If you already are on some prescription drugs, overdosing on nutmeg can react with the medicine and can also cause death.