Nutmeg
Botanically, nutmeg (classical name: Myristica fragrans, English: Nutmeg, ) is the name used for several species of trees belonging to the genus Myristica. A commercially important species is ‘Myristica fragrans’. This breed is native to the Banda Islands in the Molucca Archipelago in Indonesia. The nutmeg tree yields two major spice products, nutmeg and nutmeg.
Nutmeg is the seed of the Its tree. Its shape is oval and it is 20 to 30 mm. (0.8 to 1 in.) long and 15 to 18 mm. (0.6 to 0.7 inches) in width. It weighs 5 to 7 grams (0.2 to 0.4 oz) when dried. It is the dried, reddish bark of this bee. After 7 to 9 years of planting, the tree bears fruit for the first time and after 20 years, the tree starts producing in full force. Its powder is often used in spices. It is the only plant that produces two spices from the same plant.
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It is an evergreen tree 10-12 m. grows tall. Leaves are simple, alternate, dark green, broad, lance-shaped and smooth, 7-14 cm. long, 4 cm. are wide. The flowers appear in the axils of the leaves. They are small, pale yellow and bell-shaped and fragrant. Male and female flowers come on different plants. Some male trees produce female flowers after several years. It is not known whether the nutmeg tree is male or female until it is six or seven years old. Pods first yellow, 5 cm. in diameter, oblong, fleshy and fragrant which later turns red. They come singly or in clusters of 4-5 throughout the year. The fruit contains a single seed. The seed is oblong and the outer shell is covered with a dense and spiny reticulate coat; This cover is called jaipatri. The ‘nutmeg’ seeds in the market are shipped with the shell removed.
It has a pungent smell and a pungent taste. It is stimulant, carminative and carminative and is effective against insomnia, diarrhoea, vomiting, hiccups, flatulence, constipation and cough. The oil obtained from nutmeg is colorless or pale yellow. It contains more caffeine. This oil is used in perfumery, toothpaste, medicine, food, oil and soap. Myristicin is a toxic component in the oil. Its consumption affects the liver. The leaves, flowers and bark are useful and a volatile oil is extracted from them. Nutmeg is pungent, bitter, tasty and hot and is used in spices and medicine.
These trees have long been native to the Moluccas, east of Asia. Now they are cultivated in tropical countries of both hemispheres. There is a large cultivation in Malaya. Cultivated in Tamil Nadu state in India (Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Salem, Tinnevelly, Madurai, Kanyakumari etc districts). These trees are found planted in classical gardens and in Konkan, Karwar, Kerala and Assam where the hot and humid air warms them. Experiments have found that it grows well in Andhra Pradesh (Arakudari) and Kerala (Wayanad). Plants are planted from seeds and plants like banana, gliricidia etc. are planted for shade. It is also planted as a mixed crop in coffee, tea, coconut, betel nut and rubber plantations. Experiments in propagation by grafting have been successful in the West Indies. In Sanskrit literature etc. S. Mention of nutmeg can be found from 600. All the names of It in India and Burma bear a close resemblance to the original Sanskrit name, from which the tree must have first come to India from Malaya long ago.
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Benefits of Nutmeg
1. Benefits of nutmeg in insomnia
The use of It can help in getting rid of the problem of insomnia. A related study mentions that using nutmeg powder for two weeks can help overcome insomnia. At the same time, another research shows its use for insomnia.
2. Benefits of eating nutmeg in digestive system improvement
It can also be used to improve the digestive system. A research published on NCBI’s website mentions that It is used in Ayurveda to cure many problems, including curing poor digestive system. Also, it can make bowel movements easier. At the same time, another study shows its use for gas, diarrhea and indigestion. However, what medicinal effects of nutmeg are behind these benefits still need to be explored.
3. As a pain reliever
It can be used as a pain reliever. Research on this topic was conducted by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Chicago). Research has found that It extract has analgesic properties i.e. it has pain-relieving properties.
4. Benefits of eating nutmeg for arthritis
Arthritis problem can be accompanied by joint pain and swelling problem. The use of It in this problem may be beneficial. A study related to this topic found that the use of It can be beneficial in muscle spasms and arthritis problems. Research has found that nutmeg has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help relieve the pain and swelling that occurs during arthritis.
5. Benefits of nutmeg in cancer prevention
The use of nutmeg can be helpful to some extent in preventing cancer. A related study found that It has antitumor properties, which can help reduce the risk of tumors that cause cancer. Apart from this, another study found that Its oil can also be used to prevent cancer. Nutmeg oil has anticancer properties, which may be helpful to some extent in preventing cancer. Keep in mind that It is not a cure for cancer. If someone is affected by this disease, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
6. Benefits of nutmeg in diabetes
It can also be used for diabetes. A study published on the NCBI website found that nutmeg extract has antidiabetic properties. These properties can help prevent blood glucose levels from rising. Therefore, it can be said that the use of It can be beneficial in the problem of diabetes.
7. Benefits of eating nutmeg for teeth
It can also be used for dental health. According to a research published on NCBI’s website, macelignan, a substance present in nutmeg extract, has anti-cariogenic effects, protecting teeth from oral bacteria called Streptococcus Mutans. can provide Based on this, it can be said that the use of It can be beneficial for maintaining oral health.
8. Benefits of eating nutmeg for brain
Along with health and teeth, nutmeg can also be beneficial for the brain. A related research mentions the use of It for central nervous system functions. The central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. At the same time, another related research shows that the use of It can be helpful in increasing memory and learning ability. However, what properties of It could be beneficial behind this benefit still needs to be explored.
9. Benefits of It in relieving depression and anxiety
It can also be beneficial in depression and anxiety. Animal research has found that aqueous extracts of nutmeg have anxiolytic properties, which can help relieve anxiety. Also, research has found that nutmeg extract has antidepressant properties, which can be helpful in reducing depression.
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10. Benefits of It for Immunity
It is very important for any person to have a healthy immune system. If this is not the case, the person may get sick soon. In this case, consumption of nutmeg can prove helpful in increasing immune power. According to a related study, nutmeg can help strengthen the immune system. However, how this works requires further research.
11. Benefits of Nutmeg for Cholesterol
An increased level of cholesterol in the body can cause many problems, such as heart attack and stroke. In this case, consumption of nutmeg can help in controlling high cholesterol. Actually, nutmeg extract is found to have cholesterol-lowering activity. At the same time, it is mentioned in the same research that nutmeg supplement can work to improve blood lipids, which can help in controlling the problem of high cholesterol. However, its mechanism of action still requires further study.
12. Beneficial in reducing weight
A large population is suffering from the problem of obesity. Constant eating out, oily food, not eating at the right time and not exercising can be the reasons. In this case, it is important to pay attention to physical activity and food and drink. At the same time, home remedies can also be adopted to control obesity, including nutmeg. In fact, nutmeg has antiobesity properties, which can be helpful in controlling obesity.
13. Benefits of nutmeg in reducing acne
The use of nutmeg can also be beneficial in getting rid of acne problems. Actually, nutmeg has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antibacterial properties can help fight acne caused by bacteria and its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne inflammation. However, how effective it can be directly on acne needs further research.
Source – Marathi Vishwakosh
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