Posts Tagged ‘Ingredient’

What are various health benefits of Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is sweet, spicy and nutty in taste and is an essential constituent used in most of the Indian kitchens. Nutmeg is a warm, rich, somewhat sweet, brownish-red spice. It comes from the seed of the fruit of the nutmeg tree, which looks similar to a walnut. This spice is very aromatic, with rich, sweet, savory, warm tones. Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, but mace has a stronger flavor.
Nutmegs are evergreen trees, native to the rain forest Indonesian Moluccas Island, also known as the Spice Islands. The tree grows to about 50-60 feet in height, is the source of nutmeg and mace, two valuable spices. Inside the fruit is a hard egg-shaped seed of about 20 mm to 30 mm long and 15 mm to 18 mm wide, and 5 to 10 grams in weight.
Nutmeg is a popular ingredient for cooking and used in various sweet and spicy dishes like baked goods, white sauces and puddings. Nutmeg should be stored in cool, dark, dry areas. This spice is very versatile.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF NUTMEG

- Nutmeg can stimulate the brain, prevent mental exhaustion as well as rid our minds of stress. It acts like a brain tonic.
- Nutmeg eases stomach problems like indigestion, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Nutmeg and nutmeg oil can treat liver problems by eliminating the toxins that cause ailments to this vital body organ.
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Nutmeg oil can treat anything from toothaches, to sore gums to bad breath.
- Nutmeg oil helps in improving concentration.
- Nutmeg is also an effective sedative i.e it is used as a pain relief.
- Nutmeg has antibacterial properties, nutmeg can also effectively treat halitosis or bad breath.
- Nutmeg can actually help you achieve smoother and healthier skin by helping you treat several skin problems.
- Nutmeg is rich in vital B-complex vitamins including vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin A.
- Nutmeg proves to be an excellent tonic for the cardiovascular system.
- Nutmeg is useful during congestion and cough.
- Drinking one cup of milk boiled with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg promotes sleep.
- Nutmeg oil is also a good herb for the kidney, helping it dissolve kidney stones as well as relieve infections.
- Nutmeg is very effectual medicine for insomnia. To treat insomnia, consume 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder with 1 cup of milk and bring to boil.
- Rub nutmeg on a stone slab in water and apply the paste on the skin which is affected.

PRECAUTIONS WHILE HAVING NUTMEG

- Nutmeg should be used in moderation—a pinch or two is considered safe.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid the use of nutmeg.
- Touching nutmeg can cause allergic skin reaction.

| More

If you found this post informative, why not sign up to receive new posts ?
It's simple, and free, and you can even opt to receive by email:
Subscribe in a reader
Subscribe to Good Health Tips by Email

Health benefits of various natural spices

Spice is the corner stone of life, even if it is about food, love, relationships or career. Nobody loves a bland, monotonous taste in life. Spices add the much needed zing to the ultimate product. It gives the color, flavor and taste to you daily dose of health. Apart from all this spices give you the boost much needed to combat those evil predators who wreak havoc with your immune system. Spices include a wide variety of herbs, roots, flowers and fruits. It has the humble ubiquitous cumin to the rare and costly Saffron, but ultimately all of them do the one thing, add the much needed zest to your taste buds and body.
Spices have antioxidant properties which helps you to combat Alzheimer, aging and heart disease. It has antimicrobial properties which helps to keep food safe and also kills many pathogens which cling to it. The anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce the clumping of blood platelets and boost the circulatory system. Spices are also said to improve brain function. There are a great variety of spice which are the integral part of Indian, Chinese and Mediterranean cooking. The use of spice varies with respect to Indian, Chinese or Mediterranean cuisines.
To examine the health benefits of certain spices, we can begin with,

Cumin: It is one of the best sources of Iron and is used to improve digestion. Water boiled with cumin is used to control dysentery in infants.
Cardamom: The amazing cardamom tea is the best thing to lift your spirits. It is a breathe freshener and is used to cope with diabetics.
Coriander: Water boiled with coriander is a good kidney cleanser. It is good to combat rheumatism, sore throat, indigestion, allergies etc.
Curry Leaves: These are the friends of the diabetics. Curry leaves are chewed early in the morning to reduce blood sugar. It is used cleansing the body and also is a part of a host of herbal medicines.
Cinnamon: cholesterol can be considerably reduced by cinnamon. It also reduces the blood sugar levels and encourages the production of natural insulin.
Chilly: It contains Capsaicin which has antioxidant and anti-microbial properties which gives a boost to the immune system.
Clove: this humble flower was used from time immemorial to combat tooth and gum problems. It also fights digestive disorders, cough and cold.
Garlic: Reams of paper can be used to illustrate the uses of this wonder spice. It has strong antioxidant properties and is said to combat a simple cold to life threatening cancer.
Mustard: It contains omega three fatty acids an dis a wonderful source of Iron, calcium and Zinc. It is a great massage oil as it reduces aches and pains.
Pepper: Need to combat common cold then pepper is your answer. It also deals with muscle pains and digestive disorders.
Nutmeg: It is said to be a antidote for Asthma, digestive tract problems and even cancer.
Oregano: This Mediterranean spice calms digestive disorders and helps in curing respiratory illness.
Thyme: Just use it to counter you respiratory disorders and it also stimulates your immune system.
Rosemary: This was an air-freshener before the arrival of synthetic products. It is also soothes and improves the digestive system.
Saffron: This is one of the costliest spice in the world. Saffron is said to combat aging and reduce wrinkles. Continuous use is said to increase the skin tone. Saffron helps to cure a humble headache to the terrible tumors.
The list of the spices are endless and the continuous and judicious use helps in fighting diseases. Everything has a flip side and excessive use of the spices can play havoc with your digestion and circulatory systems. So go for the spice in your life but keep it under your thumb.