Nutmeg: Experts weigh in on health benefits, nutrition facts, and more
Perspective from Livia Dickson Chen
Benefits
- Nutmeg prevents the development of chronic disease such as cancer, degenerative diseases, and heart disease. Nutmeg contains powerful antioxidants which are compounds that protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants such as cyanidins, essential oils, such as phenylpropanoids and terpenes, and phenolic compounds (protocatechuic, ferulic and caffeic acids) neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage.
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties. Bioactive compounds present in nutmeg such as monoterpenes, sabinene, terpinol, pinene, cyanidins, and phenolic compounds help reduce inflammation.
Possible Side Effects
- Pregnant women should be careful with the consumption of nutmeg because of the risk of possible abortifacient effects.
- Individuals with psychiatric illnesses must be monitored by healthcare professional during consumption of nutmeg due to a possible excitatory activity.
Perspective from Luciana M. Cherubin
Benefits
- Nutmeg protects the cells from damage. It is high in antioxidants, a compounds that protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties. Nutmeg is rich in monoterpenes, an anti-inflammatory compounds.
Possible Side Effects
- Nutmegs contains the compounds myristicin and safrole. When ingested in large amounts, they can cause hallucinations.
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This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
Reference: Livia Dickson Chen, PhD in Nutrition and Luciana M. Cherubin, Bachelor in Nutrition