Health Benefits of Nutmeg and Smoothie Recipes using Nutmeg

Health Benefits of Nutmeg and Smoothie Recipes using Nutmeg
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Nutmeg

Health Benefits of Nutmeg (photo in the public domain)

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is the seed of an evergreen tree. It is native to the Banda Islands (Spice Islands) of Indonesia, a group of small volcanic islands.

About 10,000 tons of nutmeg is produced each year. Although it is quite affordable today, a few hundred years ago, one small bag of nutmeg could sell for enough money to allow one to live comfortably for the rest of their life.

Health Benefits of Nutmeg

Gastrointestinal Problems

Nutmeg can help treat and prevent flatulence and is used to relieve stomachaches. It can also help stop diarrhea, improve digestion, encourage appetite, and relieve vomiting.

Respiratory Problems

Nutmeg can cure coughs and is found as a major ingredient in certain cough syrups. It can break up chest congestion and is used to treat the flu and common cold. Although more research is needed, nutmeg is believed to help in the treatment of asthma.

Other nutmeg benefits include:

  • improving concentration
  • reducing stress
  • relieving headaches
  • improving blood circulation
  • lowering blood pressure
  • removing toxins from the body
  • treating joint and muscle pain.

Precautions

Large doses of nutmeg can potentially cause problems such as body pain, nausea, heart palpitations, and convulsions.

Smoothie Recipes

Enjoy the health benefits of nutmeg with these delicious smoothies:

Banana Nutmeg

Blend 1 cup of milk (low fat or soy), 1/2 cup of vanilla or plain yogurt, 1 banana, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Pour into a tall (chilled) glass and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg.

Green Tea, Honey, and Nutmeg

Place 1 cup of ice, 1/4 cup of chilled green tea (triple-strength), 1/2 cup of low fat vanilla frozen yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, a dash of ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground nutmeg in a blender. Puree until smooth. Pour the mixture in a glass and drizzle with a little honey.

Disclaimer

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.