Can Nutmeg Be Included In Your Gout Diet?

Nutmeg spice comes from the nutmeg tree (which can grow to 66 feet tall) by a certain tree called Myristica fragrans. It grows a fruit with two parts, nutmeg (formed by the seed of the fruit) and mace (comes from a red, lacy aril surrounding the seed). Nutmeg is shaped like an egg measuring about 25 mm long and 16 mm wide weighing between 5 and 10 grams.

Nutmeg spice is usually used in powdered form for flavouring and adds aroma to many dishes. Nutmeg has been used in medicine since the 17^th century. For many centuries, people in the Maluku Islands near Indonesia which is the primary producer, have used nutmeg to reduce painful joint and muscle inflammation, in addition to digestive problems. Over 50 compounds with antioxidant properties have been identified in the nutmeg, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenolic compounds. It was because of such features that the Roman and Greek civilizations used nutmeg as a type of brain tonic since it does help eliminate stress, fatigue and sharpens up your brain!

Nutmeg has been investigated and used for a range of healing properties and it may help with insomnia, nausea, dealing with diarrhea and indigestion, constipation and bloating, when used in small quantity. Some animal studies have shown that it may help control cholesterol and blood pressure, may stimulate the cardiovascular system, may help improve concentration, may help treat different skin problems, may help with male infertility. It has a protective role for various organs including the liver and kidneys. All this happens because nutmeg extract effectively reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by improving the body’s natural antioxidant defense mechanism. When your liver and kidney are protected in good condition, they may perform their function better and support healthy uric acid levels in your body to alleviate symptoms of gout.

Nutmeg has also been used to combat joint pain in gout as well as arthritis for many centuries in ancient Chinese medicine. Many gout patients usually apply nutmeg oil to the affected areas for relief. Some gout patients claim that regular application of nutmeg oil may relieve joint pain. Nutmeg has a good quantity of several minerals like potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, as well as dietary fiber.

Does nutmeg hold the potential of a future gout cure?

Some promise is shown by a biotechnology researcher, Dr.Yanti Ph.D at Atma Jaya University in Jakarta, Indonesia who is presently studying a bioactive compound called macelignan found in nutmeg seed extract for its various biological effects including a possible use in the management of gout.

Some ways to consume nutmeg is by adding a pinch of nutmeg powder or 5-6 drops of nutmeg oil in warm cup of milk or water and add 1 tablespoon of organic raw honey, then sip. On a side note, taking a large amount of nutmeg can intoxicate you causing hallucinations, nausea, tachycardia, agitation, dizziness and other neurological or psychiatric effects and many drug users have used it to get a high, so watch out! Over 30 grams can also be lethal, overdose being possible!

All you need is a tiny dusting of it to reap its taste and nutrition benefits! You can find many recipes online, so go ahead and experiment! As for myself, I have never experimented with nutmeg as of this writing, maybe I will introduce it in my diet very shortly but I know that all spices are nature’s medicine to human ailments, it can’t hurt you in small quantities, that’s for sure and I will be experimenting with it.

DISCLAIMER

This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Patients should consult their physician for individual management.