What’s the secret to goodness in pumpkin spice lattes? You wouldn’t be far off to think of pumpkin. But add the word spice and you dig deeper to uncover the richness of nutmeg.

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Do You Want to Know the Health Benefits of Nutmeg?

The botanical name for nutmeg is Myristica fragrans. This evergreen tree is the only one in the world that yields two spices, nutmeg, and mace. The trees are native to Indonesia and are also plentiful in the Caribbean, particularly Grenada.

Nutmeg is actually the seed of the tree and about the size of an apricot. Patience is indeed a virtue with nutmeg: the first harvest occurs seven to nine years after planting; the tree reaches full growth after 20 years.

Nutmeg has a rich, robust aroma with a sweet and savory flavor. It can resemble the sweetness of cinnamon or the heartiness of clove. In addition to pumpkin spice, nutmeg is omnipresent in eggnog. Go ahead and toast the holiday season and enjoy some health benefits.

Want to hear the good news about nutmeg so plentiful this time of year?

Not only is it delicious, but it is also nutritious, too. It’s important to state that because consumption of nutmeg is often in bits — a dash here, a teaspoon there, you aren’t going to get your recommended daily allowance of nutrients from nutmeg.

But think of it as a helping hand, adding valued vitamins and minerals to your diet, as opposed to the “empty calories” often consumed in processed foods.

Rich in manganese

First and foremost, nutmeg is rich in manganese, a trace mineral that supports bone health, wound healing, metabolism, and regulation of blood sugar as well as other bodily functions. Health benefits also come from copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc, B-vitamins, and vitamins A and C.

In addition, nutmeg retains its fiber even about being ground, contributing to blood sugar stabilization and healthy digestion. Many experts tout the health benefits of nutmeg when speaking about digestive health, pain relief, brain health, cleansing, oral health, and stable blood pressure. However, if the oral pain persists, you can consider tooth extraction with the dentist in Raleigh.

The health benefits of nutmeg aren’t new

Take a look at this 16th-century description: Nutmegs be good for them which have a cold in their head, and doth comfort the sight and brain, & the mouth of the stomach & is good for the spleen (source: Karen Castillo FarfÃ¡n/NPR).

Over-consumption of nutmeg

There’s no doubt enjoying nutmeg in seasonal delicacies, and all year round in a variety of dishes is a good part of an overall healthy diet. But, it is also important to note that over-consumption of nutmeg, approximately two tablespoons or more, can be toxic to the body. Individuals have reported dizziness, nausea, vomiting, slowing down of brain function, and depression, among other symptoms.

So let’s stick to the dash here, a teaspoon there, and enjoy nutmeg and its nutritional benefits. Want to make your own healthy eggnog with nutmeg? Try this vegan recipe from Elana’s Pantry.

Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement.

We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.

1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re not talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.

I’ve accepted that I have long arms. Sometimes I get frustrated when I’m shopping because sizes don’t fit like I want them to, but then I remind myself that I have long arms and a smile. I’m still working on accepting my thighs. This is a tough one for me.

2. Appreciation is everything. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?

I’ve learned to appreciate that I’m a giver. Sometimes it takes a lot of time for me to give to another, whether it involves shopping, or preparing, or researching, but I enjoy making others happy. I’m still working on appreciating that I’m a night owl. I want to “change” and come to love waking up early because then I have productive days.

3. Share with us one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.

I’m proud of my marriage – sharing my life, unconditionally, with another human being. Although I am proud of this, I know that it is important for me to keep the dream alive – by continuing to do what I need to do to be the best version of myself, so that I can be a wonderful wife.