6 Benefits of Super Spice Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a popular spice with a warm and nutty flavor. It’s more commonly used for its taste than its health benefits in beverages, stews and baked products. Meanwhile, nutmeg is a rich source of fiber, minerals and vitamins. It also contains various compounds that help prevent disease and promote your overall health. Here are 6 benefits of consuming a moderate volume of nutmeg.

Contains Various Antioxidants

The process of oxidation in the human body produces unstable chemicals called free radicals, which damage cell structures and increase the risk of inflammation. Free radicals may cause a variety of diseases like cancer and heart disease. Antioxidant is a special substance that neutralizes free radicals and prevents cellular damage. Nutmeg is a rich source of natural antioxidants, including cyanidins and terpenes. It helps prevent various diseases and boosts overall health.

Relieve Pain and Inflammation

Nutmeg contains many anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis and certain cancers. Nutmeg also includes compounds like eugenol, myristicin and elemicin, which possess analgesic properties. These substances can relieve pain, including muscle aches, joint pain and toothaches. Nutmeg oil, when applied topically, can provide localized pain relief. Incorporating nutmeg into your diet may contribute to relieving pain and inflammatory responses.

Antibacterial Effect

Nutmeg has been shown to have antibacterial effects against potentially harmful strains of bacteria. Research suggests that nutmeg oil includes antiseptic properties that can inhibit harmful bacteria. Substances like pinene and carvacrol in nutmeg possess antimicrobial activity. They can make the membranes unstable and cause antibacterial effects. These properties make nutmeg helpful for oral health. For example, methyl eugenol in nutmeg oil can help prevent the growth of bacteria that leads to dental plaque and cavities.

Enhance Brain Function

Nutmeg can stimulate brain activity and help reduce stress. The abundant antioxidants in nutmeg can reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which leads to enhanced memory, focus and overall brain function. Moderate consumption of nutmeg might improve concentration and enhance blood circulation to the brain. It is worth mentioning that an excess of nutmeg can lead to delirium. Therefore, it is advisable to have it only when prescribed by a qualified doctor.

Promote Digestive Health

Nutmeg has been traditionally used to improve digestion. It has been scientifically proven that nutmeg extract can help alleviate digestion-related problems such as bloating, gas, flatulence and indigestion. Additionally, it may relieve an upset stomach, stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes that boost metabolism and promote healthy bowel movements. Thus, it is an excellent addition to your diet if you are suffering from digestive issues.

Boost Libido

Nutmeg has been a traditional medicine in the management of male sexual disorders. Some modern animal studies also show that nutmeg may enhance sex drive and performance. Research has proven that the 50% ethanolic extract of nutmeg possesses the activity of increasing both libido and potency, which might be attributed to its special property to stimulate the nervous system.

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Why Do You Have Night Sweats?

Night sweats refer to an abnormality when you sweat so much during sleep even though where you're sleeping is cool. People of all ages could have night sweats. Although its symptoms are not that bothersome and pernicious, night sweats along with other symptoms may indicate more severe diseases. Here are some possible reasons that may cause your night sweats.

Menopause

Menopause is one of the most common reasons for night sweats, especially in women. This situation is related to hormonal changes in females. Scientists said that about 75% of perimenopausal women report having night sweats. This kind of night sweat is a normal phenomenon. Remember to avoid stimulants that can induce night sweats like alcohol and caffeine, and keep your bedroom and yourself cool at night.

Mental Conditions

Research suggests that mental conditions like anxiety disorder and depression may also cause night sweats. If you're feeling anxious or depressed, you'll probably be more likely to experience insomnia and night sweats. Mental illnesses may raise your body's core temperature, making your sweat glands produce more sweat to lower it back down. When you suffer from such problems, please talk to your psychologist and take relevant remedies.

Diseases

Night sweats is a common complication of a wide range of diseases. These diseases include cancers including leukemia, lymphoma and prostate cancer, heart diseases, HIV/AIDS, hyperthyroidism, obesity, tuberculosis and obstructive sleep apnea. The reason can be complicated. Therefore, you should see your doctors soon as possible to rule out a serious disease, especially if you're having night sweats along with other symptoms such as weight loss, fever, pain, cough and diarrhea.

Medications

Some medicines can also cause night sweats, including antipyretics, antidepressants, diabetes medicines, antihypertensive drugs, steroid medicines, some cancer treatments and painkillers. Taking common medicines such as paracetamol and aspirin may cause night sweats. If you're experiencing night sweats as a result of a drug you're taking, talk to your doctor and ask for an alternative prescription.

Hyperhidrosis

The possibility of sweat disorder cannot be ruled out. Hyperhidrosis is a disease in which your body produces excessive sweat for unknown reasons. It can be an inherited condition, but it may be caused by some other diseases. You can use antiperspirants to reduce your sweating. Also, choose loose-fitting and comfortable bedding and clothing. Heavy pajamas and socks should be avoided.

Drinking Alcohol

Many people believe having a glass of wine before bedtime is relaxing. However, research has proved that consuming alcohol before bed may lead to night sweats and overall low-quality sleep. It can take one hour for your body to process one serving of alcohol. It is recommended that alcohol not be consumed in the last four hours before bedtime.

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5 Causes of Liver Damage You Must Know

The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. One of its major functions is filtering waste products and toxins from your blood. It makes the liver susceptible to all kinds of damage. Severe liver damage could lead to liver failure, which can only be cured by a liver transplant. More than 100 million people in the U.S. have some form of liver disease. Here are some possible causes of liver damage.

Infection

Virus infection is the most common cause of liver diseases like hepatitis (an inflammation of the liver) and liver cancer. Hepatitis virus is the main culprit. There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E. In particular, hepatitis B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people. They are also the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Hepatic parasite is another reason for liver damage. Due to climate change and globalization, this incidence is increasing. Parasites affecting the liver constitute a large family: roundworms, tapeworms, Entamoeba histolytica and liver flukes. Parasites can cause liver abscess, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure. They are mostly spread through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Parasite infections are more common in underdeveloped areas.

Alcohol

The liver breaks down most of the alcohol you drink. This process will generate a toxic compound called acetaldehyde which causes significant damage to the liver. Alcohol abuse will increase the liver's burden and lead to serious liver disease, including alcoholic fatty liver and chronic hepatitis. Fat and inflammation in the liver lead to scarring. Severe scarring is called cirrhosis. Scar tissue replaces healthy cells, making the liver unable to work properly.

Obesity

Overweight, obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol levels can induce nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Fat deals as severe damage to the liver as alcohol does. Extra fat cells build up in your liver, leading to a liver more likely to develop inflammation. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease improves the risk of developing liver cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure and cancer.

Toxins

Because of the liver's function of detoxifying the blood, any intake of toxins is possible to harm the liver cells directly and lead to liver damage. Different types of toxins come from a wide range of sources, such as drugs, pesticides, cleaners and other chemicals. For example, an overdose of acetaminophen, a commonly used antipyretic, can damage your liver or lead to failure.

Though herbs and supplements provide beneficial minerals and vitamins for your body, they may be associated with liver damage. Scientists discovered that twenty percent of liver damage in the U.S. is caused by herbs. Aloe vera, black cohosh, cascara content may cause toxic liver disease. Vitamin A and Niacin overdose can cause severe liver injury.

Family History

TIf you or your family member has had liver disease, you may be at a higher risk of developing liver conditions. For instance, hepatitis B or C and hemochromatosis increase the risk of liver cancer. You should also keep an eye out for symptoms if your close relative has had a genetic liver disease, including hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, or alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.