Nutmeg, tropical evergreen tree and the spice made of its seed.

The tree is native to the Moluccas, or Spice Islands, of Indonesia and is principally cultivated there and in the West Indies.
The spice nutmeg has a distinctive pungent fragrance and a warm slightly sweet taste, it is used to flavour many kinds of baked goods, confections, puddings, potatoes, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and such beverages as eggnog.
Nutmeg trees may reach a height of about 20 metres.
They yield fruit eight years after sowing, reach their prime in 25 years, and bear fruit for 60 years or longer.
The fruit is a pendulous drupe, similar in appearance to an apricot.
When fully mature it splits in two, exposing a crimson coloured aril, the mace, surrounding a single shiny brown seed, the nutmeg.
The pulp of the fruit is eaten locally.
After collection the aril enveloped nutmegs are conveyed to curing areas where the mace is removed, flattened out, and dried.
The nutmegs are dried gradually in the sun and turned twice daily over a period of six to eight weeks.
During this time the nutmeg shrinks away from its hard seed coat until the kernels rattle in their shells when shaken.
The shell is then broken with a wooden truncheon and the nutmegs are picked out.
Dried nutmegs are grayish brown ovals with furrowed surfaces.

8 Backed Benefits of Nutmeg

1. Contains powerful antioxidants;
Though small in size, the seeds from which nutmeg is derived are rich in plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body.
Antioxidants are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
These are molecules that have an unpaired electron, which makes them unstable and reactive.
When free radical levels become too high in your body, oxidative stress occurs.
It's associated with the onset and progression of many chronic conditions, such as certain cancers and heart and neurodegenerative diseases.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing cellular damage and keeping your free radical levels in check.
Nutmeg contains an abundance of antioxidants, including plant pigments like cyanidins, essential oils, such as phenylpropanoids and terpenes, and phenolic compounds, including protocatechuic, ferulic, and caffeic acids.

2. Has anti inflammatory properties;

Chronic inflammation is linked to many adverse health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Nutmeg is rich in anti inflammatory compounds called monoterpenes, including sabinene, terpineol, and pinene.
These may help reduce inflammation in your body and benefit those with inflammatory conditions.
What's more, the wide array of antioxidants found in the spice, such as cyanidins and phenolic compounds, also have powerful anti inflammatory properties.

3. May boost libido

Some studies show that nutmeg may enhance sex drive and performance.
A similar study showed that giving male mice this same high dose of nutmeg extract significantly increased their sexual activity compared to a control group.
Researchers still aren’t sure exactly how the spice enhances libido. Some surmise these effects are due to its ability to stimulate the nervous system, along with its high content of powerful plant compounds.

4. Has antibacterial properties

Nutmeg has been shown to have antibacterial effects against potentially harmful strains of bacteria.
A test-tube study found that nutmeg extract demonstrated powerful antibacterial effects against these and other bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis.
These bacteria are known to cause cavities and gum inflammation.
Nutmeg has also been found to inhibit the growth of harmful strains of E coli bacteria, such as O157, which can cause severe illness and even death in humans.

5–7. May benefit various health conditions

Although research is limited, studies suggest that nutmeg may have the following effects;

5. May benefit heart health.
Animal studies show that taking high dose nutmeg supplements reduced heart disease risk factors, such as high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels, though human research is lacking.
6. Could boost mood.
Rodent studies have found that nutmeg extract induced significant antidepressant effects in both mice and rats.

Studies are needed to determine if nutmeg extract has the same effect in humans.
7. May improve blood sugar control.

A study in rats showed that treatment with high dose nutmeg extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels and enhanced pancreatic function.

Precautions

Though nutmeg is unlikely to cause harm when consumed in small quantities, taking it in high doses may cause adverse side effects.
It contains the compounds myristicin and safrole.
When ingested in large amounts, they can cause symptoms like hallucinations and loss of muscle coordination.
Interestingly, nutmeg is sometimes taken recreationally to induce hallucinations and cause a "high" feeling.
It's often mixed with other hallucinogenic drugs, which increases the risk of dangerous side effects.