The nuttier, the better.
Nutmeg is a key ingredient in the infamous pumpkin spice latte, the popular fall drink. And the kick of spice makes it hard for people to resist not consuming it every day — which can be both good and bad.
“Nutmeg is a versatile spice that adds a warm, nutty flavor to both sweet and savory dishes,” Dr. Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns, told USA Today.
In the fall, however, people tend to overindulge in nutmeg-based foods such as lattes, breads, chips and even honey, knowing its presence is only around for a few months.
And the excessive intake isn’t necessarily all sugar and spice.
Sabat revealed that one benefit of nutmegs is they’re rich in antioxidants “that can help combat oxidative stress,” an imbalance between the production and accumulation of oxygen-reactive species (ROS) in cells and tissues, according to the National Institute of Health. Incorporating nutmeg or similar spices in your diet can help prevent it.
Even nutmeg-based essential oils can reduce inflammation, as they contain monoterpenes, which have been used in some cases to treat inflammation.
A few other pros to nutmeg include boosting your libido, antibacterial effects, improving blood sugar and enhancing heart health, according to Healthline.
However, it comes with cons, too — and moderation may be the key to avoiding them and keeping fall oh-so-nice.
“Consuming large amounts of nutmeg can lead to hallucinations, nausea and other health issues. It should be used sparingly,” the doctor added regarding potential downfalls.
Symptoms of nutmeg toxicity include nausea, vomiting, mouth dryness and pupil involvement, as well as — in severe cases — seizure, hallucination, confusion and unstable blood pressure.
In 2022, the American College of Emergency Physicians admitted there was an increase in emergency room visits due to the controversial “nutmeg challenge.”
The trend encouraged children to “ingest large quantities of nutmeg in an attempt to gain a natural high,” BMJ Journals revealed.
Many children who participated in the social media trend reportedly experienced painful symptoms and were hospitalized.