Nutmeg has shown to have numerous health effects and a group of scientists has found the mechanism behind the wonders it provides. The work was recently published in the Journal of Proteome Research.
Nutmeg has been shown to help numerous organs, but specifically the liver. It has been used to treat asthma, rheumatic pain, toothaches and infections. Previous studies have shown that nutmeg can combat hyperlipidaemia, hyperglycemia, heart tissue damage and hepatotoxicity.
In this study, using a mouse animal model, the researchers took a closer look at the protective effects of nutmeg. Their metabolomics analysis showed that nutmeg helped restored lipids and acylcarnitines to healthy levels. From their gene expression studies, they were able to see that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) was modulated by nutmeg. If the PPARα gene was deleted, the mice were not protected from liver injury. Lastly, they also saw a compound in nutmeg called myrislignan that protected against liver damage.
So don't feel shy about adding a bit of extra nutmeg to your diet. It could help you in the long run.