When you think of nutmeg, you probably think of delicious baked goods around the fall. But did you know nutmeg can go a long way in supporting a healthy liver?
Nutmeg has actually been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues. Nutmeg has also been used to treat asthma, rheumatic pain, toothaches, and other types of infections.
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Researchers wanted to determine whether or not nutmeg could help prevent liver damage.
Using a mouse model of liver toxicity, the researchers studied nutmeg’s protective properties. An analysis revealed that nutmeg most likely protects the liver by restoring the mice to a healthy level of various lipids and acylcarnitines. Gene expression analysis showed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) was controlled by nutmeg, but these effects did not take place when PPARα was removed.
Furthermore, the researchers found specifically that myrislignan also had protective effects against liver damage.
As always, studies done on mice do not necessarily translate to that in humans, but nutmeg is a delicious spice known to have other health benefits. Therefore, including it in your diet may be a wise choice overall to maintain good health.
Also read: Should you detox your liver?
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
