Unlock better sleep with a dash of nutmeg in your bedtime milk

When considering a flavorful addition to milk, things like cocoa, cinnamon, honey, or even garlic and butter might pop into your mind during illness. In American popular culture, a pre-bedtime cup of milk is a scene often depicted in movies, and children, who consume this drink, seem to fall asleep almost instantaneously. To recreate this cinematic magic at home, consider adding a dash of nutmeg to your milk.

Although nutmeg is a requisite ingredient in the béchamel sauce, it pairs well with spinach, enhances white sauces, and even finds use in gingerbread, mulled wine, and beer. Despite these wide-ranging applications, it's often resigned to the far end of the spice rack and used less frequently. Given its unique properties, it's certainly time to change that.

Nutmeg originates from the nutmeg tree found in the Caribbean, India, and other topical parts of the world. Before reaching store shelves as a powdered spice, it grows in these lush, warm locales. It's defined by a sharp, unmistakable taste, with a faint touch of bitterness, hence, a little goes a long way. Its excessive use can inadvertently overwhelm and spoil a dish. When seasoned in moderation, it can significantly enrich a meal.

Nutmeg is filled with antioxidants that aid in cell protection from damage and oxidative stress. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can regulate blood pressure. It is particularly rich in Vitamin C and niacin (B3).

The seeds of the nutmeg tree are a robust source of fiber, fatty acids, and essential oils. Its antioxidant properties owe to the presence of vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids, which eliminate excess free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. This substance inhibits many lifestyle diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

Nutmeg can be potentially beneficial in dealing with sleep disorders, positively affecting both your ability to fall asleep and the quality of sleep.

One recommended way to incorporate nutmeg into your diet is by adding it to warm milk. This spice also shows promise in enhancing sexual performance and resolving sexual disorders, leading to its sobriquet as the "lovers' spice". Additionally, its aroma can relieve stress and promote relaxation.