Hydroponics and Health Benefits of Nutmeg
Nutmeg’s walnut-like appearance is often deceiving. Unlike the dry fruit counterpart, nutmeg is a seed whose fruit is also a source of a couple more spices. Here’s a brief overview of nutmeg’s profile:
Hydroponics of Nutmeg
Hydroponic cultivation of nutmeg depends upon the following things:
Hydroponic System
A drip irrigation system gives the best yield of nutmeg.
Temperature Requirement
Nutmeg thrives in humid conditions where the temperature ranges between 77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
Application of 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer increases the chlorophyll content of nutmeg, thereby promoting its growth. (Sulistiono, Ibrahim, & Suwitono, 2021)
Nutritional Profile of Nutmeg
The nutritional profile of nutmeg consists of the following elements:
Macromolecules
Nutmeg contains good proportions of carbohydrates and dietary fibers, even more than some whole foods. But it is insufficient in the case of lipids and proteins. (FoodData Central, 2019)
Minerals
Nutmeg is a good source of important minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese.
Vitamins
Nutmeg has a flat vitamin profile. No vitamin can be found in significant quantity.
Health Benefits of Nutmeg
Anti-Depressant
Nutmeg has a much similar effect on the chemistry of our brain as tobacco—but without the risk of lung cancer. Depression is correlated with high levels of monoamine oxidase in the brain. The phytonutrients found in nutmeg are potent inhibitors of this depression-associated enzyme. The inhibitory effect comes with no fatal side effects, which is the case with many synthetic anti-depressants. (M.D., 2013)
Chemistry of Nutmeg
The chemistry of nutmeg is based on lignans, diphenyl alkanes, and essential oils. (Abourashed, 2016)
Its primary chemical properties are derived from two compounds, myristicin, and elemicin. Both these compounds are pharmacologically active and are major constituents of nutmeg’s essential oils.
Not only is nutmeg a great food additive, but it’s also an equally good mood lifter. And that alone is a good reason to make it a part of our diets.
References
Abourashed, E. A. (2016). Chemical diversity and pharmacological significance of the secondary metabolites of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.). Phytochemistry reviews : proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of Europe, 1035-1056. doi:https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs11101-016-9469-x
FoodData Central. (2019, April 1). Retrieved from U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171326/nutrients
M.D., M. G. (2013, July 17). Fighting the Blues with Greens? Retrieved from Nutrition Facts: https://nutritionfacts.org/video/fighting-the-blues-with-greens-mao-inhibitors-in-plants/
Sulistiono, W., Ibrahim, A., & Suwitono, B. (2021, April). Effect of NPK Fertilization Method on the Physiology and Fruit Products of Myristica fragrans in North Maluku, Indonesia. Annual Research & Review in Biology, 19-29. doi:https://doi.org/10.9734/arrb/2021/v36i330350