Spices add a unique flavor and aroma to dishes. We are lucky that mother nature has blessed us with a plethora of spices; each one carrying its own individual flavor. One such spice is Mace that is quite popular around the globe and a favorite among chefs and food connoisseurs.
What is Mace and Where did it come from?
Mace, a net-like covering that is separated from nutmeg which is a dried seed of the plant Myristica Fragrans. If you come to know the amazing health benefits of this net-like covering of the nutmeg, you will definitely include this spice in daily routine cooking. Mace is mostly used as a spice and flavoring in various dishes as well as also used in medicines to cure a number of problems.
Mace spice has different names that differ according to countries or languages i.e. it is also called Javitri, Jatipatri, Muscade, Macis, Jatiphala, Myristica Aril, etc.
The origin of this tree Myristica Fragrans is from the islands of Indonesia which are also called the Spice Islands. This spice is grown in many tropical regions like China, Srilanka, the Caribbean, and South America.
In the 12th century, this amazing spice arrived in Europe, thanks to Arab merchants, who made this spice available around the world. Mace is native to Indonesia while nutmeg is a national symbol on the country’s flag.
Usage of mace spice
Mace is commonly used in ground form but it is better to store it in the pieces or blade form and grind them according to one’s need. The ground form of mace is better than other ground spices, in locking the flavor for a long time. But it should be kept in mind that 1 tbsp. of mace, blades are equals to 1 tsp. of ground form. Due to its sweet, woody, warm, and slightly pungent flavor, it is used in a variety of dishes as a spice, most commonly in savory dishes like curries, ketchup, stews, sauces, sprinkled on top of sweets, porridge, and beverages.
Nutritional facts of mace
The facts given below are according to Per 100gms of mace
- Calories 475 kcal
- Total fat 32.38 gm
- Sodium 80 mg
- Potassium 463 mg
- Carbohydrates 50.50 gm
- Protein 6.71 gm
- Vitamin A 27%
- Vitamin C 35%
- Iron 174%
- Magnesium 41%
Benefits of mace
Let’s peep into some amazing advantages of this spice on our health and bodies.
1. Regulates Digestion
Digestive problems like stomach spasms, bloating, gas, constipation, flatulence are cured widely with Mace spice. The best way to use this spice to treat digestive problems is in the form of tea made by adding elm barks, mace, and nutmeg. Not just this, mace is also best in regulating bowel movements, diarrhea, and nausea treatment. In ancient China and India, this confounding spice was used as a medication for the cure of above mentioned digestive complications. They used to put 2-3 drops of mace oil on the sugar cube and patients used to swallow that cube when that sugar cube absorbed all the oil. This combination of oil and sugar also enhances appetite.
2. Blood Circulation
An astounding health benefit of mace is that it keeps the blood circulation amplified in our body. The boosted up circulation in return keeps our hair, skin, and heart-healthy and in shape. Diabetes and many other dangerous illnesses can be blocked by the use of this small-sized spice. Mace is also great protection against infections and a number of diseases, as well as the heart, works supremely when blood circulation is optimal in the body.
3. Kidney Protection
From ancient times, kidney stones are treated by the use of mace, because mace helps in dissolving kidney stones and also prevents the development of these inside the kidneys. Hence, mace is the natural medicine that is best to prevent kidney stones and other ailments interconnected with kidneys.
4. Stress Buster
Surprisingly, mace is the ultimate stress buster. Amazing isn’t it? Seems to be unbelievable but true, mace is used to relieve the stress as well as it boosts the memory and accelerates the concentration while working. It eliminates anxiety and tension and also gives rise to the calmness and peacefulness of one’s mind. Therefore, mace diminishes mental tiredness.
5. Treat Insomnia
Due to the high level of magnesium in this particular spice, it is very supportive in treating Insomnia, as this spice releases serotonin which is related to mental relaxation and tension release. In old times, the mace was considered to be the best sedative.
6. Cold and Cough Problems
In China as well as in many other Asian countries, mace spice is used to treat common flu and cold. It protects the body from relapsing virus attacks and is also a great remedy for patients with Asthma. In older times and even in the modern medicinal age, still, mace is used to manufacture cough syrups and rubs. In India, mace is used in their traditional medicine just because of its anti-fungal and anti-depressant abilities.
7. Relieves Joint Pains
Mace is an incredible anti-inflammatory agent that treats many joint pains and numerous other inflammatory situations. It is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds that medicate joint pains, arthritis, and Lumbago. The perfect way to use this spice is to add 2-3 drops of mace oil to any carrier oil and massage the affected area with that mixture to cure aching joints.
8. Dental Health
A yellow liquid, Eugenol, is the main constituent that is present in mace oil and is perfect for the cure of dental pain. It also eradicates bad breath and bleeding gum as well as keeps oral infections aside. Because of the remedial properties, mace oil is used in many kinds of toothpaste which aid in toothaches or aching gums.
9. Healthy Heart and Controlled Blood Pressure
Mace has a high content of Potassium which is of prime importance for keeping the heart healthy and blood vessels easy and this ease of blood vessels works best for patients with hypertension.
10. Wonderful Aroma
It has a wonderful aroma and just because of this, it is used in making perfumes and also in numerous recipes or delicacies.
Side effects of mace
Mace is beneficial when taken in moderate quantity. If it is taken in a large amount it can cause many problems specifically for pregnant women as over dosage of this spice can cause miscarriage or any defect in newborn babies. As this spice is a natural sedative, it can cause hallucinations when taken in excessive quantity.
Final verdict
We should consider adding this astounding spice in our daily routines in various forms but an excess of anything is bad. Excessive quantity can have adverse effects, therefore, moderation should be kept in mind for gaining maximum health comforts.
