scored 75/100
Also known as myristica fragrans, ground nutmeg, jaiphal, nutmeg powder
Ground nutmeg is a warm, sweet seed spice rich in manganese, copper, and magnesium, with myristicin- and monoterpene-driven antioxidant and digestive benefits.
0.6 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 75.
Less a 2.0 anti-nutrient penalty (high saturated fat).
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is the ground seed kernel of a tropical evergreen tree native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia, the same fruit that yields mace from its lacy red seed covering. Its characteristic warm, sweet, woody aroma comes from a rich essential oil dominated by sabinene, alpha-pinene, and the phenylpropanoids myristicin and elemicin, which underlie both its bioactivity and—at large doses—its psychoactive toxicity. Ground nutmeg is calorie-dense at about 525 kcal per 100g due to its high fat content, providing 5.8g protein, 49g carbohydrate (21g of it fiber), and a substantial 36g fat. Its mineral profile features roughly 2.9mg manganese per 100g, 1.03mg copper, 183mg magnesium, 184mg calcium, 3.0mg iron, 350mg potassium, and 2.15mg zinc. It also supplies small amounts of vitamin C, folate, and B vitamins. The longevity thesis centers on its monoterpene and phenolic antioxidants and traditional carminative, sleep-supporting, and anti-inflammatory uses, with animal studies suggesting antimicrobial and mood-modulating effects. The critical caveat is dose: myristicin is hallucinogenic and toxic in amounts of roughly 5g or more, so nutmeg is strictly a small-dose culinary spice—typically under 0.5g.
Myristicin, monoterpenes, and phenolic compounds scavenge free radicals and inhibit inflammatory mediators
Volatile oils act as carminatives, stimulating digestive secretions and easing bloating and indigestion
Traditional use and animal data suggest myristicin and trimyristin have mild sedative and mood-modulating effects in very small amounts
Manganese and copper cofactor antioxidant enzymes (SOD) and support connective-tissue and energy metabolism
Nutmeg's traditional mild sedative reputation makes a small pinch in warm evening drinks or desserts a fitting use, though culinary amounts are too small for a strong effect.
Fasting-compatible
Strictly a small-dose spice. Doses of roughly 5g or more cause myristicin toxicity (hallucinations, nausea, tachycardia); never consume in large amounts.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower nutmeg (ground) is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Nutmeg (Ground) is classified as a herbs & spices. Ground nutmeg is a warm, sweet seed spice rich in manganese, copper, and magnesium, with myristicin- and monoterpene-driven antioxidant and digestive benefits.
Nutmeg (Ground) scores 75/100 in Formulate, making it a solid choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Copper, Magnesium. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.4 g of fiber (~1% of the 28 g daily value).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.6 g of net carbs (1 g total minus 0.4 g fiber).
Best in the evening. Nutmeg's traditional mild sedative reputation makes a small pinch in warm evening drinks or desserts a fitting use, though culinary amounts are too small for a strong effect.
A typical serving is around 2 g (~11 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating nutmeg (ground) alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
Nutmeg (Ground) pairs nicely with: Pair with dairy in custards and béchamel because nutmeg's fat-soluble aroma infuses cream and milk classically; Combine with spinach and greens because a pinch of nutmeg balances their earthiness and complements iron-rich dishes; Add to warm spiced beverages and baked goods because its sweet, woody notes round and deepen autumnal flavors.
High saturated fat.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients nutmeg (ground) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients nutmeg (ground)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.