For some people, the best part of fall is sending the kids back to school or getting to watch their favorite football team play, but for many, it’s the return of their favorite fall flavor: pumpkin spice. Americans love it so much, they spend around $800-million on pumpkin spice products every year.
It turns out, that may not be so bad for us, as there are hidden health benefits to real pumpkin spice - not the artificial syrups made with sugar and chemicals found in some coffee drinks. The main ingredients are cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger - all warm spices that combine to create the signature flavor - and they’re actually good for our health.
Enjoy your next pumpkin spice treat guilt-free knowing it’s made with this good stuff:
- Cinnamon - It’s made from the bark of a cinnamon tree and is full of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, so it can help protect bones, boost the immune system and lower inflammation. Cinnamon may also help reduce blood sugar levels and bad cholesterol, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
- Ginger - This spice comes from ginger root and has been used in eastern medicine for centuries and is known for helping to fight inflammation and improve gut health. Dietitian Julia Zumpano explains, “Ginger can help with nausea, vomiting, constipation and settle an upset stomach. It’s also high in vitamin C, so it helps strengthen our immune systems and may lower cholesterol, too.
- Nutmeg - Made from the seed of a nutmeg tree, it’s commonly found in eggnog and other holiday treats. Nutmeg also contains anti-inflammatory compounds, and antioxidants that help prevent damage to our cells and DNA. The calcium and magnesium in it can also help regulate blood pressure. But you definitely don’t want to overdo it with nutmeg, as it can have toxic effects when large amounts are taken.⠀
Source: Independent⠀