You Were Wrong: Pumpkin Spice Is Actually Good For Your Health
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

You Were Wrong: Pumpkin Spice Is Actually Good For Your Health

Pumpkin Spice Lattes can remove all of your pain.

1118
You Were Wrong: Pumpkin Spice Is Actually Good For Your Health

It's finally the fall season. A time for beautiful changing leaves, breaking out those leggings and fall sweaters, and the revival of some people's favorite flavor--Pumpkin spice. For those who don't know what pumpkin spice is, it usually refers to all the spices that can be used in a pumpkin pie; things like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. And as soon as you hear the word "pumpkin spice" the thing most people think of, at least on college campuses anyway, is the pumpkin spice latte.

What you may not know about your pumpkin spice is that there are a couple of really surprising health benefits. According to a study done by the Journal of Medical Foods, out of the list of the top 10 most potent herbs and spices, the first three are cloves, cinnamon, and Jamaican allspice-- which contains the some same health benefits that three ingredients that go into making the pumpkin pie spice have. The sixth of the list is actually pumpkin pie spice all mixed together due to the medical benefits of the different spices combined. In this article, I will tell you some of the health benefits you can get from the different, individual spices in your pumpkin spice.

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon has a history of being used to spice up both food and medicine. It has a number of different medicinal properties that keep the body healthy and strong. It possesses first in anti-clotting agents, plus it has a real positive effect on the blood and in and some circumstances can be used to prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. It also helps lower cholesterol, keeps your arteries healthy, and can manage blood sugar levels.

2. Ginger

Ginger is a natural remedy for nausea, kind of like how you drink ginger ale when your stomach is upset. You can also use ginger to help improve the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body, not to mention its uses as an anti-inflammatory agent. According to some, ginger also has some cancer preventative measures, sort of similar to chemotherapy.

3. Nutmeg

Next on our list, nutmeg is apparently really great for digestion. It also has the added benefit as a sleep aid, reducing the effects of insomnia. One positive health benefit is that it processes the oils, myristicin and macelignan, which have been proven to reduce the degeneration of neural pathways and cognitive function in the brain; something that usually afflicts those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.

4. Allspice

Finally there is allspice. Allspice is not just a combination of spices used in pumpkin pie spice. It's also a spice corn that originates from an evergreen in Central America in the Caribbean islands that ironically smells like a combination of black pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Traditionally this spice is being used to treat and prevent growing infection. It can also help with colds, chills, and bronchitis. While holding some digestive benefits, as well as a mild pain reliever, allspice has in some cases exhibited antioxidant properties and helped in fighting depression.

Now that you have all the heath benefits, don't let anyone make you feel guilty about your favorite pumpkin spice fall treats. Your latte and other pumpkin spice treats may be one of the healthier choices you make this season. I know it's my favorite part of fall and, in fact, I'm sitting and drinking a pumpkin spice latte right now.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

Fatima Mohammed, a law student, is accused of demonizing Israel. Others say she used her right of free speech and college should a secular space to discuss these issues

25
Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

City University of New York and its law school came under scrutiny for a commencement ceremony that featured a keynote speech seen as discriminatory against Jews. The school system, better known as CUNY, released a statement condemning the remarks as “hate speech” following a widespread outcry and calls for the college to speak out.

Keep Reading...Show less
To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...

One of the things that I love most is space. I am a HUGE space nerd. Literally ask any of my friends. I was first introduced to space when my dad dragged me to see Star Trek. Since walking out of that movie theater in 6th grade, becoming an astronaut hasn't been just some wild dream that could come true.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

The Stories Behind Scars

Some tales of tribulation with permanent impressions.

902
The Stories Behind Scars
fanpop

Everybody has scars. Usually these marks carry a negative connotation because they mark up skin that was once smooth.

Keep Reading...Show less
writing
Green Chameleon

Welcome to June on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you take a break from campus life. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

2717
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments