The leaves are changing, and that can only mean one thing: it’s Pumpkin Spice season!
Coffee, muffins, cakes, candy, and even candles have embraced the seasonal favorite — but is there more to the combination of spices than the extra-special flavor in our baked goods? You just might be surprised by some of the medical benefits of the famous pumpkin spice’s ingredients!
Allspice
- May benefit digestion and aid stomach cramps.
- High in antioxidants.
- Shown to neutralize free-radicals (which cause cell damage).
Cloves
- Numbing agent: Cloves produces a mild numbing effect, which is why it’s included in some over-the-counter oral hygiene products.
- Good source of manganese, vitamin K, dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
Nutmeg
- Pain relief from a variety of injuries or conditions like arthritis.
- Shown to maintain brain function.
- Oral health: Antibacterial properties lead to nutmeg’s inclusion in various oral hygiene products.
- Sleep aid: Often used as a home remedy for insomnia, stimulates the release of serotonin which leaves you feeling relaxed or sedated.
Ginger
- Relieves gastrointestinal stress.
- Reduces nausea and vomiting.
- Shown to have cancer-fighting properties.
Cinnamon
- Shown to improve blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes patients.
- Anti-clotting properties.
- Good source of manganese, fiber, and calcium.
Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice
Follow the recipe to get the right blend of ingredients to make your own pumpkin spice!
Editor's Note: This gallery was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .