The Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice

October 21, 2016

The temperatures are getting cooler, the fall foliage is coming in strong with dollops of red, orange, and yellow sprinkling the tree line, and shorts are being replaced with pants and jackets. And to make the transition into fall complete, everywhere you turn, you are inundated with the latest products that have been hit with the pumpkin spice wand. Pumpkin spice is in waffles, coffee, cream cheese, bread, and even ice cream. Everywhere you turn, it appears that you are viewing the newest and greatest concoction for this fall essential spice.

But did you know that the real spices in pumpkin spice are good for your overall health and can boost immunity? Pumpkin spice is actually comprised of six main ingredients, which include:

Cinnamon- For Muscle Spasms and Illness

There are two types of cinnamon (Ceylon and Cassia) that can be in the pumpkin spice blend. According to the United States Library of Medicine, cinnamon can be used to aid with multiple illnesses including, muscle spasms, vomiting, common cold, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and even infections. In addition, cinnamon can lower blood sugar in individuals with diabetes. Plus, the smell of cinnamon will have you coming back time and time again to inhale its delicious aroma.

Ginger- For Pain Relief and Decreased Inflammation

This spice has been cited time and time again for its ability to be a nausea blaster, helping individuals decrease symptoms associated with nausea and vomiting. In addition, this spice can naturally reduce pain and inflammation, making it extremely helpful for those everyday aches post-workout (in addition to the Marc Pro).

Lemon Peel- For Essential Nutrients

While the inside of a lemon can make for some tasty lemonade on a hot summer day, the lemon peel is full of nutrients including calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. So when life gives you lemons, just grab the peel!

Nutmeg- For Pain Relief and Increased Immune Functioning

This aromatic spice not only smells incredible, but also has a long list of health benefits associated with it, including the ability to relieve pain, decrease indigestion, decrease insomnia, and increase immune system functioning.

Cloves- For Decreased Inflammation

If your stomach is feeling upset, or you are looking for a way to decrease inflammation, look no further than cloves. And, if you are looking for a way to naturally rid your home of ants, cloves can do just the trick as well.

Cardamom- For Digestive Issues and Waste Elimination

This spice has very similar properties to ginger, and can be extremely beneficial for digestive issues. In addition, cardamom helps aid the body in eliminating waste more efficiently through the kidneys.

So the pumpkin spice blend does way more than just give your coffee some pep—these spices can aid in your overall recovery and health. Want to learn some additional ways to incorporate pumpkin spice into your diet this fall? Try some pumpkin spiced chocolate pecan pie bites from nutrition specialist, Lindsay Cotter. Or, are you looking for some apple cider that you can melt into at the end of a long day? Try this Ariane Resnick cider, which uses pumpkin spice for anti-inflammatory benefits, antioxidants, and digestion.

In addition, check out these fall recipes that are sure to make you savor the autumn season and have your body feeling top-notch too.

Simple Applesauce

This simple recipe is sure to make your house smell like a fall wonderland all day, and is the perfect snack post-workout and full of fiber and vitamins.

Ingredients
5-10 pounds of apples, cut into bite sized pieces
4 Tablespoons of Pumpkin Spice

Place apples with pumpkin spice into Crockpot. Set Crockpot on the low setting for 7 hours. Take a fork to mash apples further, and then serve. You can eat warm, or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Autumn Overnight Oats

Ingredients
½ Cup Milk (your choice of variety)
½ Cup Raw Rolled Oats
1-Teaspoon Nut Butter (Optional)
½ Teaspoon Pumpkin Spice
Berries

Combine milk with rolled oats in the bottom of a mason jar. Stir the mixture with pumpkin spice. Add nut butter on top of mixture along with berries. Store overnight, and awaken to a delicious breakfast or snack with a touch of fall!