The viral fall OBSESSION boosts your brain!
It hits us every single fall like clockwork.
It lines the aisles of your grocery store… it takes over the menu of your local coffee joint… and is even a popular beer flavor.
Folks, like it or not PUMPKIN SPICE season is here!
Now, if the sight of another pumpkin flavored thing makes your head spin… I’ve got a good reason to not scoff at it.
Because even if this pumpkin obsession tends to spiral out of control, taking it the right way can help boost your brain.
Let me explain…
The natural spices that comprise pumpkin spice are PACKED with brain enhancing compounds!
No, not the artificial pumpkin spice flavoring found in lattes, doughnuts, and candy that are loaded with sugar and cause your waistline to balloon…
I’m talking the traditional spices that are used to make the flavor – cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Studies have found that cinnamon helps reduce inflammation, improve memory, increase attention, and enhance overall cognitive processing.
And multiple studies around both ginger and nutmeg have been tied to protecting brain cells from the damage of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.
And let’s not forget pumpkin itself – which is loaded with vitamin A, antioxidants and potassium that also promotes overall brain health.
Buying these spices in their raw form is super easy, inexpensive, and easy to create your own pumpkin spice blend.
You can sometimes find pre-made pumpkin spice blends (with all the good stuff). Just avoid any brands with added sugars or preservatives.
I won’t stop you from indulging in a pumpkin spice latte every now and again (if that’s your thing). Just make sure to only drink them in moderation as they are loaded with excess calories and sugar.
To pumpkin season,
Sarah Reagan
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. “Pumpkin Spice Power.” https://healthybrains.org/pumpkin-spice-power/
Naidoo, Uma. “Spice up your holidays with brain-healthy seasonings.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/spice-up-your-holidays-with-brain-healthy-seasonings-2016120710734#:~:text=Brain%20benefits%20associated%20with%20cinnamon,attention%2C%20and%20enhanced%20cognitive%20processing.
