Spices have their benefits
- col-sharon-rebmann
- October 14, 2022
- 487
Along with the sights and smells of fall come the tastes of this season. One of the most popular is the aroma of the palate pleaser, pumpkin spice. Pumpkin spice has no pumpkin in it. It is a combination of a spice blend that stirs memories in the minds of many.
This autumnal delight is a special blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice. This mix contains no calories for the amount that is typically used. Without calories, carbs and simple sugars, pumpkin spice is perfect to enhance the flavor of foods and drinks for those dealing with diabetes and counting carbohydrates.
The syrups made with pumpkin spice contain sugar to make the combination tastier. According to Starbucks’ website, a grande (large, 16 ounces) pumpkin spice latte with 2% milk and whipped cream is 380 calories. This treat includes 14 grams of fat, 52 grams of carbohydrates (over three choices when counting carbs) and 50 grams of sugar. That’s not bad, but not great, either.
Using pumpkin spice with an artificial sweetener, without added sugar, gives you the flavor without all the carbs. Remember, pumpkin spice is a combination of herbal spices without sugar. For those dealing with diabetes, this mix without sugar has shown to lower blood-sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Each ingredient in pumpkin spice has its own medicinal benefit.
Cinnamon comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. It is filled with antioxidants to protect the body from free radicals. It is an anti-inflammatory and benefits the heart by reducing high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Besides, it offers a lot of flavor.
Ginger is a calming spice and is commonly used to treat upset stomachs, diarrhea and nausea. Studies have shown ginger has been linked to assisting brain function and possibly helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. It also can boost immunities and the risk of infections throughout the body.
The dynamo spice, nutmeg, contains fiber for digestion. It helps to regulate blood pressure, treats bad breath and is used as a sleep aid. Some believe nutmeg offers pain relief from arthritis and injuries. Nutmeg also is linked to brain function and may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Cloves are a strong spice with a distinctive flavor. They are filled with antioxidants including vitamin C. Cloves are associated with bone and liver health and support stable blood-sugar control.
Allspice is not a combination of other spices. This spice comes from the dried fruit of the pimento tree. It provides anti-inflammatory benefits, lowers inflammation and aids in pain relief. The iron and copper in allspice improves circulation that red blood cells require. It supports the immune system as an antibacterial and antioxidant.
Pumpkin spice also can help people to lose weight. The specific spices each include fat-burning agents in them. These spices can help to boost your metabolism. Unfortunately, the sugar and fat usually combined with pumpkin spice are counter-productive to weight loss.
Bobbie Randall is a certified diabetes care and education specialist and registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.