An Ingredient in Pumpkin Spice Lattes Could Harm Health
Ah, fall, the season of colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and, of course, the beloved pumpkin spice latte. But hold on to your scarves, folks, because USA Today recently dropped a bombshell – drinking too many pumpkin spice lattes might not be all rainbows and unicorns! Apparently, the culprit here is nutmeg, that warm and aromatic spice we associate with pumpkin-flavored everything.
Dr. Mary Sabat, our spice-savvy heroine, has a word of caution for us PSL enthusiasts. She warns that while nutmeg does offer some fantastic benefits, overindulging in it could lead to some not-so-fantastic consequences. As she puts it, “Consuming large amounts of nutmeg can lead to hallucinations, nausea, and other health issues. It should be used sparingly.”
Now, don’t panic and start boycotting your favorite fall beverage just yet! Let’s break down the nutty situation.
Nutmeg, when used in moderation, is perfectly safe and even has some health perks. It’s known to aid digestion, reduce insomnia, and boost brain health. But like all good things in life, it should be enjoyed in moderation. In fact, Dr. Sabat suggests that a pinch of nutmeg in your PSL is absolutely fine – it’s when you start loading up like it’s the next viral TikTok trend that things get dicey.
And speaking of trends, who can forget the infamous “Nutmeg Challenge” that took the internet by storm in 2022? It’s like the cinnamon challenge’s equally crazy cousin! The Nutmeg Challenge resulted in a flurry of emergency room visits, all thanks to daredevils attempting to consume spoonfuls of nutmeg in one go. The symptoms of nutmeg toxicity ranged from vomiting to dry mouth, unpredictable blood pressure, and even seizures. Yikes!
But fear not, brave pumpkin spice lovers. There’s no need to banish your PSL cravings altogether. Just remember, a little dash of nutmeg goes a long way. Moderation is key, and there’s no need to turn your latte into a nutmeg milkshake.
So, let’s keep the fall vibes alive and continue sipping our pumpkin spice lattes responsibly. After all, who wants to miss out on the joy of savoring this seasonal delight while watching the leaves change color? As Dr. Sabat wisely advises, “Enjoy the flavors of fall, but always remember, too much nutmeg can make you nutty!” Cheers to a nutmeg-tastic autumn! 🍂☕️
