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! 🍂☕️

Many of us need that extra pick me up in the morning and for some, a nice cup of coffee does the trick. I don't know if you're a Dunkin or Starbucks fan, but sometimes it's best to skip the big brands and support our local businesses. Take a look at my top 5 local coffee shops in Central Jersey that you need to try tomorrow morning!

To start things off fresh we have the Coffee House and Café in Edison, a locally owned and community driven coffee shop. They have a variety of espresso coffee and organic teas as well as a delicious pastry. Right on Amboy Ave their hours are between 7am – 8am on Monday through Thursday. Which longer hours on Weekends. You can check out their full menu and what events they have going on by Clicking Here
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Taking things over to Flemington we have the Factory Fuel Co. Coffee Shop offering a more rustic and industrial vibe this coffee shops will have you coming back for more with their awesome foam art. It’s a shame you have to destroy said art by drinking it, but it tastes delicious every second. So, if you’re interested in either their music or coffee and treats Click Here.
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Now for a much more modern approach, Queen City Coffee mixes up the bag by allowing a wholesale offer if approved as well as a subscription service. So, if you’re more into a modern look with the same quality, check out their website by Clicking Here for more information. I’m sure some people would love to order the Pumpkin spice in bulk after all, just don’t try to drink it all at once.
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Putting the w in wired this coffee shop is a win for anyone looking to have fun while drinking their favorite caffeinated beverage with quiz nights and open mic you’ll be able to come out with all of your friends even if they don’t drink coffee. So, to learn about all of the activities that the team at Boxwood provide Click Here.
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Now for our final entry is a place that has been bumping up and down all over New Jersey, It’s Hidden Grounds Coffee right in New Brunswick where you have a variety of coffee flavors and choices. Because you can get a 5lb bag to go so you can enjoy your pumpkin spice inside your own home. Check out their full menu and options over at their website by Clicking Here
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