This is your brain on pumpkin spice

Bring on sweater weather and PSLs.

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In a Nutshell Tomorrow is the autumn equinox! As a lover of sweatshirts who hates sweating, I'm thrilled that summer is over. There's another reason why this season is so great, though: pumpkin spice everything. Every Starbucks fan knows that pumpkin spice lattes, aka PSLs, are essentially a fall rite of passage –– but these yummy drinks actually affect our brains, too. More on that below. Before we discuss this (pumpkin) spicy science, here are some of our newest health stories: • Most of the bad things you hear about eggs are wrong • Your tongue may show early warning signs of celiac disease • Home remedies for insomnia Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota September 22, 2023 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing One venti latte, please 🧡 Why do we love pumpkin spice so much? It might have more to do with how it feels than tastes. "We're drawn to pumpkin-flavored items and other similarly nostalgic products because they remind us of moments in our lives that make us happy and bring us comfort," says psychiatrist Dr. Zishan Khan. 🧠 Emotion meets neuroscience. Pumpkin spice lattes have been a fall tradition for the last 20 years. So when you take your first sip or notice it's back on the Starbucks menu, your brain triggers hormones such as dopamine, positive memories, and warm, fuzzy feelings. This makes the experience more enjoyable and emotional than anything else (read: delicious). 🎃 Pumpkin-y goodness. In addition to tasting great, it's packed with nutrients and potential health perks. (To be clear, we're talking about actual pumpkins, not the flavoring.) Research suggests pumpkins are rich in vitamins, beta carotene, antioxidants, and compounds that promote healthy skin. They're also low in calories yet high in fiber, which makes them feel filling whether you eat or drink them. ☕ How to make your next PSL better for you. According to senior dietitian Dana Ellis Hunnes, PhD, MPH, RD, the spices are fine, but the extra ingredients may not be. If you want to spice up your latte in a healthier way, consider opting for skim or plant-based milk, asking for less added sugar, or making it yourself at home.

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health stories you need What we're reading next 🪑 Sitting this many hours per day can increase dementia risk. Time for me to get up and start moving … 💈 12 treatments for receding hairlines. If you're stressing over hair loss, check out these medical and at-home remedies that can potentially help. ⚠️ Symptoms of depression in men. Look out for these physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral signs. 💊 Vitamins for kids. Do they need them? And if so, which ones? Our dietitians weigh in.

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