Bring on sweater weather and PSLs.
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| | | | 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: | | | | Be well,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
September 22, 2023 • 3 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | One venti latte, please | ๐งก 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.
๐ง 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).
๐ 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. | | | | | | |
| | | | Fresh garlic in a squeeze | | | | | | |  | | Zulay Kitchen Garlic Press | | Currently on sale for 25% off, this garlic press makes it easy to crush cloves in one quick motion. This one from Zulay, in particular, is a durable yet budget-friendly choice that can make using fresh garlic in your next recipe a breeze! | | | | Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Thanks for being here! If you're reading this right now, give yourself a high five for us. We appreciate you. Have a lovely weekend, and we'll see you on Monday.
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