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Pumpkin Spice Benefits for the Gut, Immune System & More

By Joe Boland

September 14, 2023

This time of year, we’re inundated with an array of foods and drinks that focus on their use of pumpkin spice, whether we’re talking pumpkin spice lattes, smoothies, desserts or even oatmeal. While it may feel like pumpkin spice overload, there's a reason to take advantage of this popular fall flavor — it turns out pumpkin spice can be good for the gut.

Pumpkin spice for the gut? That’s right! And that’s not all this autumn staple can do for the body, and it's why it deserves to be on your grocery list for your gut.

Of course, you should always consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen, including dietary supplementation. 

Benefits of Pumpkin Spice for the Gut (& Beyond)

Pumpkin spice is a popular blend of spices commonly used in various culinary applications, especially during the fall and winter seasons. While it's not a specific ingredient with direct health benefits, the spices typically included in pumpkin spice, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves, do offer health advantages, including using pumpkin spice for the gut. 

Here are some health benefits associated with the spices commonly found in pumpkin spice:

1. Promotes Digestive Health

It’s now wonder the use of pumpkin spice for the gut is so popular given the array of ingredients that make up this seasonal favorite.

Ginger is well-known for its digestive benefits, helping to soothe the gut. Meanwhile, allspice is often used to make a gut-supporting herbal team, and both cinnamon and nutmeg have been found to benefit the gut. Plus, while more studies need to be conducted, cloves have been found in several studies to help with digestive health.

2. Contains Antioxidant Properties

Many of the spices in pumpkin spice, particularly cinnamon and cloves, are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help promote a healthy response to oxidative stress in the body and that can be good for the entire body, including the gut.

3. Promotes a Healthy Response to Inflammation

Ginger, cinnamon and cloves contain compounds that help to promote a healthy response to inflammation. Consuming these spices may help promote overall wellness. 

4. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels (already in the normal range)

While more studies need to be conducted, in some studies, cinnamon has shown potential to support healthy blood sugar levels already in the normal range. The same is true of ginger and cloves.

5. Healthy Immune System Support

Some of the spices in pumpkin spice, such as ginger, cinnamon and cloves, contain compounds that may help support an overall healthy immune system.

6. Helps to Promote Healthy Weight Management

In addition to a calorie-conscious healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, cinnamon has been researched for its potential to aid in healthy weight management. Ginger and cloves have also been shown to help with calorie control and healthy weight maintenance. Of course, more studies need to be conducted to be conclusive. 

It's essential to note that the health benefits of pumpkin spice for the gut and beyond are primarily derived from the individual spices (in certain measured amounts and consumed over a period of time) and not the combination itself. Additionally, many pumpkin spice-flavored products, such as pumpkin spice lattes and baked goods, often contain added sugars and unhealthy fats, which can negate the potential health benefits.

Another Way of Getting Pumpkin Spice

To enjoy the potential health benefits of pumpkin spice, consider incorporating these spices into your diet in a balanced and moderate way, such as adding them to oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, or homemade baked goods.

One of the best ways to do that is by using Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice. 

In addition to the spices for the pumpkin spice flavor, Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice is loaded with amino acids, collagen and other compounds that contribute to a healthy functioning gut. The collagen in particular — this bone broth contains types 1, 2 and 3 — is a key component of the gut lining, and it can help keep that gut lining strong.

Here are some tasty recipes that feature Bone Broth Protein Pumpkin Spice you can try to take advantage of pumpkin spice for the gut and more:

• Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

• Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: Hot or Even Iced!

• Pumpkin Spice Pancakes Recipe (with Protein!)

• Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

• Pumpkin Energy Balls