An expert says we should be mindful of how much nutmeg we consume in our Pumpkin Spice Lattes! I'm rolling my eyes a little bit at this one. Lol.
Nutmeg is a key ingredient in the infamous pumpkin spice latte, the popular fall drink. And the kick of spice makes it hard for people to resist not consuming it every day — which can be both good and bad.
“Nutmeg is a versatile spice that adds a warm, nutty flavor to both sweet and savory dishes,” Dr. Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, a nutritionist and owner of BodyDesigns, told USA Today.
In the fall, however, people tend to overindulge in nutmeg-based foods such as lattes, breads, chips and even honey, knowing its presence is only around for a few months.
And the excessive intake isn’t necessarily all sugar and spice.
It goes on to say:
However, it comes with cons, too — and moderation may be the key to avoiding them and keeping fall oh-so-nice.
“Consuming large amounts of nutmeg can lead to hallucinations, nausea and other health issues. It should be used sparingly,” the doctor added regarding potential downfalls.
Symptoms of nutmeg toxicity include nausea, vomiting, mouth dryness and pupil involvement, as well as — in severe cases — seizure, hallucination, confusion and unstable blood pressure.
In 2022, the American College of Emergency Physicians admitted there was an increase in emergency room visits due to the controversial “nutmeg challenge.”