Food chemistry experts are highlighting the science behind what makes pumpkin spice flavored items so irresistible.

Food chemistry experts have outlined the reasons behind the widespread appeal of pumpkin spice-flavored treats. The blend of spices, including clove and cinnamon, contains natural compounds such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde that stimulate the senses and evoke feelings of nostalgia associated with cooler weather and holidays.

In addition to their sensory effects, these spices are rich in polyphenols and terpenes, which are natural antioxidants and may offer health benefits such as supporting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and potentially improving cognitive function. The combination of these flavors with caffeine in popular drinks can also provide a mental boost.

Here's what makes pumpkin spice treats so irresistible

Well, fans of the iconic seasonal treats, they're getting ready to gobble them down. Yeah, food chemistry experts are highlighting the science behind what makes pumpkin spice flavored items so irresistible. Marianne Rafferty is diving in. It's that time of year again, with several major coffee chains and grocery stores already rolling out their lineups of pumpkin spice flavored drinks and treats. The pumpkin spices are just amazing. They remind us of the fall, right? When the weather starts to cool off, they remind us of the holidays. But besides igniting feelings of nostalgia, Dr. Steve Talcott, food chemistry professor at Texas A&M University, says the spices found in many pumpkin spice blends have compounds that can really awaken the senses. We have these wonderful natural compounds like clove. We have a compound called eugenol, which is a terpene. It's a very cooling sensation in your mouth. You have compounds like cinnamal aldehydes that are found in cinnamon, that kind of spicy flavor that you get that's kind of biting, but it's also very seasonal. They may even promote certain health benefits. There are many polyphenols. Those compounds are natural antioxidants, as well as terpenes, these flavor compounds, these volatile compounds that also have known health benefits. So these health benefits could be everywhere from cardiovascular health, to lowering inflammation, to even improving our cognitive health. You may find that you maybe have a little serotonin boost after you drink a latte that has pumpkin spice in it, because it's just firing all the neurons in your brain and giving this massive mental stimulation that goes along with the caffeine and coffee. And while pumpkin spice gets many people primed for autumn, the official first day of fall isn't until September 22nd. I'm Marianne Rafferty, Fox News.

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