11 INCREDIBLE PROPERTIES OF VANILLA FOR HEALTH - NUTRITION - 2025

The health properties of vanilla are numerous: it is antioxidant, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, natural relaxant and sleep inducer, aphrodisiac, prevents cancer and others that you can read below.

Vanilla is one of those natural products that is increasingly competing with pharmaceutical companies as scientists continually discover its incredible properties and benefits. This food has been used medicinally for centuries.

Top 11 reasons to drink vanilla to improve health

1- Antioxidant effect

Antioxidants have the potential to protect us against various degenerative diseases caused by oxidative damage.

Vanillin has been known for some time as a good antioxidant and one study found that vanilla extract is an efficient scavenger of free radicals, making it a source of natural antioxidants.

2- It has antibacterial properties

According to a study by the Research Institute of the University of Bucharest in Romania, vanilla essential oils could be of great interest to the field of biomedicine for having antibacterial properties.

Another study concluded that vanilla in combination with cinnamon, has a synergistic effect that inhibits bacteria such as L. monocystogenes and E. coli, which are present in contaminated food and cause digestive damage, fatigue, muscle aches and more serious symptoms, such as seizures and even death.

3- It is antidepressant

Vanillin has been used since the 17th century as a home remedy to treat anxiety and depression.

In a study with mice, scientists wanted to see if this natural compound could provide antidepressant properties. At the end they were able to conclude that a daily dose of 100 mg of vanilla demonstrated antidepressant activity comparable to fluoxetine.

4- It has anti-inflammatory compounds

Researchers at the Sidi Bouzid Food Processing Department in Tunisia conducted a clinical trial on rats, and their findings suggest that vanilla has not only antioxidant but anti-inflammatory effects.

Also an animal study published in a 2011 issue of the European Journal of Pharmacology found that vanilla extract had anti-inflammatory abilities. The researchers found that the vanillin treatment led to reduced inflammation overall. However, more studies are still needed.

5- Reduce fever

According to the US WebMd Magazine, people take vanilla for the treatment of fever, and it is because it appears to help fight infections, as the essential oil contains components such as eugenol and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde.

6- Keeps triglycerides and cholesterol at bay

For those who need to lower cholesterol in a natural way, incorporating vanilla extract in food can be one of the useful options.

This was concluded by a preliminary study in which a dose of 200 to 400mg of vanilla decreased triglyceride and total cholesterol levels.

7- It acts as a relaxant

Vanilla oil is commonly used to generate a relaxing and calming effect on our brain and nerves that provides relief from anxiety, anger, and restlessness.

In medical experiments with cancer patients who have undergone magnetic resonance imaging (a diagnostic procedure known to be stressful), they reported 63% less anxiety when they smelled the vanilla fragrance that was administered during the test.

In another study conducted at the University of Tübingen in Germany, vanilla fragrance reduced the startle state in both humans and animals.

8- induce sleep

According to Jeanne Rose's Book of Aromatherapy, the scent of vanilla has been shown to benefit human vitality by reducing anxiety and helping you fall asleep better. In addition, vanilla stimulates the feeling of pleasure and general peace.

This is due to the sedative and relaxing properties. It lowers blood pressure and has a calming effect on the brain that makes it difficult to keep your eyelids open.

9- Prevents cancer

Researchers have learned that vanilla can suppress a crucial enzyme that spreads cancer cells.

A study showed that vanilla can act as a substance that reduces or interferes with the action of agents that cause DNA mutations.

Vanillin appears to inhibit nitric oxide production in tumor cells. As a result, the tumors cannot grow due to a lack of an oxygen supply.

However, more research is needed.

10- It is Aphrodisiac

Vanilla is not only good for libido, but also for the body's hormones associated with love and happiness, such as oxytocin and dopamine.

According to the Chicago Treatment and Research Foundation, vanilla is one of the most effective fragrances in increasing the blood flow of the male reproductive limb.

11- It serves to lose weight

In controlled studies, vanilla-flavored foods have been suggested to provide a higher degree of satiety relative to nutritionally identical but tasteless foods, so in theory vanilla will make you eat less and lose weight.

Possible side effects

Vanilla generally does not have common side effects or drug interactions, although there are some rare cases in which it can cause mild allergic reactions, such as skin irritation, sleep problems, and / or headaches; so if you experience these symptoms it is best to discontinue use.

Nutritional information

You can make vanilla infusion oil by cutting the vanilla beans, removing the seeds, and then simply adding the oil and aroma, combining all the ingredients and placing them in an airtight container. You can store it for at least a week by shaking it periodically.

Interesting data

It is a recipe that combines different flavors that melt in your mouth. It requires a bit of effort and dedication, however getting the result is worth it.

Ingredients:

⅔ cups all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon of baking soda

½ teaspoon of salt

1 cup of sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup of yogurt

¾ cup of butter

1 egg white

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of almond extract

Decoration:

6 bars of chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups of sugar

¼ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 180º C (350ºF). Load a tray with paper.

In a large bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Proceed to beat the mixture.

Put the butter to melt in a pan, then transfer it to a container and add sugar and incorporate them. At that time add the yogurt, milk, vanilla and almond extract. Stir all the ingredients.

Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until a few clumps remain, without over mixing.

Use the mixer on the egg whites, preventing them from drying out, add it to the mixture. Once this is done, place the dough on the tray prepared with the paper. And leave it in the oven for 20 minutes.

For the decoration, use a whisk to stir the butter for 1 minute. Change the speed to low and add the sugar until just combined. Add the white chocolate, cream, vanilla, and salt.

Once you proceed to have the mixture. Decorate to your liking and serve to eat.

Creamy Vanilla Pudding

There are countless vanilla desserts that can be eaten in different ways, cold, hot, with cutlery, with your hands. But there are classic, easy desserts that are made in a short time and can be used to pamper those we love.

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups milk

Pinch of salt

½ cup of sugar

3 tablespoons of cornstarch

2 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon butter

Preparation:

Pour two cups of milk and a pinch of salt into a large container. Sprinkle in the sugar and half of the milk and beat until combined. Place in a saucepan over low heat and stir frequently. Then add the cornstarch and the remaining milk.

Add the egg yolks and stir until everything is mixed. When the milk is at boiling point, remove the pot from the heat and stir. The pudding will start to thicken.

Finally add the vanilla and butter. Put everything on a low heat for 3 minutes. Make sure that everything is well mixed, and proceed to take it to the containers.

It is recommended to serve it hot on individual plates.

Not just for baking

Vanilla extract is delicious in many baked goods, however you can also include it in fruit smoothies, milk or yogurt shakes, and even tea or coffee.

References

1. http://www.scopemed.org/
2. http://www.webmd.com/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4. https://en.wikipedia.org
5. https://examine.com