Vanilla

Studies on vanillin suggest it contains strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and even cancer or tumor fighting abilities. Some other health benefits of vanilla include the following. Natural vanilla extract contains numerous antioxidants, including vanillic acid and vanillin. Antioxidants protect your body from damage from harmful components, such as free radicals and toxins.

Pleasantly fragrant rich vanilla beans are the fruit pods obtained from the tropical climbing orchid, v. Planifolia. Mayans used them to flavor chocolate drink centuries before the spanish first set their foot in mexico in 1520. This highly prized bean is native to the tropical rain forest of central america, and only recently spread to other tropical-regions by european explorers.

Botanically, it is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine belonging to the family of orchidaceae, in the genus: vanilla.

Researchers in a 2007 study published in the ajournal of agricultural and food chemistrya found that vanilla extract contains 26 to 90 percent of the antioxidants of unprocessed vanilla, depending on the type of antioxidant and the concentration of the extract. They concluded that vanilla showed great potential as a health supplement and as a food preservative.

Vanilla beans are one of the expensive non-pungent spices especially used as flavoring agent in a wide array of sweet-drinks and confectionaries.

Vanilla extract is chiefly composed of simple and complex sugars, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

The chief chemical component in the beans is vanillin. They also compose numerous traces of other constituents such as eugenol, caproic acid, phenoles, phenol ether, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, acids, ester, lactones, aliphatic and aromatic carbohydrates and vitispiranes.

Ancient mayans believed that vanilla drink was supposed to have aphrodisiac properies. No modern research study, however, establishes its role in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions.

Its extract contains small amounts of b-complex groups of vitamins such as niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin b-6. These vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism.

This condiment spice also contains small traces of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome-oxidases enzymes.

The vanilla plant has unique growth characteristics. It requires supporting tree or pole to grow in height. A matured vine bears many deep, trumpet-shape configured flowers. The flowers open only for one day and are naturally pollinated either by the melipona bee or long beaked humming birds. However, under supervised cultivation, they are manually hand-pollinated, and now grown commercially in madagascar, indonesia, india, puerto rica, and west indies. There exist three main cultivars of vanilla. Among them, vanilla planifolia is the most sought-after bean worldwide. The other species include vanilla pompona and vanilla tahitiensis (grown in polynesian islands), although the vanillin content of these species is inferior to vanilla planifolia.

It is the fruit of the vanilla aromatica, a creeping shrub of the orchis tribe, growing on the mountains of mexico and peru, and south america. This fruit has a strong, peculiar, and agreeable odour, a warns aromatic, and sweetish taste; it appears to contain benzoic acid. As sold in the shops, vanilla is a shrivelled pod of the kidney-bean shape, 6 inches long, wrinkled, feels oily, and adhesive to the fingers, has a balsamic odour, a taste like prunes, with the flavour of burning pantiles. It is used by perfumers, confectioners, and distillers, and to give a balsamic flavour to confectionary; and it is employed in small quantities as an adjunct to chocolate, to which it gives sweetaness and a delicate flavour.

It is valuable to the perfumer, the odour of the substance being one of the most exquisite imaginable. Medicinally vanillait assists the digestion, and restores the impaired gastric forces; it gives tone to the stomach, strengthens the intestines and heart, gives vigour and activity to the brain and the mental powers; therefore it is valuable to dyspeptic and persons nervously low.

Unripe vanilla pods are harvested when they reach 5-8 inches in length, and begin to turn light-yellow. They are then blanched briefly in boiling water, sweated, and dried under sun over a period of weeks until turn intoashriveled, dark-brown, thin pods. Vanillin, a kind of white crystalline efflorescence, the main essence of vanilla, appears inside in some of the superior quality pods.

Since ancient times, vanilla has been regarded an aphrodisiac.

However, ongoing aromatherapy studies suggest that vanilla may increase sexual desire by boosting testosterone levels in men.

A 1970s study also claimed that majority of its participants believed that vanilla had cured their impotency.

While there is no concrete evidence to prove this, experts believe that the aroma of vanilla does induce feelings of pleasure and satiation.

Antibacterial properties of vanillin help cleanse skin problems such as pimples and acne.

Moreover, antioxidant properties of vanilla help fight the damage caused by free radicals.

It may even help slow signs of aging.

The cosmetic industry uses vanilla both for its fragrance as well as anti-aging properties.

Traditionally, home remedies to heal burns, cuts, and wounds have used vanilla.

However, it is perhaps unsafe to use concentrated vanilla extract or essential oil on recent burns.

Topical treatments containing vanilla may prove beneficial; however, talk to your doctor before you try any home remedies or natural treatment for burns.

Cough syrups often use vanilla flavoring to mask bitter tastes.

Although there is little evidence to prove the effect of vanilla extract on coughing, the mild anesthetic properties may relieve symptoms such as pain from a sore throat or headache.

Vanillin found in vanilla falls under the same category of vanilloids that include capsaicin from chilli peppers and eugenols from spices such as cinnamon.

Both these active compounds have an effect on the central nervous system.

Capsaicin acts as a pain reliever, while eugenols work effectively as topical anesthetics. These mirroring properties in vanilla may help you fight a toothache and infection.

Vanilla extract from the vanilla bean comes pre-packed and ready to use.

This concentrated version has a longer shelf life than the fresh beans or dried pods.

Sniffing a few drops of vanilla extract is known to provide stress relief.

Infact, neurological studies reveal that vanilla extract may prove useful in treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

Digestion problems maybe relieved by taking vanilla infused herbal tea.

Drinking water boiled with vanilla beans is a traditional remedy for nausea, vomiting, and stomach upsets.

The aroma of vanilla may help ease queasiness.

Vanilla may also prove effective in soothing inflammation as well due to its antioxidant properties.

The supplement industry is also tapping into the medicinal properties of vanillin.

While oral intake proves to be less effective since vanillin cannot stand the acidic properties of the stomach, pills or powders designed to withstand stomach acids are becoming popular.

This property of vanilla essential oil alone can take care of most of your problems.

You may not be aware of this important fact, but oxidation is one of the biggest causes behind most of our health troubles and diseases.

It is directly and indirectly responsible for a number of diseases caused by organic malfunctions and infections.

Oxidizers, also called free radicals, cause oxidation of living cells and tissues and burn them to death, or change their dna structure to that of cancerous cells.

Gradually, this result in a weakening of the bodyas immune system, loss of memory, organic and nervous malfunctioning, gradual loss of vision & hearing, mental instability, macular degeneration, and the body becomes prone to diseases.

The antioxidant property of vanilla essential oil neutralizes these free radicals and protects the body from wear and tear, infections and even some forms of cancer, such as those of the prostrate and colon.

It also repairs the damage already done to the body and stimulates repair.

A systematic administration of vanilla essential oil to patients suffering from impotence, erectile dysfunction, frigidity, or loss of libido can relieve them of their problems.

This oil stimulates the secretion of certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen which help bring about normal sexual behavior and promotes sexual arousal.

To some extent, the anticarcinogenic property of vanilla oil comes from its antioxidant properties.

The free radicals or oxidants do not only damage tissues, but can also cause certain type of cancers, such as those of the prostrate and colon.

Certain components of the essential oil of vanilla curbs the growth of cancerous cells, thereby helping to cure, prevent, or slow down cancer.

Vanilla essential oil can effectively reduce fevers by fighting infections.

The essential oil contains components like eugenol and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde, which fight infections.

Being a sedative, it also reduces inflammation from fevers, so it is also considered an antiphlogistic.

You were sitting alone, depressed.

Then, someone brought you a vanilla ice cream cone or a vanilla-flavored drink.

You drink it and suddenly, your spirits are lifted and the depression is gone! you start feeling pleased, satisfied and get into a much better mood.

This is one of the biggest advantages of vanillaas powerful aroma.

It is far more effective if it comes from real vanilla, but synthetic vanilla or artificially synthesized vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde works as well.

The flavor alone is so pleasingly sweet and soothing that everyone from toddlers to centurions enjoy the flavor.

Vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde, a component of vanilla essential oil, is an effective antidepressant and mood lifter.

The essential oil of vanilla soothes the body in innumerable ways.

It soothes all types of inflammation and hyperactivity in the systems of the body, including the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and excretory systems.

It reduces inflammation stemming from fever, as well as convulsions, anxiety, stress, and hypersensitivity to allergens.

This oil has a relaxing and calming effect on the brain and the nerves that provides relief from anxiety, anger, and restlessness.

Vanilla essential oil helps you to get good nightas sleep as well.

This is due to the sedative and relaxing properties of this oil.

It lowers blood pressure and has a tranquilizing effect on the brain that makes it hard to keep your eyelids open.

A small amount of vanilla essential oil or extract and the only thing you care about is pillows and dreams!

The antibacterial properties of vanilla make it beneficial for the treatment of acne.

Vanillin, through its antibacterial effects, helps cleanse your skin, reducing the occurrence of pimples and acne.

Vanilla is rich in antioxidants which prevent and reverse skin damage caused by free radicals.

It helps to slow down signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.

It is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its fragrance and anti-ageing benefits.

Applying raw vanilla beans infused with organic oil imparts a great chocolaty fragrance besides making your skin smooth and soft.

Vanilla has been used as a traditional remedy to heal burns, wounds and cuts.

Concentrated vanilla extracts or essential oil should not be applied directly on recent burns.

Topical treatments containing vanilla extracts might be helpful.

It is advisable to consult your doctor before using any such home remedies for burns.

Vanilla is a good source of b-vitamins like niacin, thiamin, vitamin b6 and pantothenic acid which play an important role in the maintenance of healthy skin.

The antioxidant properties of vanilla protect your skin from damage caused by environmental pollutants and toxins.

You can prepare a scrub to revive your skin from within.

All you need to do is slice open 5 vanilla beans to scrape out its seeds.

Add these seeds along with 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 drops vanilla essential oil to freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Mix the ingredients and apply it on your face.

Massage for a few minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

Then, splash some cold water on your face.

The list of benefits of vanilla is incomplete if we do not talk about its role in hair care.

It is a good source of many nutrients which help in the maintenance of hair health.

Vanilla when mixed with other ingredients can make your hair silky, shiny and smooth.

You can prepare a hair pack for this purpose.

Melt about 4 oz.shea butter in a boiler.

After it has fully melted, add 5 drops of vanilla essential oil and 2 tablespoons each of almond, jojoba and castor oils.

After cooling, blend this mixture until it achieves a softer consistency.

You can apply this mixture on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo.

This will make your hair soft and manageable without making it sticky.

This mixture can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for future use.

Both carrier and essential oils help in promoting hair growth.

These oils can be combined with vanilla essential oil for a hot oil treatment.

To begin with, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb and rinse it thoroughly with warm water.

After this, warm a 1/4 cup of any carrier oil such as virgin olive, jojoba, almond or coconut oil on high heat for about 30 seconds.

Add 10 drops each of lavender and vanilla essential oils to it and mix thoroughly.

Applying this on your hair from the roots to the ends, massage your scalp in circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes.

Ensure to apply it along the full length of your hair strands, concentrating more on the dry ends.

Fasten your hair with a hair clip and wrap a warm towel around your head.

Leave for 15 minutes. Then again wrap a warm towel for another 15 minutes.

Wash off with a mild shampoo.

The quantity of oil that you use depends upon your hair texture.

This will make your hair softer, fuller and shinier besides imparting an amazing scent.

Vanilla is much more than just a sweet and fragrant flavor.

Pure vanilla extract possesses several medicinal properties and can be beneficial for your health in various ways.

Certain neurological studies have proved that vanilla extract can have a positive effect on those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

Vanilla scent is specifically helpful for this purpose.

Sipping water or milk containing vanilla extract helps reduce anxiety in some people.

This aromatic spice is beneficial for your nervous system.

Research conducted by the memorial sloan-kettering hospital in new york indicated that exposure to vanilla aromatherapy has proven to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of claustrophobia.

Some studies have shown that the scent of vanilla extract alone may assist people who are working to lose weight.

The details of this are still being explored.

And of course, proper weight loss has to do primarily with good diet and exercise.

However, the fact that this everyday household extract might help with losing weight is certainly something to keep in mind when you're dieting.

Certain studies have shown that vanilla extract can help people lose weight.

Though exercise and diet play a primary role in weight loss, these efforts can be supplemented with the intake of vanilla extract for greater benefits.

Further research is needed to substantiate this claim.

One of the best benefits of vanilla extract is that it can help calm the stomach in case of a feeling of nausea.

All you need to do is add a few drops of vanilla extract to a glass of water and sip it slowly.

The amazing vanilla scent will help to relieve the feeling of nausea.

In fact, it is as good as nausea medicine and can effectively substitute it.

A number one benefit of vanilla extract is that it can be used to help calm the stomach when you are feeling nauseous.

You simply add a few drops of the extract to a glass of water and sip slowly on it.

The combination of the scent and the slow sipping of the extract should help to reduce the feeling of nausea.

Not everyone keeps nausea medicine in their homes but most people have vanilla extract so this is a great benefit to be aware of!

Cough syrups often use vanilla extract as a flavoring to mask their bitter taste.

Though further research is needed in this regard, the mild anaesthetic properties of vanilla extract can relieve symptoms such as pain from a sore throat or headache.

Vanillin in vanilla is similar to capsaicin in chilli peppers and euganols in spices such as cinnamon.

This compound has a positive effect on the central nervous system.

Capsaicin is an effective pain reliever while euganols act as topical anaesthetics.

Vanilla possesses both these properties which help fight toothache and infection.

Vanilla infused herbal tea can relieve digestive problems.

Water boiled with vanilla beans is a traditional remedy for vomiting and stomach upsets.

Its rich aroma is effective in easing queasiness.

Vanilla has been used as an aphrodisiac since ancient times.

Certain studies on aromatherapy have proved that vanilla can increase sexual desire by boosting testosterone levels in men.

Usage of vanilla has proven to be effective in curing their impotency.

Its aroma induces feelings of pleasure and satiation.

Vanilla extract is beneficial in the regulation of menstruation.

It can be used by women with irregular periods to regulate their cycles.

Though several medications are available for the treatment of these problems, slight problems can be cured by making vanilla extract a part of your diet.

The usage of vanilla extract for healing wounds dates back to ancient times.

Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe and calm inflamed areas on the skin.

It is considered a great home remedy for wound healing.

Note that the direct use of vanilla extract on open wounds and burns should be avoided.

The distinct flavor and health benefits of vanilla essence can be attributed to the presence of about 200 compounds which possess antioxidant properties.

The high level of antioxidants reduces free radicals in your body.

These free radicals are the waste products resulting from normal as well as harmful metabolic processes.

They can cause various diseases including cancer.

Vanilla possesses both antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties.

Vanilla extract added to a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of sugar can help reduce fever and fight infections in children.

Besides, the taste may also appeal to children.