Vanilla Extract And White VanillaVanilla is a kind of fruit used for flavoring sweet dishes but is also considered to be a spice by some people. It is considered to be the most expensive and precious spice all over the world. Originally, it was used by Europeans as a flavoring agent in ice-creams, cakes, and puddings. Nowadays it has gained popularity all over the world and almost every sweet dish is available in Vanilla flavor
Vanilla Flavoring With Organic VanillaThe vanilla plant is a climbing orchid and its fruit is in the form of pods or sticks which are made to undergo a process of fermentation. During the fermentation process of the vanilla pods, they are induced with a characteristic flavor due to the enzymatic action of the enzyme named Beta-glucosidase. Other useful byproducts that are obtained during this process include vanillin, glucovanillin, and sugar. The dark color of vanilla flavor is due to the presence of glycerin. Vanilla sugar or powdered vanilla is obtained by mixing vanilla extract with sugar. Vanilla plants are found in Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Mexico.
Uses: The vanilla plant is one of the most widely used plants in the culinary industry. Vanilla is used for flavoring sweets, candies, cakes, and biscuits. It also used as a cooking ingredient in some western countries.
Health Benefits: In addition to its culinary uses, vanilla has a number of health benefits. Some of these benefits include:
Vanilla is used as a medicine to be drunk as an infusion for increasing male potency. It can be used for preventing cancer. The vanilla oil extracted by fermenting vanilla beans is used to improve digestion. It can be used for manufacturing medicines that are used for strengthening the immune power of the body. Vanilla helps to prevent memory loss. It is used as a stimulating agent and balances and increases the secretion of some hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Vanilla oil is used to reduce fever as it helps in fighting internal infections. Vanilla is used in making depression, anxiety, and stress reducing medicines. It helps in curing almost all types of inflammations and hyperactivity in the body systems including the respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system, nervous system, and excretory system. It reduces inflammation caused by fever and convulsions. It helps preventing allergy relating to hypersensitivity. Vanilla is used to regularize irregular menses. It is used to cure congestions, cough, and other sinus related problems.
Vanilla BenefitsThere is a lot of discussion on whether vanilla is a fruit or a spice, even though majority of the people refer to vanilla as a spice. In fact, vanilla can be described as one of the oldest spices in the world. It is also the second most expensive spice all across the world, the most expensive one being saffron. While there were certain vanilla benefits and uses that were known of, most people were unaware of some of the most important vanilla health benefits. This is probably why, in the earlier days, vanilla was used mainly by the Europeans to enhance the flavor of some of their favorite desserts, like cakes, pudding and ice creams. However, people have begun to use various forms of vanilla more commonly in recent years, after becoming aware of the several vanilla health benefits that have been associated with the spice. In fact, research indicates that because of its taste as well as the health benefits of vanilla, it is used in almost every sweet dish around the Western world, in some form or the other, the most common ones being vanilla essence or extracts. However, the benefits of vanilla are not just restricted to the extracts and the essence. The health benefits of vanilla include the effect of various products that are made from vanilla, which could range from vanilla essential oil, to vanilla ice cream. Health benefits of vanilla extract Vanilla extract is usually derived from the vanilla bean that is available in Central America. One of the oldest known benefits of vanilla extract is that it contains medicinal properties. Therefore, vanilla extract was used in the earlier days, to cure minor ailments, respiratory diseases, stomach illnesses as well as poisonous snake bites. However, in recent times, researchers state that vanilla extract health benefits include stress relief, curing an upset stomach as well as weight loss. There are also several benefits of vanilla extract on the skin. Beauty experts claim that natural vanilla extract can be used to nourish, moisturize and add a glow to facial skin. Benefits of vanilla essential oilVanilla essential oil contains antioxidant and antidepressant properties, which is probably why it is quite commonly used in aromatherapy. It works as a natural tranquilizer and promotes relaxation, without any major side effects, if used correctly. Some of the other vanilla oil benefits include enhancing the body’s ability to fight off fever and infections, regularizing the menstrual cycle in women, relieving the body of anxiety and anger and checking the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Several women also enjoy the benefits of vanilla on skin, using the essential oil form. However, it is always best to dilute vanilla essential oil with another essential oil, before use. Health benefits of vanilla beanBecause vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world, there are cheaper, synthetic versions of the spice that are available in the market. In order to avoid using the synthetic variety of vanilla, several people prefer buying the vanilla bean and then processing it, for extracts or to make vanilla tea. Vanilla beans have been used for decades, in the home remedies for several ailments and conditions. Some of the most common health benefits of vanilla bean include, stress relief, weight loss, sexual stimulation, improving sleeping patterns and curing toothaches. The vanilla oil that is extracted from the beans is a great remedy for several digestion related problems. However, in order to enjoy the different health benefits of vanilla pods, most people use the bean or the pod in different forms, like tea, yogurt, oil, extract and so on. Health benefits of vanilla teaMany of the leading tea manufacturing companies across the world have introduced tea made with vanilla, because of the several benefits of vanilla tea. In fact, there are several varieties of vanilla tea, ranging from vanilla chai tea to vanilla rooibos tea. Some of the most common benefits of vanilla chai tea are curing headaches, reducing anxiety and soothing an upset stomach. There are also several benefits of vanilla rooibos tea, since it has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti mutagenic properties. It is free of caffeine but contains calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper and several other vitamins and minerals. Health benefits of vanilla ice creamVanilla ice cream is one of the most popular ice cream flavors all over the world. However, several people consume vanilla ice cream on a regular basis, not just because of its delightful taste. One of the most common benefits of vanilla ice cream is that it can help relieve heartburn almost instantly. Moreover, vanilla ice cream is high in calcium, which is probably why several people consume a bowl of low fat vanilla ice cream on a regular basis, to get their required intake of the nutrient. Health benefits of vanilla essenceVanilla essence is a common ingredient is many desserts and dishes that belong to various cuisines. However, there are also several people across the globe who use vanilla essence to enhance the flavor of their breakfast cereal, or even oatmeal, because it is much lower in calories and fat, as compared to many other flavor enhancers. The total number of calories in a teaspoon of vanilla essence is 12.1 Kcal, which is less than sugar. Moreover, the overall fat and cholesterol in vanilla essence is 0 mg or 0%. Therefore, it is much better to add a teaspoon of vanilla essence to a bowl of cereal, instead of other syrups. Health benefits of vanilla yogurtWhile it is possible to buy flavored yogurt from any supermarket or store, most varieties of flavored yogurt are higher in sugar, fats and calories, as compared to plain yogurt. Therefore, several people choose to make flavored vanilla yogurt at home, using three simple ingredients, plain low fat yogurt, a split vanilla bean and clover honey. A recipe made using these ingredients is much healthier than any commercial flavored yogurt. While there are numerous vanilla benefits for the skin, digestive system, common ailments and overall health, it is best to check vanilla health facts for any possible side effects that may be associated with this spice. It is also best to get a go ahead from a doctor, before consuming vanilla regularly. |