Did you know that vanilla can help you improve your heart health? Its properties help us reduce blood cholesterol levels. In addition, it is anti-inflammatory. Vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) consists of the long, thin pods of a variety of orchids. When the pods are opened, they are waxy and dark, have many small brown spots, and emit a sweet fragrance.
The vanilla bean is the fruit of a type of orchid similarly called Vanilla. There are several types, but the best known are Vanilla Planifolia or common vanilla, from Latin America (Mexico), or Vanilla ahitensis, from Tahiti. It is the only orchid cultivated for non-ornamental purposes, and its fruit, the pods, receive this name because when the Spanish conquerors discovered it in Mexico it seemed similar to the shape of the pods of their swords, and they named it that way.
You can read more about the history of Vanilla at National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/plain-vanilla
Health Benefits
For heart health: Vanilla can help you significantly reduce cholesterol levels in your body. This is very important for people who are at high risk for heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, lowering cholesterol can prevent arteriosclerosis, inflammation of the arteries, and blood clots.
Healing properties: This is due to its high content of antioxidants, which can help prevent the breakdown of cells and tissues throughout the body. In addition, they also help increase natural regeneration. Also, the antibacterial nature of this remedy makes your immune system more protected. This allows you to recover much faster from any injury or illness.
Cancer prevention: Another of the great functions of antioxidants is to eliminate free radicals from your body. These are created as a natural by-product of cellular metabolism. The antioxidants present in the vanilla extract are particularly high.
Reduces inflammation: Vanilla has been used for centuries in numerous ways to relieve inflammation throughout the body. However, the benefits of vanilla are greatest when it comes to liver inflammation, which can occur for a number of reasons, but especially if you drink a lot of alcohol. On the other hand, it can alleviate the conditions produced by arthritis, gout, and any type of inflammation.
Strengthens the hair: You may think that vanilla is included in beauty and hygiene treatments solely because of its attractive aroma. However, its benefits on the skin and hair are several. If you suffer from frequent split ends or hair loss, applying vanilla essential oil can strengthen your hair. In turn, it can induce more blood flow to your scalp. In this way, you stimulate the growth of the follicles and make your hair look more beautiful.
Shop for Vanilla oil here: https://aromatherapia.org/en/essential-oils/vanilla
Prevent acne: If you are one of those people who regularly struggle with acne and often lose more than you gain, the antibacterial nature of vanilla makes it a powerful ally that will lead you to victory. Vanilla can clear underlying infections and speed up the skin’s healing process. Sometimes it can even reduce the appearance of scars left by particularly bad acne episodes.
Relieves anxiety: Through aromatherapy, the benefits of vanilla can take effect exclusively through your sense of smell. Its pleasant aroma impacts directly your brain and induces a state of calm that will considerably reduce your anxiety levels. For this reason, vanilla extract might be the most accessible remedy when you have episodes of chronic anxiety or stress.
Helps to lose weight: Vanilla has properties that help suppress your appetite, as well as being beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels. This makes your metabolism more efficient and works in conjunction with your body so that you can achieve your goal of reaching your ideal weight.
Cures various respiratory conditions: When you have a cough, a cold, or a respiratory infection, anti-inflammatory substances can be very helpful. Vanilla extract can help protect your throat when mixed with hot water, and it also has an anesthetic effect. The antibacterial properties also allow you to eliminate the underlying infection or disease while relieving coughs and sore throats.
Promotes healthy digestion: The benefits of vanilla have been used in different ways throughout history to optimize digestion. The aroma of this plant is known for its ability to relieve the feeling of nausea. With an infusion of vanilla, you can relieve inflammation in the intestine and prevent vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and stomach pain.
Consumption Method
Vanilla beans have culinary uses, especially when it comes to preparing sweet dishes or flavored drinks.
One vanilla bean is roughly equivalent to three teaspoons of vanilla extract, so when substituting one for the other, only a small part of the pod will be needed to flavor a preparation that contains extract.
To bake a cake, the seeds are generally used inside the pod, but the latter also has a lot of flavors, so they can be used to infuse milk or cream, even placed inside the sugar jar to give it a subtle flavor.
To remove the seeds from the pod correctly it is recommended:
- Cut the pod lengthwise with a sharp knife.
- Scrape off the seeds using the blunt edge of the knife.
- Use the seeds immediately.
- Use the pod to give the milk a subtle flavor or place it in the sugar jar.
- Store unused pods in airtight or vacuum bags. As time goes by, the pods will be drier and their flavor more intense.