A registered dietitian lists five vanilla benefits, including explaining how it can help with depression and anxiety.
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Lets get something straight right now: vanilla is bursting with natural flavor.
The combination of floral and caramel notes are so pronounced that it consumes the senses with just a whiff.
registered dietitian nutritionist and diabetes educator
But before we get into that, its helpful to know what exactly vanilla is.
Vanilla is a flowering plant thats part of the orchid family.
Native to Central and South America,it was first cultivated by the Aztecs.
Originally, they combined it with cacao, drinking the rich mixture as a sweet beverage.
When Europeans discovered vanilla, it became a hot commodityeven more than chocolate.
Europeans used vanilla to make ice cream and other sweet treats, similar to how it is used today.
Vanilla extract is made by soaking the ground vanilla beans in alcohol and water.
Now that youve been schooled on the history of vanilla, lets get into the benefits.
Vanilla extract does contain vanilla, which means the benefits are extended to the extract as well.
registered dietitian nutritionist and diabetes educator
However, the more processed vanilla is, the less pronounced the benefits are.
The perks below pertain to pure, natural vanilla.
It can positively affect your mood.
Even just the smell of vanilla is beneficial.One mouse studyshowed that smelling vanilla can help lessen depression and anxiety.
Another studyextends this connection to humans.
When given vanilla to smell, the most common feelings it evoked were happiness, followed by relaxation.
Perdomo points out thatvanilla is full antioxidants, which benefit the entire body.
Antioxidants have many beneficial effects because they are related to anti-inflammation effects in our body, she says.
Our body uses antioxidants to protect cells against free radicals scavengers which can cause tissue damage.
This means that adding a hint of vanilla to your morning coffeeups the amount of antioxidants in your mug.
It is also antimicrobial.
In one scientific study,vanilla helped protect against the growth of E. coli.
Vanilla could be good for your gut.
There is some data suggesting that vanilla can play a role in supporting the gut.
Specifically, it did this by increasing short-chain fatty acids production which are beneficial for the gut.
It also reduced other bacteria associated with obesity and others known to be inflammatory.
This is another connection that needs more research in humans, but an interesting connection to be aware of.
It supports brain health.
Remember how vanilla is high in antioxidants?
Thats good news for your brain, too.
Scientific studies show thatvanilla is neuroprotective, helping to reduce brain cell damage.
There is a caveat to all the vanilla benefits highlighted here and that is how vanilla is used.
5 ways to cook with vanilla
1.
Bliss balls
As the vanilla benefits above highlighted, vanilla can have a positive effect on mood.
Also in this recipe are oats and cashews, which add plenty of fiber and protein.
Combined, its layered taste is warming and sweet.
Get the recipe:cinnamon and vanilla chai tea
4.
Chamomile vanilla ice cream
Being incorporated into ice cream is a classic use for vanilla.
Here, it gets combined withchamomile, another herb strongly linked to relaxation.
Talk about the perfect bedtime snack!
Vanilla chia pudding
Want to start your day with vanilla instead of ending it that way?
(Or hey, why not both.)
Bookmark this recipe to try for breakfast.
It shows how to make a classic vanilla chia pudding with just four ingredients.
The chia seeds are a great source of fiber.
Add nuts on top to up the protein in this simple meal.
Consuming vanilla regularly will impact your health in many different ways.
With that in mind, youre adding a sweet touch to your mealsin more ways than one.
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