Health Benefits of Using Vanilla.

 Nutrition and Health Benefits of Using Vanilla. 

The post introduces Vanilla pods indigenous to the Totonac people, its pollination using hands, describes the nutritional values and health benefits of natural vanilla extracts and mentions the downsides of synthetic Vanilla.

Photo credit to Jocelyn Morales.

The Totonac People are known as the first to domesticate Vanilla, cultivated on farms since at least 1185. Aztecs from the central highlands of Mexico invaded the Totonacs in 1427 and developed a taste for vanilla mixing with Coco in a drink called 'xocolate' that later inspired hot chocolate.

Pollination was crucial for commercial cultivation and a hindrance in the case of Vanilla until Edmond Albinus, a 12-year-old slave boy, who lived on the French island Reunion, discovered hand pollination in 1841. Now, Vanilla is cultivated globally in several countries. 

South African-produced vanilla pods have a reputation for their unique vanilla tastes that can be used in several ways.

Vanilla is derived from the Spanish word vanilla, meaning 'little pod.' The word Vanilla entered the English language in 1754. Natural vanilla extract is produced from the vanilla pods growing on plants, commonly growing in tropical parts of the world. 

 It is widely used globally as a spice to flavour foods and beverages and in medicines and fragrances. And it is one of the costliest because of its labour-intensive production process. 

Being expensive and high in demand, synthetic Vanilla is used as a substitute made from wood pulp and coal tar.

Nutrients in natural Vanilla.

Natural Vanilla extract gets its antioxidant properties from tiny amounts of the minerals it contains.

• Calcium:  0,46 milligrams (mg).
• Magnesium:  0,50 mg.
• Phosphorous:  0,25 mg.
• Potassium:  6,22 mg.

Nutrients per serving:

One teaspoon of Vanilla extract contains tiny amounts of:

• Calories:  12.
• Protein:  3 mg.
• Fat:  0,3 mg
• Carbohydrates:  531 mg.
• Sugar:  531 mg.

Health benefits of natural vanilla extract.

Studies have shown that Vanilla's flavour and aroma have health benefits.

1. Provide calming effects.

Research shows Vanilla can calm premature newborn babies, who smell Vanilla before and after blood tests. The smell of Vanilla lessens crying in newborns.

It can have a calming effect on adults as well. It can reduce startle reflexes and relieve sleep apnea, a sleep disorder of breathing repeatedly starts and stops.

2. Helps curb sugar intake.

Using Vanilla as a sugar substitute can reduce high blood glucose levels and may help you lead a healthier life.

3. Ease toothache.

The alcohol in the vanilla extract may help relieve some toothaches as its antioxidants can provide healing effects.  

Uses of Vanilla.

Vanilla is popular in sweet desserts, drinks, and savoury dishes. Synthetic Vanilla has its downside in use. 

Conclusion.

The post introduces Vanilla pods indigenous to the Totonac people, its pollination using hands, describes the nutritional values and health benefits of natural vanilla extracts and mentions the downsides of synthetic Vanilla.

Can you think of a life without your favourite sweet and savoury items not flavoured by this versatile food essence vanilla?

This post is for the letter V in the series of my A2Z blog posts, lasting for the entire month and is part of the A2Z Blog chatter challenge. To read earlier posts, click on these letters   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S TU.