Vanilla Facts – To Eat Or Not To Eat
Vanilla, the tropical orchid is the second most expensive spice in the world and is highly valued for its unique, delicate flavor and its complex aroma. There are quite a few vanilla facts that are unique and most are unaware of.Vanilla is a native of Mexico and the name ‘vanilla’ is derived from the Spanish word ‘vainilla’ meaning little pod. Read on to know more about the little pods that are used extensively in domestic baking, commercial baking, and perfume manufacture...
Beneficial Vanilla Facts
Apart from its wonderful flavor, vanilla also has quite a few health benefits.
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Vanillin is the active component present in vanilla. Vanillin is an antioxidant with proved anti cancer properties. Research studies indicate that vanillin can slow down progress of breast and lung cancer by decreasing the invasion ability of cancer cells. Another derivative of vanillin, bromovanin is actively being considered in new cancer treatments.
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Vanillin is found to offset the damage caused by formation of peroxynitrate in the brain. Research, investigating the effects of vanillin in people with Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease is underway.
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Vanillin has a significant effect on the blood cells of people affected by sickle cell anemia. Research is on to make a new drug with vanillin as a component for treating sickle cell disease.
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Vanilla has been commonly used as a home remedy from the 17th century for treating sleep difficulties, stomach ulcers, anxiety, depression, tooth decay, fever etc.
- Vanilla is a popular aphrodisiac even though there is no scientific evidence in support of this.
Vanilla Facts to Reckon With
Vanilla has no known or proven toxicity. It is relatively safe to use in food and as a medicine. Nevertheless, lack of evidence and research in support makes it safer to use vanilla in prescribed quantities. Perform a skin patch test prior to using vanilla oil for aromatherapy.
To Eat or Not To Eat Vanilla
Vanilla is synonymous with baking and cooking across the globe. Vanilla facts indicate that it is relatively safe to use and a flavorful one at that! Go ahead and stock this spice in your kitchen cabinet.
Image credit: ifood.tv/
Comments
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Anonymous says :
Lots of information on vanilla... quite interesting!! Thanks for posting.
Posted on: 8 August 2011 - 4:05am
thot4food says :
I simply love vanilla flavor. Thanks for the grt info
Posted on: 8 August 2011 - 1:01pm
delicious bites says :
Never knew about antioxidant vanilini...Good job Priyam! Do share some info on other spices also which we commonly use.
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 12:03am
healthyeating says :
Very informative article. Pls share some info on other herbs and spices as well...
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 12:31am
FitGal says :
Vanilla is my favorite flavor of ice cream and to know that it has so many other benefits as well, I am surely going to involve more of it in my daily diet from now on.
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 12:56am
Rashmi Ambadkar says :
Vanilla the flavour that goes all the way from cakes to ice creams, just love it !!
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 1:28am
PriyankaPoddar says :
vanilla treats sleep difficulties? woooaaaww!! looks like insomniacs can dig into loads of vanilla ice cream for cure :D :P ...jokes apart...informative blog indeed...thanks!
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 1:49am
umaima says :
Vanilla has always helped me get rid of the eggy smell from cake and biscuit batters, I dint know it was beneficial otherwise too. Btw, has anyone tried Vanilla tea?
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 4:10am
The Hungry Soul says :
Would true vanilla extract have similar benefits? I usually store vanilla pods in alcohol. Does that alter the health benefits of the bean?
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 4:30am
yummyyum says :
There could not have been a better remedy for Alzheimer's disease!! I am gonna stock more vanilla pods and use it more frequently. But are there more ways of using it than just flavoring ice-creams, cakes and milk shakes?
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 5:41am
vij says :
Vanilla pods are a pain to grow obviously, I just like the flavor in my ice cream. Didn't know they look like that lol.
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 8:29am
oatmeal says :
I am just crazy about vanilla and this article on vanilla pod boosted my curiosity to new level. Thanks for such a nice article.
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 8:44am
Gourmet_lover says :
Finally, a whole slew of good reasons to glut on vanilla. Nice post
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 10:16am
thot4food says :
I love the natural flavor of vanilla. But an aphrodisiac? Now that's food for thought indeed!:)
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 11:19am
barbecue says :
now vanilla has got many reasons to be used liberally in scrumptious dishes. good post!
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 11:44am
foodietweetie says :
never thought that a vanilla pod looks like this :) After reading this post i can actually smell the aroma of vanilla. Loves it in ice cream and cakes...but now would regard it as such a beneficial spice as well.
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 12:30pm
Anonymous says :
Vanilla, I had always loved the flavors of it. But now I also know about its medicinal values. Thanks for sharing.
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 1:11pm
foodpsychologist says :
Hello, thanks for sharing the medicinal benefits of vanilla. I never knew that this much-loved flavoring agent helps in treating so many diseases. BTW, i could not quite understand this statement "Vanillin is found to offset the damage caused by formation of peroxynitrate in the brain." Could you please explain?
Posted on: 9 August 2011 - 2:21pm
priyam says :
In the brain of people suffering from diseases like alzheimers and Parkinson's, peroxynitrate is formed. This is largely responsible for brain damage in these cases. The antioxidant activity of vanillin does not allow formation of peroxynitrate...and thereby proves useful...
Posted on: 12 August 2011 - 3:18am
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