Vanilla Powder is one of the most expensive and widely used spices available. Its popularity is partly due to the beautiful, complex aromatic flavor that is mild and scented. The health benefits of the spice are due to its active component ‘Vanillin’. Read more about the uses and benefits of vanilla powder.

Uses of Vanilla Powder

The pleasant aroma and flavor of vanilla makes it an indispensible ingredient in the food and beverage industry. Recently, the medicinal properties of vanilla are also being explored.

1. Culinary

The delicate, subtle flavor of vanilla along with its complex aroma makes it a culinary delight. A flavor love and relished by all, it is used often in home preparations of desserts, puddings, flavored milk, etc.

2. Food Industry

Vanilla powder is widely used both commercially and domestically as a flavor enhancer, emulsifier and a natural sweetener. It is mainly used to impart flavor and sweetness to milk, coffee, yogurt, custards, ice cream, desserts, icing, drinks, puddings, cakes, and other baked goods.

3. Cosmetic industry

It is a popular spice in perfume industry and aromatherapy owing to its fresh fragrance.

4. Medicinal

Vanilla finds use in contemporary medicine too, as it cures fevers and is an aphrodisiac, although, these effects have never been scientifically documented. It also helps boost immunity and has antioxidant properties (fights against free radicals).

Health Benefits of Vanilla Powder

Advantages of vanilla are not only restricted to its refreshing taste and smell, but it also has numerous health benefits.

• Helps overcome nausea
• Helps in weight loss - curbs food cravings as vanillin releases serotonin
• Reduces depression, anxiety and stress
• Regulates menstruation
• Helps in healing wounds
• Potentially help prevent cancer due to its antioxidant properties
• Reduces risk of breast cancer
• Potentially helps in improving neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease by offsetting damage cause by peroxynitrate formation  
• Stops sickling of blood cells – a type of cell deformation that causes sickle cell anemia

• Helps prevent memory loss
• Improves body immunity                                                                                  
• Acts as a stimulant and helps in the secretion of male and female hormones (testosterone and estrogen)
• Helps preventing allergy related to hypersensitivity
• Cures, sinus, cough and congestions
• Cures inflammation and hyperactivity of various body systems (Respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and excretory system)
• Reduces inflammation caused by convulsions and fever
• It is an anti-mutagen and anti-carcinogen
• It can be used to treat stomach pain and ulcers
• Helps prevent tooth decay
• Strengthens skin against chapping and dryness

Do read our articles on Vanilla Facts – To Eat Or Not To Eat and Magic of Vanilla to make an informed decision on whether to include vanilla powder in you diet or not.

Image credits: kitchenexperiments.net