Phenotypic description of the vanilla plant
Vanilla is a climbing plant. It is grown for its fruits, which
contain seeds that contain vanilla. Vanilla gives foods and drinks a
distinctive flavor. It is also used in the manufacture of medicines.
Natural vanilla and artificial vanilla
Vanilla extract is expensive. It is second only to saffron. So, laboratory-produced
vanillin is often used as a substitute for vanilla. Sometimes vanilla extracts
are diluted with extracts that are less expensive.
The natural vanilla scent consists of more than 200 components, Vanillin
is the main component among these components, accounting for approximately 1%
to 2%. Other main ingredients are vanillic acid and parahydroxybenzoic acid. As
a result, natural vanilla extract has a deeper, more complex flavor.
Health benefits of Natural vanilla
- Antibacterial
Vanilla has the ability to fight germs and prevent infection; because
of containing vanillin, ethyl vanillin, and vanillic acid. This is why vanilla
essential oil is used to sterilize medical devices. Vanilla essential oil has
the ability to inhibit the growth of some types of bacteria, especially
Cronobacter bacteria. Cronobacter cause
severe and sometimes life-threatening infections in infants, the elderly, and
people who they suffer from a weak immune system. It is also used to cleanse
the skin and reduce the spread of acne and pimples. Due to its antibacterial
nature, it also improves the immune system, making it easier to recover from
injury or illness.
- Reduces harmful cholesterol levels in the blood
Vanilla reduces harmful cholesterol levels in the blood which
makes it very important for those at risk of heart attacks and strokes? Low
cholesterol helps prevent arthritis and blood clots. It may also help prevent
the breakdown of cells and tissues in the body and stimulate natural regrowth
of the body.
- Oncology treatment
Vanilla contains antioxidants; the most prominent and powerful of
which is vanillin, which plays an important role in inhibiting the activity of
free radicals in the body. These free radicals cause cell damage, which
increases the risk of cancer and many other health problems. Vanillin, with its
antioxidant and anti-tumor properties, may have an important benefit in
treating cancer patients by preventing the development of tumors in the body.
- Treatment of anxiety and depression
Vanilla helps treat depression and relieve its symptoms, because
of its soothing scent. Its effect in treating depression may be similar to
Fluoxetine, which is used to treat depression. It may be better than fluoxetine.
It does not have side effects, such as disturbing dreams, insomnia. It does not
also changes in sexual drive that result from the effect of fluoxetine doses on
patients who take it.
In general, vanilla can be used to relieve feelings of anxiety and
tension. Neurological studies have shown that vanilla extract may help people
who suffer from anxiety disorders and depression. Drinking milk that contains
vanilla and smelling its scent greatly reduces these symptoms.
- Treating digestive disorders
A cup of milk or water containing a few drops of vanilla extract
helps calm the stomach when feeling nauseous. Herbal tea that contains vanilla
may help treat digestive problems, such as: cramps, stomach pain, and diarrhea.
- Treatment of respiratory diseases
Drinking vanilla tea may help relieve respiratory illness in
people who suffer from a cough, cold, or respiratory infection. Because of its
ability to numb the mouth and reduce inflammation and irritation, as it
contains antibacterial agents. Vanilla is also used to relieve sore throat and
tonsillitis because of its anesthetic properties. It is also used in cough
syrups to hide its bitter taste and make it palatable
- Relieve menstrual pain
Vanilla may contribute to alleviating menstrual disorders and the
abdominal pain that accompanies it, because it contains magnesium, which works
to clean up the production of hormones. Its soothing scent can also be used to
relieve stress and anxiety associated with the menstrual period.
- Treating infections
Drinking vanilla water is a natural anti-inflammatory that may
affect many body systems, such as: the liver, skin, and other organs, because
it contains vanillin. Vanilla extract has been used since the Middle Ages to
treat wounds, because it contains anti-inflammatory substances that work to
soothe inflamed areas of the skin.
- Relieve toothache
Vanilla extract may help in numbing some toothaches, because it contains a large amount of antioxidants. Vanilla extract can be placed on a piece of cotton and then placed on the site of pain in the mouth.
- Improving sexual health
Vanilla is considered a natural aphrodisiac, as it can increase
desire between spouses. Vanilla oil can be used for this purpose to obtain an
attractive scent during sexual intercourse. It can also raise the levels of the
male hormone “testosterone” in men, which leads to to raise sexual desire.
- Skin care
Vanilla helps make the skin soft and supple. For this reason, it
is included in the formulation of skin care ointments and moisturizers
- Anti-aging
Vanilla is rich in antioxidants. These substances prevent and
combat free radicals that cause wrinkles and age spots on the skin. Therefore,
it is widely used in the cosmetics industry
- Improve hair growth
Vanilla oil strengthens hair. It also stimulates blood flow to the
scalp, which improves hair growth for those who suffer from split ends or hair
loss.
- Weight loss
Vanilla helps in losing weight; because of its natural ability to
suppress appetite. And because of the ability
of its extract to help reduce cholesterol, and to help the body carry out
metabolism more efficiently.
- Help with proper nutrition
Vanilla extract contains some minerals, such as: magnesium and
potassium. These minerals are very important for promoting health. Potassium is
necessary for kidney and heart functions and muscle and nerve contraction.
Adults need between 2,600 and 3,400 mg per day. One tablespoon of vanilla
extract contains 6 mg of potassium. As for magnesium, it helps with muscle and
nerve functions and regulates blood pressure. Adult people need 320 to 410 mg
of it daily. A tablespoon of vanilla extract contains 1 mg of magnesium.
For more information on Vanilla watch the attached videos (1 and 2).
References
https://saltoftheearthnatural.com/blogs/under-our-skin/8-surprising-health-benefits-of-vanilla
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