Natural Vanilla Flavoring
Vanilla extract is derived from the mature pods of the vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia). It is the world’s most popular flavoring and fragrance ingredient used in ice creams, confectioneries, milk products, perfumes, and liqueur.
It can also be added to salty dishes like soups. Interestingly, vanilla scent is also produced by castoreum, a chemical from beavers’ anal glands that they use to mark their territory.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Vanilla is an antioxidant-rich food that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in humans. It contains compounds like vanillin and vanillyl alcohol that have been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antiangiogenic properties.
These are just a few of the reasons why vanilla is used in everything from ice cream and baked goods to skin care products. The vanilla extract and essence found in many skincare items contain this naturally occurring antioxidant, which helps keep your skin looking young and healthy by protecting against oxidative stress.
It also helps to lower high cholesterol levels in those with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), a condition where the body has too much lipids or fats in the bloodstream. The results of one study showed that consuming vanilla-flavored foods and drinks with regularity may help to reduce blood triglycerides by decreasing inflammation in the body.
The vanilla plant grows in Natural vanilla flavoring tropical climates around the world and is the second most expensive spice to produce, after saffron. It’s also the only plant that is grown with a pod, which contains the beans that are harvested and used to make vanilla flavoring and other products.
2. Natural Antidepressant
When it comes to tackling depression, the first-line medical treatment is usually prescription antidepressants. These drugs work well for many people, but they can also come with a host of unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, natural antidepressants have been shown to work just as well — or better than — traditional medications. They’re also less expensive and come with fewer risks.
Vanilla is a natural antidepressant thanks to its ability to help boost serotonin levels, according to some studies. Several nutrient compounds in the plant, including vanillin, stimulate the production of the mood-enhancing chemical. The scent of vanilla can also reduce anxiety and relax the nervous system, which is why it’s often added to perfumes, lotions and candles.
Some studies have shown that vanillin can reduce depressive symptoms in mice. This is similar to the effects of fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac. Aside from reducing anxiety, vanilla extract may also help reduce the risk of depression by helping to fight inflammation. This is because inflammation can lead to mental instability, which is linked to depression in some cases.
3. Natural Aphrodisiac
Throughout history, vanilla has been considered to have aphrodisiac properties. The scent supposedly mimics the male pheromone which is why it is considered one of the five most attractive aromas to men. It has also been linked to the brain’s activity in regions associated with sexual pleasure and desire.
Vanilla’s aphrodisiac properties may be due to its ability to increase blood flow. However, this has not been proven to be a direct effect in humans. Additionally, studies on aphrodisiac foods tend to be small in scale and their effects are not always sexually specific.
While certain foods may have mild aphrodisiac properties, it is best to seek out other ways of increasing your sexual desire and health. These include communication with your partner, ensuring that you are healthy and treating any underlying conditions. Amy Reiley is the author of Eat Something Sexy, a collection of cookbooks designed to help people improve their intimate lives. She is a recognized expert on aphrodisiac food history and science and has brought her knowledge to many popular radio, television and podcast shows.
4. Natural Calming Agent
Vanilla has a direct impact on the brain, and its pleasant aroma induces calmness. It stimulates the production of serotonin, a mood-enhancing hormone, and promotes a sense of well-being. This is why it’s also a natural aphrodisiac, and why the smell of freshly baked vanilla cookies is so comforting.
Because the world’s supply of vanilla beans is so limited, and because it’s so labor-intensive to process them into extract, vanilla can be expensive. That’s why many food manufacturers use vanilla flavoring instead of the real thing. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important to know what you’re buying.
True vanilla extract is made from vanilla pods that come from the Vanilla orchid. Imitation vanilla, on the other hand, doesn’t come from the vanilla plant at all. It’s distilled from petroleum or created by extracting vanillin from items like wood pulp and castoreum (secreted Natural vanilla flavoring by the gland of beavers). The result is cheaper than true vanilla, but it doesn’t offer the same health benefits. Kerry’s Natural vanilla flavoring offers exceptional aroma and taste at an affordable price point for your craft beverages.
5. Natural Sugar Substitute
Vanilla is the natural sugar substitute for a number of sweet foods and drinks. It can be used as an aromatic sweetener in baked goods and as a flavor enhancer for ice cream and hot beverages. It also works well as a topping for desserts and cakes.
Since the vanilla plant requires a very limited growing area, it is an expensive ingredient. Additionally, the vanilla pods need to be hand-pollinated by Melipona and Euglema bees in a short window of time, making it even more expensive.
To keep up with demand for natural ingredients and to reduce costs, the industry has been working on producing a naturally-derived vanilla flavoring. Two companies are currently competing to make vanillin using yeast fermentation of lignans from plant materials like corn and bark.
If you want to make a natural sugar substitution, try combining vanilla extract with regular granulated sugar in a 1:1 ratio. You can also try mixing a tablespoon of vanilla extract with brown sugar to create a fragrant sweetener for baking and hot drinks. Brown sugar has a lower glycemic index than white sugar and is harvested from palm trees, making it healthier for diabetics.