4 powerful ways vanilla helps fight disease

While the debate about which flavor is best — vanilla or chocolate ice cream — will likely go on for eternity, there is no debate that vanilla is a terribly under-rated spice.

After saffron, known to be incredibly expensive, vanilla is the world’s most expensive spice. The humble vanilla bean is actually a delicacy.

The tiny black seeds inside those pods give their rich flavor to creamy vanilla ice cream, fuel our passion for vanilla lattes and even fill our homes with the sweet scent of vanilla.

But, beyond its delightful flavor and aroma, the vanilla bean is the source of a wide range of health benefits you may not know about…

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1. Vanilla’s anti-cancer properties

Vanilla is both anti-mutagenic and anti-angiogenic. It inhibits the two major biological processes that allow cancer cells to grow.

One study showed that vanillin, the primary component of the extract of the vanilla bean, could reduce the frequency of mutation in colon cells by 64%. Colon cells have a very high turnover rate. New cells replace old ones frequently, making mutations more likely. This makes the effects of vanillin even more impressive.

Scientists have also found that ethyl vanillin inhibits angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, by slowing the production of nitric oxide in tumor cells, effectively cutting off their oxygen supply.

2. Vanilla fights bacteria

A 2014 study at the University of Bucharest showed that vanilla essential oil could slow the development of a strain of Staph bacteria.

The antibacterial activity of vanilla protects the immune system, which lowers stress on the body, and makes it easier to recover from illness or injury.

3. Less inflammation and better digestion

Vanillin has long been known to soothe inflammation throughout the body, easing the pain of gout and arthritis. It’s also been proven effective in protecting against liver inflammation.

The smell or taste of vanilla aids digestion, decreases headaches, relieves upset stomach, and controls vomiting and diarrhea. A vanilla-infused tea can be a comfort when stomach upset strikes.

4. Mineral-rich vanilla calms and soothes

Not only is vanilla good for what ails your stomach, it can help elevate your mood.

In 2004, researchers used mood mapping to determine that a whiff of vanilla bean elevated participants’ feelings of joy and relaxation.

In a 2013 study, vanillan’s antidepressant effects on mice were comparable to the effects of the antidepressant Prozac.

Vanilla’s mineral content plays a part in stress reduction:

• Magnesium – relaxes nervous tension, and helps maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Potassium – helps maintain regular heart contractions, balances the body’s electrolytes, and helps relax blood vessels
• Calcium – reduces the production of cortisol, our stress hormone

How to get more vanilla in your life

There are two ways to add vanilla to your recipes and enjoy its flavor and aroma. You can purchase vanilla extract, or use the seeds of the vanilla bean.

Chemically produced vanilla extract can contain a lot of impurities and contaminants. Here are a few tips for finding the purest vanilla extract:

• Look for the FDA seal on the bottle to avoid consuming the chemical coumarin. The FDA has banned the use of coumarin in vanilla extract. Coumarin is a fragrant chemical, also found in Cassia cinnamon. Consuming too much coumarin has been linked to liver damage.The FDA does allow other additives in vanilla extract, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sugar, dextrose, and corn syrup. For the best health rewards, look for pure vanilla extract, which should contain vanilla bean extractives in a water and alcohol solution.
• Beware of rock-bottom prices in discount stores or small markets. Remember, vanilla is a very expensive product to harvest and produce. If the price of the bottle you’re holding is too low, chances are it’s far from pure.

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How to use vanilla beans

Each vanilla bean contains over 25,000 seeds that are full of rich flavor. One vanilla bean is equivalent to about three teaspoons of vanilla extract.

When buying vanilla beans, look for plump ones that are glossy on the outside and bend a little. Dull, brittle beans are too old, and the seeds will not come out easily.

Store your beans away from heat or light, and use them within a few weeks, before they dry out.

To harvest the seeds, simply slice the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, and run the knife along the bean to scrape out the seeds.  Use them as soon as possible.