Health benefits of vanilla

Introduction

People usually enjoy vanilla pastries or vanilla ice creams without being aware of its many health benefits. Vanilla is commonly used in perfumes, baking and therapeutic aroma massages because of its potent flavoring agents. The name vanilla is derived from a Spanish word which means little sheath and such name has been given to it because the vanilla pod has a long thin shape. Vanilla is actually a fruit of planifolia which commonly grows wild and it is a thick vine. The vanilla seed pods require extensive labor and that makes it the second most expensive spice in the world. In the past centuries, only the royalty claimed the right to consume vanilla and it has been used to flavor chocolates since the time of Aztecs.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

Besides providing a wonderful flavor to numerous recipes, vanilla also has very potent antioxidant properties which make it very efficient in preventing and healing different health conditions. Free radicals are known for burning the living cells in the human body which may lead to numerous complications of the immune system and various diseases. The antioxidants which can be found in vanilla prevent these free radicals from causing the damage and defend the human body from various infections and cancers.

Vanilla oil has very strong aphrodisiac properties and it is very beneficial for the treatment of frigidity, impotence, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and numerous other sexual ailments. Vanilla oil is also very efficient in stimulating the secretion of estrogen and testosterone and promoting sexual arousal, which makes it a great booster for those who suffer from a dormant sex life. Certain studies have shown that the antioxidant substances commonly found in the vanilla actually contribute to its strong anti-carcinogenic properties. These substances fight the free radicals and help in curing cancer.

Vanilla is rich in eugeonol and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde which have strong sedative and anti-inflammatory properties and that makes vanilla very efficient in fighting numerous infections. Vanilla also has powerful tranquilizing effects which make it very potent in soothing hyperactivity and treating nervous problems, circulatory disorders, respiratory problems, digestive disorders, convulsions, stress, allergies, fever, anxiety and hypersensitivity. Vanilla is also very efficient in relieving depression, soothing the nerves and lifting up one’s mood. It can also bring sleep to those who suffer from insomnia because it is efficient in lowering the blood pressure and relaxing the central nervous system.