Benefits of Vanilla-Bean Extract
Vanilla beans come from tropical orchids, grown in countries like Madagascar, Indonesia and Mexico (Reference 2). They are the world's second-most-expensive spice, after saffron, because they require so much labor to cultivate and harvest. One fermented vanilla bean will produce about three teaspoons of vanilla extract (Reference 2). Vanilla extract is most commonly used in cooking, but it has many additional uses and benefits.
Antioxidant
According to Organicfacts.net, vanilla extract has antioxidant properties that protect the body from disease and damage. Antioxidants are believed to have cancer-fighting abilities, guarding cells and tissues against cancers of the colon, bowel and more (Reference 1). Vanilla-bean extract prevents the growth of some cancerous cells, so it also has some anticarcinogenic properties.
Aphrodisiac
Vanilla extract stimulates the production of hormones like testosterone and estrogen, acting as an aphrodisiac by generating sexual arousal. The extract is administered to people who experience impotency, erectile dysfunction or loss of libido (Reference 1).
Infection-Fighting/Sedative
The ingredients eugenol and vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde are both present in vanilla extract. These enable the extract to fight off infections, reducing a fever. The extract is a sedative and can soothe various inflammations and hyperactivity in the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and excretory systems (Reference 1). The sedative properties can also act as a relaxant, providing a tranquilizing effect on the brain.
Antidepressant
Vanilla has the ability to lift people's spirits, whether in the form of a scent or a flavor, such as vanilla ice cream. Real vanilla extract has the best results, but artificial extract can also be beneficial. The aroma and flavor of vanilla extract is sweet and soothing to some, which can make it a successful mood-lifter (Reference 1). The extract is often used with other essential oils, like orange, lemon or lavender, to add a pleasing scent to candles, lotions or air fresheners.
Cooking
Vanilla extract is very helpful in cooking, and is typically used to add flavor when baking. Imitation vanilla extract is often used as a less-expensive alternative, but is made with synthetic vanilla and does not carry the healing benefits of pure vanilla extract. As explained in Joyofbaking.com, products marketed as "vanilla flavoring" are actually a combination of pure and imitation vanilla extract. For the best results, use pure vanilla extract when baking (Reference 3).
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