Is Vanilla Extract Healthy The Answer Is Yes

Did you know that the exports of vanilla cost over $1.02 billion in 2019? 56% of the exports, about $584 million worth of vanilla, came from Madagascar. 21% of the total exports out of Madagascar were vanilla products in 2019. 

Much of the exported vanilla ended up in the U.S. that year. 23% of exported vanilla, or about $245 million worth of it, traveled directly from Madagascar to the United States. 

With the popularity of this product you might be asking yourself, is vanilla extract healthy? Keep reading to learn some of the reasons why it is. 

It Can Help You Relax 

While vanilla extract smells delicious and brings a unique flavor to many food dishes, it can also help your body relax when needed. The calming properties it has can slow down your nervous system response and help you feel calmer if you’ve been feeling overly stressed. 

Relaxation isn’t just necessary for maintaining mental health but it’s important to your physical health too. If the smell of vanilla can help you feel better that’s more reason to use it more often when cooking. 

Works as an Antibacterial 

Is pure vanilla extract healthy? The purest form of vanilla contains the most health benefits because it hasn’t been stripped of all its nutrients.

Another benefit of vanilla extract is that it works as an antibacterial. Since the process of making vanilla extract involves fermentation with alcohol, it can minimize the chances of bacterial growth. 

Vanilla Extract Can Calm Acne

The free radicals that develop in your body from contact with environmental factors can create many problems including acne. Since vanilla is loaded with antioxidants and these are known to fight against free radicals, vanilla can also help relieve acne. 

Using vanilla-based acne products can reduce breakouts. You can also add a few drops of vanilla extract directly to your acne-prone areas. Leave it on as nighttime treatment and wash it off in the morning. 

It Can Help Reduce Wrinkles 

Is vanilla extract healthy for you? Well, it does bring a lot of benefits to your skin. Besides clearing up acne, using vanilla on your skin can help slow down the aging process. 

The antioxidants in vanilla that help fight back against the free radicals in your body will also help prevent or reduce the damage to your skin caused by these free radicals. This includes slowing down the appearance of wrinkles. 

Reduces Your Intake of Sugar 

Since vanilla essence is so highly concentrated it has a much deeper and richer flavor. When you use pure vanilla in your baking dishes the sweetness it provides eliminates the need to use sugar.

Replacing vanilla with sugar in your recipes reduces the amount of sugar you eat and makes your meals healthier. This can help normalize glucose levels and is better for your heart health. 

It Provides Necessary Nutrients 

Is drinking vanilla extract healthy? It is! Pure vanilla is loaded with lots of important vitamins and nutrients your body needs to maintain good health. 

Potassium is a mineral found in the vanilla extract that is needed for kidney and heart health. It also helps to improve nerve function throughout the body. 

Magnesium is another mineral found in pure vanilla that helps to maintain muscle function and can maintain a healthy blood pressure reading. 

Vanilla Extract Can Combat Dry Hair 

Vanilla is also full of vitamins and minerals that are important in maintaining your hair’s health. Using vanilla for your hair can help bring back shine and softness. This will prevent breaking and split ends too. 

You can try using a monthly hair mask to start seeing the results. Mix one egg with a cup of coconut milk and add a few tablespoons of honey and vanilla extract. Add this mixture to your hair and leave it on for about two hours before rinsing. 

Alleviates Burns

Is artificial vanilla extract healthy? While artificial vanilla can be used in desserts and provide a similar flavor, it doesn’t contain any of the benefits pure vanilla extract has. Stripped of natural vitamins and minerals, artificial vanilla won’t do anything for your health. 

Pure vanilla is filled with vitamin B which is another necessary nutrient for healthy skin. This is why it can fight against acne and slow down wrinkles. This is why it can help alleviate burns too. 

A highly concentrated form of vanilla shouldn’t be placed on burned skin but a topical cream with vanilla extract can be used to bring relief. 

It Can Help Manage a Toothache 

Vanilla can also help alleviate many dental health problems including toothaches. Since the pure vanilla extract is made using alcohol this ingredient can help numb the area around your aching tooth. 

The antioxidants and antibacterial components can help promote healing as well. Add a few drops of vanilla extract to a cotton pad and place that over the area where your aching tooth is. Leave it on for a few minutes at a time. 

Calms an Upset Stomach 

Smelling vanilla can help relax your body while drinking it can help relax your stomach. If you’re dealing with an upset stomach the combination of smelling and drinking vanilla can make your symptoms go away. 

Add a few drops of vanilla extract to a little bit of water and drink that to see if it can calm your upset stomach. 

Is Vanilla Extract Healthy? All the Reasons Explained

Is vanilla extract healthy? This guide explains all the health benefits of incorporating vanilla extract into your diet and beauty routines. It can help with dry hair and can calm an upset stomach. 

Did you find this article helpful? If you did make sure to check out some of the other food blogs on our site if you’re interested.