Is it possible that I have an addiction to vanilla? I absolutely love eating anything with vanilla in it and in fact probably put it on too much food that, to most, would not look or sound appealing. Could eating too much vanilla give me a rush?
Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world. While there are more than 150 varieties of vanilla, Bourbon and Tahitian are the most common varieties commercially used.
Vanilla is the world's most labor intensive agricultural crop, which is why it is expensive. It can take up to three years after the vines are planted before the first flowers appear.
The flower that produces the vanilla beans last only one day. Only the Melipona bee, found only in Central America, can pollinate the vanilla flower. In other parts of the world, humans duplicate the process by using a wooden needle.
The fruit, which resembles large green beans, must remain on the vine for nine months in order to completely develop their signature aroma.
Despite its benign reputation, and exceptional flavor, vanilla is addicting because of its active ingredient, vanilla acid. Eating natural vanilla causes the body to release catecholamines.
Catecholamines are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, brain and nerve tissues and are known as dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Because vanilla acid is related to these hormones, they are known to stimulate the brain, increase heart rate, breathing rate, muscle strength, mental alertness and blood pressure.
When purchasing vanilla, it is recommended to select pure vanilla extract, which comes from the orchid as opposed to vanilla, which is synthetic, artificial and is made from guiacol, a coal tar derivative produced through a chemical process.
Recently, I purchased a package of beef that stated, "no antibiotics administered." What does that mean?
Crowded feedlots are breeding grounds for bacteria, illness and disease, which is why cattle are pumped with antibiotics. Another reason antibiotics are used is because 75 percent of a cow's diet consist of corn - cows' stomachs are designed to digest grass.
To combat ulcers, heartburn and potentially fatal liver abscesses caused by the corn diet, cattle are injected with antibiotics.
"No Antibiotics Administered" may be added to labels if sufficient documentation is provided by the producer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture demonstrating that the animal was raised without the use of any antibiotics.
Thought for the week: What you don't overcome-will overcome you.
The next free nutrition class is Monday at Organic Emporium. Call 361-576-2100 to make your reservation.
Phylis B. Canion is a doctor of naturopathic medicine and is a certified nutritional consultant, email her at [email protected]. This column is for nutritional information only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure.
FAQs
Despite its benign reputation, and exceptional flavor, vanilla is addicting because of its active ingredient, vanilla acid. Eating natural vanilla causes the body to release catecholamines.
Is it safe to drink a teaspoon of vanilla extract? ›
When taken by mouth: Vanilla is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in foods. However, some people are allergic to vanilla. It might also cause headache and sleep problems (insomnia), especially for people who manufacture vanilla extract.
Why is vanilla so addictive? ›
According to the British Medical Journal, “vanilla is highly addictive.” The active ingredient is linked to epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. That's funny, vanilla is often regarded as the plainest, most boring flavor, but it would seem this is far from the case.
What does vanilla do to your body? ›
It has active compounds that stimulate the production of serotonin, also known as the happy hormone. It can help improve mood, reduce anxiety and promote a feeling of well-being. Studies have shown that the scent of vanilla can reduce anxiety, calm the nerves and promote relaxation.
What does vanilla do for your brain? ›
May benefit brain health
Some research suggests that certain compounds found in vanilla, including vanillin and vanillic acid, may support brain health. They may also have neuroprotective properties, meaning that they may protect your nervous system.
How much alcohol is in 1 tsp of vanilla extract? ›
The amount of alcohol in pure vanilla extract varies by brand. Some contain as much as 35% alcohol by volume (ABV), which is equivalent to 70-proof vodka. However, a teaspoon of that vanilla extract has very little alcohol, somewhere closer to 1%.
Will vanilla extract show up on a drug test? ›
Flavoring extracts, such as vanilla or almond extract, and liquid herbal extracts (such as Ginko Biloba), could result in a positive screen for alcohol or its breakdown products.
Is it OK to have vanilla extract everyday? ›
Vanilla is considered to be a safe compound with minimal side effects of interactions. Toxicology studies on rats confirm that it is safe even at high levels, and there was no toxic effect on the kidney, liver, or blood cells. Occasionally, some people have mild reactions like skin irritation.
Will vanilla extract give you a buzz? ›
Vanilla extract contains a high amount of alcohol, and teenagers are reportedly drinking it to get a “buzz.” Getting drunk from drinking vanilla extract comes with health risks and other risks, and parents can use this opportunity to talk to their kids about alcohol.
Can too much vanilla hurt you? ›
Vanilla extract is safe in the small quantities used for cooking or baking. However, consuming it in large amounts can lead to unusually uncomfortable alcohol intoxication symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness due to the high alcohol content in vanilla extract, which can be as much as 35% to 40%.
Vanilla has calming effects on adults as well, reducing startle reflex. These results were based on a study done by Tubingen University in Germany. Vanilla also helps alleviate stress and reduce anxiety, which is why it is often used in aromatherapy.
Does vanilla help you sleep? ›
Vanilla's sedative benefits are so powerful that it can help lower your blood pressure and make you drowsy enough to send you off into a faster, more relaxing sleep. Researchers from the National Center of Scientific Research in France discovered that the smell of vanilla can help ease breathing problems, too.
Is it okay to eat vanilla extract raw? ›
Yes. Vanilla extract is generally recognized as safe in amounts typically used in cooking.
Why am I addicted to vanilla? ›
Eating natural vanilla causes the body to release catecholamines. Catecholamines are hormones produced by the adrenal glands, brain and nerve tissues and are known as dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Why do humans like vanilla so much? ›
Often unfairly described as simple or boring, vanilla is anything but plain. Not only is it considered to be the world's favorite flavor because of its subtle yet intoxicatingly sweet, creamy and floral notes, but the process for producing vanilla is meticulous, unforgiving and exhilarating.
Does vanilla affect your mood? ›
Treats Anxiety and Depression
Certain neurological studies have shown that vanilla extract can have a huge effect on those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. Vanilla scent is specifically helpful for this purpose.
Is it safe to drink vanilla extract by itself? ›
Vanilla extract is safe in the small quantities used for cooking or baking. However, consuming it in large amounts can lead to unusually uncomfortable alcohol intoxication symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness due to the high alcohol content in vanilla extract, which can be as much as 35% to 40%.
What are the benefits of drinking vanilla extract? ›
Vanilla extract offers many health benefits. Vanillin is known to have both antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as being neuroprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, boost antibiotics, and helpful for wound healing.
Can I use vanilla extract in a drink? ›
Vanilla is a great ingredient in co*cktail mixology because it adds a smooth, luscious flavor to drinks and helps meld flavors together. It pairs beautifully with barrel-aged bourbon or whiskey, and also works well in rum co*cktails (particularly those that contain elements of cherry, chocolate, cinnamon, or clove).
Can you add vanilla extract to water? ›
You can use vanilla extract in a variety of ways. The most common is to mix it with water or other liquids before adding them to your recipe. This dilutes the alcohol content of the drink, allowing people who don't like alcohol to enjoy it as well.
