It’s been a while since we’ve given our Vanilla Powder from ground whole vanilla beans a bit of love. The truth is, this stuff tastes amazing and boasts versatility in a wide range of recipes. Using vanilla powder in your cooking is also an excellent way to boost the nutritional value of your food.

Vanilla powder benefits are similar to that of vanilla extract benefits. Vanilla contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

It includes magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, iron, vitamin B2, and fiber. This potent nutrient concentration may help reduce inflammation, regulate metabolism, and aid nervous system function.

For now, let’s dive deeper into the specific benefits of vanilla. Then we’ll move on to using vanilla powder in some easy recipes!

Vanilla Powder Health Benefits

Vanilla contains vanillin 

Have you ever heard of vanillin? It’s the most studied component in vanilla benefits—for a good reason. 

Vanillin is a beneficial plant compound shown in studies to produce impressive anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. 

In one study, researchers found that in rats, vanillin decreased inflammation in the liver while increasing antioxidant activity.

In another study, researchers found that vanillin “could be used as an efficient and novel agent for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases via inhibition of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.”

Vanilla bolsters antioxidant effects in the body.

Oxidizing cells is a primary cause of aging. That’s why antioxidants are vital—they protect us from cell damage, thus keeping us biologically younger.

Given both vanilla’s antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, it seems likely to exhibit antioxidant effects in the brain. One study found just that.

A study published in Metabolic Brain Diseases found that compounds in vanilla cross the blood-brain barrier, where they confer protective effects against oxidative brain damage. 

Vanilla is a versatile ingredient.

It’s worth noting vanilla’s versatility as a “health benefit.” Some foods, no matter how healthy, are difficult to add to recipes or don’t taste good. Vanilla is one of those ingredients, similar to cocoa, potently healthy, and can be a tasty addition to various recipes.

After all, what’s the point of examining and confirming said health benefits if the compounds never even make it into the body? That’s why we’re grateful that vanilla makes so many things so much yummier!

Now onto some versatile ways to use vanilla in your meals!

Using Vanilla Powder in Your Favorite Meals

Using vanilla powder will often prove tasty in sweet rather than savory food choices. You’ll probably find yourself eating it with breakfast most of all. 

Here are some ideas to inspire you!

Chocolate-vanilla oatmeal

Try using both cocoa powder and vanilla in some cooked oats. 

When your oats are finished cooking, mix a tablespoon of cocoa and a teaspoon of vanilla (though ratios should depend on how many oats you use) in the oats and stir. 

Sweeten the concoction with raw honey or pure maple syrup. Top with your choice of fruit and nuts. 

Vanilla green smoothie 

Green smoothies are an indispensable meal choice for hydration and delivering plenty of nutrients to the body.

Even though an excellent green smoothie looks akin to some swamp water, they are often highly delicious if made correctly. 

A good base for a green smoothie is a couple of bananas. Then, add some frozen tropical fruit such as mango, papaya, or pineapple (or all 3). Next comes the greens. Kale, chard, wheat grass powder, barley grass powder, etc., are all excellent options. 

Next comes the vanilla! An excellent green smoothie can taste even better with a couple of teaspoons of vanilla powder (depending on the size of your smoothie). 

Use water as a liquid, blend, and enjoy! Try out a bit of avocado if you crave a bit more thickness.

Vanilla Latte

Have you ever tried making a latte at home? You’ll be glad to read that it’s possible without an espresso maker. Try this: 

Brew a strong, 8-ounce cup of coffee how you usually would. In the meantime, heat some almond milk on the stove until it nearly bubbles. 

Put the hot milk and coffee in a blender together, add a bit of maple syrup, and add a teaspoon of vanilla powder. 

While blending, be careful of potential pressure building in the blender (due to the hot liquid). It can mix a little bit, then release the lid to let out the pressure. Repeat a few times. 

You should be left with a somewhat frothy, vanilla-flavored latte that tastes great, is energizing, and boasts plenty of health benefits. Enjoy!

Closing Thoughts on Using Vanilla Powder

Here are some key takeaways from this article about using vanilla powder in cooking for its health benefits.

• Vanilla bean is a superfood that contains anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer properties, as well as neuroprotective properties.
• Vanilla powder benefits are similar in comparison to vanilla extract benefits.
• Vanilla powder is a delicious supplement and addition to many recipes on the sweet side, contributing to it being a superfood since it’s easy and delicious to add to so many things.
• The vanilla powder can be used in your favorite oatmeal, smoothie, and latte recipes to enhance their taste while adding superfood benefits.

Overall, we believe that vanilla is a substance that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Mainly due to its vanillin content, we think it should be a more popular superfood. This is why we offer vanilla powder at Wild Foods and will continue to do so.