VANILLA

Vanilla is the name of a genus of plants that belongs to the orchid family . There are more than a hundred species of vanilla, which are characterized by their long stems, large flowers and capsular-like fruits.

The fruits of vanilla are used for the flavoring and flavoring of various foods and beverages. Shaped like a pod , this fruit that houses thousands of seeds can reach 25 centimeters in length.

The Vanilla planifolia , the Vanilla tahitiensis and Vanilla pompona are the species that are commonly used for making the vanilla flavoring. There are chocolates, ice creams, sodas and candies with vanilla flavor or aroma. Coca-Cola, in fact, is a drink that includes vanilla flavoring.

Perfumes from famous brands such as Dior , Jean-Paul Gaultier , Chanel and Cartier also have vanilla as one of their ingredients. It should be noted that some fragrances use natural vanilla and others, a synthetic aroma that mimics the fruit of the plant.

Let's see below some of the medicinal properties of vanilla:

* It is a natural tranquilizer , as it has important soothing properties. For example, its aroma is used in aromatherapy to relax and stimulate patients. The volatile compounds responsible for this property are benzaldehyde, coumarins, limonene, and eugenol. Vanilla is ideal for treating anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia and even to supplement weight loss diets;

* Thanks to some of the compounds mentioned in the previous paragraph, phenol and salicylic acid, vanilla also acts as a natural pain reliever . This makes it a perfect complement for cases of muscle aches and headaches, and also to treat indigestion that leads to stomach pain;

* It works effectively to reduce fever , and this property has been exploited for decades. The secret behind its febrifuge action is in its components, among which salicylates, benzoic acid, eugenol and salicylic acid stand out;

* Vanilla is also very useful to complement treatments against fibromyalgia and rheumatic diseases , thanks to the combination of its aforementioned relaxing properties with anisic acid, which is considered a natural antirheumatic;

* Helps to strengthen the digestive tract and improves the functioning of your organs, thanks to containing catechins and having a laxative effect and properties that stimulate the production of bile. For these reasons, vanilla is indicated to treat cases of heartburn, biliary insufficiency and gastritis. It should be mentioned that it should not be ingested if one of the symptoms is diarrhea, as it can enhance it;

* It is rich in acids and antiseptic and antibacterial substances , which is why it is usually indicated to treat bad breath , among other disorders of similar origins. Eugenol, tannins and vanillinic, anisic, malic and benzoic acids are some of the main components regarding the antibacterial action of vanilla.

In several South American countries , a long cookie whose dough is flavored with vanilla essence is known as vanilla. This cake is also called a soletilla , savoiardi , template , gingerbread or tongue cake .

The usual thing is that the consistency of these cookies is used to absorb liquid, either for direct consumption (introducing the vanilla in the cooked mate, for example) or in some preparation (as in the case of tiramisu). Like other similar products, it allows the preparation of a cake with a minimum of work , since it acts as the dough and melts easily with the rest of the ingredients.

Finally, “Vanilla sky” is the title of a film directed by Cameron Crowe that was released in 2001 . The film is an adaptation of a 1997 Spanish film.