Vanilla - you know for sure not all of it

Each of us at least once in my life came across the fact that, feeling some flavor, plunged into memories. Sometimes they are beautiful, sometimes sad, but the fact remains - fragrances can momentarily transfer us from reality somewhere far away. Vanilla, we know everything, and most of the memories associated with it, always only positive, because immediately we think of baking, cakes and other confectionery products, and can also recall the favorite cosmetic remedy. This is more typical of girls and is not surprising, since spice is megapopular. But we are confident that you will discover a lot of new things for yourself today, as some errors are associated with vanilla.

Vanillin and vanilla, are they the same?

For many of you, the theme of everyday things will seem, they say, well, what else to say about vanilla - it is pleasant, appetite causes, smells delicious, won, sold at every step. And this is already a delusion. Vanilla and vanillin are the same, many people think, is the first thing we wanted to discuss with you. Agree, everyone now remembered a bag for a penny price, which the landladies buy at any baking shop when we started talking about spices. This is not at all what is real vanilla, and this is not the ground part of it.

Vanilla is a plant that grows in the warm climate of the tropics, blooms with luxurious flowers that resemble an orchid, also called vanilla flat-faced. Actually, the plant belongs to orchid species. It is a very long liane, it has air roots that flutter trees or just hang down, this miracle of nature will grow more than 30 meters in height. Flowers have a delicate salad-white-yellow shade, there is a similarity in them for many with our habitual narcissus. So, these flowers form a fruit-pod, which has a pleasant, delicate, very concentrated flavor, while it appears when the pods are ripe, which is about 9 months pass, and dry up - in another six months. They will then have a white coating in the form of crystals, such pods are considered ideal, they go to the production of perfumes, in the food industry. You can see vanilla in the photo.



And what about vanillin? It's just a flavored, artificial additive, which most often is sugar, which has been flavored. At best, it is smelled with vanilla pods, at worst with synthetic, artificial substances. If the confectionery vanilla from the store was created only from a spicy plant, then it would cost not a few rubles, but much more.

Where spice or the birthplace of unique vanilla

grows We already mentioned that the plant loves a hot, humid climate. Because grown in countries with subtropical and tropical climate. But while growing vanilla is not everywhere. The countries of growth are Mexico, the states of the South American continent, some places on the Caribbean coast, the island of Madagascar and China. And the bees that must pollinate the plant are bred specifically in Mexico. Of course, vanilla, as a plant, has been known for many hundreds of years. But there is also an official date for the dissemination of knowledge and, subsequently, the very spice of the world.

This is 1502 year, and even there is an exact date - September 15.It was on this day that the great seafarer and discoverer Christopher Columbus discovered a fragrant spice in Nicaragua. According to the legend, which is considered official history and truth, the traveler was presented chocolate in a cup, made a gift to the local tribal chief, and in it was vanilla. Of course, the navigator could not help telling about the find further.

But there are other interesting facts and facts. We have already said that vanilla pods, like the plant itself, have been revered since ancient times, and these are not just words. The fact is that spice was used even instead of calculating - as a currency. Indians of Mexico during the reign of the legendary leader Montezuma collected taxes, and the fee was in the form of vanilla pods. Even then people understood the taste of spice and useful properties appreciated what it can give to our body.

That's interesting! There is a legend that says that vanilla is a rare plant, and it grew in places where the blood of one revered goddess was dripping. She loved a simple mortal guy, but his father did not give his consent and committed a murder. Indians believed in this myth.

Vanilla is a different

We need to mention one more important information. You realized that vanillin from the store is not a spicy plant from the tropics in the ground form. But vanilla itself has different kinds of plants, namely it can be:

• fragrant, which grows on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, in America, its central part, and in Indonesia. This is a beautiful plant with large flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, luxurious large green leaves. This plant can not be pollinated by itself, it needs the help of a person. Only then do the fruits appear, and they can be reprocessed afterwards;
• the Antilles. It grows on the plateaus of Central America, the level above the sea should not exceed more than 400 meters. This plant is also processed, only here the quality of the first variety is still inferior. Of antilkoy plants most often produce vanilla extract;
• of Tahitian. This is a hybrid of the two previous species. But the plant is not used for cooking, perfumery and cosmetology. It is a decorative variety, loves moisture, warmth, is used in Polynesia and some other countries to decorate the landscape.

. However, this is not all kinds of plants, in general, there are more than 100, but all the rest do not represent such a value. Of course, there is a possibility that these species are simply not yet fully understood. As vanilla grows, you now know, also take a look at the photo, it will visually show you what's what. Well, let's talk about the so-called BZU-this abbreviation is now known by many. Since a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition is now in the trend, and this is nothing more than the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in certain products.

Did you know? The scientists found out that the vanilla scent of the plant can last for 35 years. But at the same time vanillin in pods contains no more than 3%, which plays an additional role in the cost of the product. The vanilla flower blossoms only one day and once a year, the plant pollinates a special kind of bees.

BJU spices

So that you can lead a healthy lifestyle, you need to eat right. Of course, excess weight and health are two diametrically opposite things, because now they often say that you need to develop your diet, considering the consumption rate, and understand what foods you need to fill the deficiency of nutrients. Also important is the energy value and fiber content, if, of course, we are talking about natural, natural, vegetable products. So, let's look at the data on vanilla, because you can enter it in your menu, because this information will be useful to you.

• Vanilla has a calorie content of 287 kcal.
• Proteins in the composition - 1.2 grams.
• Fats - 0.1 grams.
• Carbohydrates - 12.5 grams.

All we take for 100 grams. It is also worth noting that carbohydrates in plants are represented by a complex variety, namely fiber. Coarse fibers we need to clean and normal operation of the gastrointestinal tract. Using in your diet more vegetables, fruits, herbs, other natural gifts and fruits, you can make up for the deficit, get rid of excess weight and reduce the risks of a number of diseases.

So, your knowledge has become a little more, because now you understand that there is a difference in vanilla and vanilla, that the spice is very valuable in many countries of the world and for many nationalities. You see, pods just can not be cheap, but it's a little unclear why they praised vanilla at all times. Is it only an unusual, pleasant taste and smell. No, of course, there are other properties, for which the plant needs to be loved. And we will talk more about them.

Vanilla. What is the use of it and can it be harmful?

Healing effects of

Many scientists studied spices, discovering all the new, unique possibilities of a plant, products from it, knowledge that shamans, healers and tribal chiefs knew in ancient times.

• Vanilla can have a beneficial effect on our nervous system. It calms, raises the mood, which was proved by experiments, helps to cope with depression, stress.
• Some people increase their appetite, because, feeling the aroma of spice, you want something delicious. This can be both positive and negative, because you can gain weight. But while scientists believe that, on the contrary, a strong flavor can discourage the desire to eat sweet.
• Natural vanilla can help in the fight against anemia. This discovery was made by a doctor from Cambridge, he is of Japanese origin. At the same time, the fight was fought with sickle-like anemia.
• Vanilla oil perfectly influences the condition of our skin and hair, nourishes them, makes them shiny. The skin stops drying, the hair is cracked.
• Vanilla has a beneficial effect on the condition of the female body during the menstrual cycle.
• Spices, oils serve as aphrodisiac, which increases sexual activity.
• Vanilla perfume at home in the form of a powder, extract can make the atmosphere very cozy, which will have a beneficial effect on your emotional background. Oil from vanilla or with its addition is used for aromatherapy in special lamps.
• Serves as an excellent cosmetic.

We can tell you another interesting fact. Scientists have long proven that the aroma of herbs, plants, can positively affect our psyche, heals, here are the smells of vanilla and apple, they also help to lose weight. There is such an opinion and even many people who lose weight confirm this by experience. Again, this does not work at all, and it is not worth forgetting about proper nutrition and sports. It works, apparently, so - the apple smells fresh, is from the fragrance does not want to, well, or if you want, then just something easy, useful. Vanilla, according to a number of scientists, and we already mentioned this, helps to overcome appetite with its rich flavor and sweet there is no desire. Moreover, it has a beneficial effect on our nervous system, relieve stress, that during diets, it is more likely a rule than an exception.

All of us are different - someone from vanilla aroma wants tasty, some do not, but you can definitely say that vanilla helps with ticks. Surprised, do not believe it? Well, it's very simple. Many insect parasites can not tolerate odorous herbs, aromas, spices. If you smell strange, tart and incomprehensible, then instincts tell them that it's better to bypass this place and, so to speak, not to get involved. That is why experienced summer residents, seasoned gardeners bring different insects from the site and cultivated plants with spices, namely cinnamon, vanilla, red and black pepper, cloves. At the same time, note that this method is absolutely environmentally friendly and safe for your health, rather than the use of dangerous insecticides.

The same principle uses vanilla from mosquitoes for children. Insects do not tolerate aroma and fly away or just do not touch a person. For children, the ideal tool, because it is not chemistry. The powder can be placed next to the bed, you can light a aroma lamp in the baby's room. You can wipe the body with oil before going to fresh air, where bites can happen.

You can make a simple, natural remedy - take a liter of water, pour a bag of 20 grams of vanillin, which you can buy everywhere, and then pour into a spray. Voila, the tool is ready! You can put tea in a thermos with vanilla and take with you for a walk, it is tasty, useful, and insects will not cloud the moment.

Tip! If you often go to a dacha or have your own house, where there may be mites, then plant around the perimeter of spicy herbs, garlic, sprinkle during the activity of the soil or make bait based on spices, including vanilla powder.

Negative impact of

So, we always mention the reverse side of the coin to be honest with you. Vanilla can also cause unpleasant sensations - nausea, vomiting, dizziness. Not everyone smells like it, especially you need to be allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating mothers. Again, someone is from vanilla does not want, someone on the contrary, that is fraught with excess weight. Still need to be spicy, if you use cosmetics based on vanilla, because it increases sensitivity to sunlight. That is, do not go out immediately after applying this or that vanilla-based remedy to the skin.

Cosmetic application of vanilla

About this interesting section for all women, we love to take care of ourselves, because whoever says anything, but appearance in our time plays a major role. The soul is one thing, natural data and genetics is another. But most of us will agree that if a person is well-groomed with any of his natural data, has good skin, hair, well-groomed nails and, attention, charisma, he can compete with the most beautiful people from birth.

Vanilla serves as the basis for many cosmetics, including for making butter. It can help our hair and skin. We have already mentioned that a good natural oil can replace a spa, expensive creams and beauty injections. Another body becomes flexible, graceful, if you do massage. The skin acquires elasticity, elasticity, youth, wrinkles, scars are smoothed, flaking and itching in winter time. Just start applying oil after the shower, and you will see a wonderful reincarnation.



By the way, with you in the bath you can take a fragrant cup of coffee with vanilla and cinnamon. The drink will charge positive, increase sexuality and help burn calories, than become an assistant in losing weight, just choose a good coffee and real spices. By a pinch of each in a mug, and now the fragrant drink is ready. Your situation will become very atmospheric. And you can also drink kefir with parsley, cinnamon and vanilla for weight loss and body cleansing. This is a vitamin mixture, a light snack and a means for a day of rest, during which you can drink a liter of sour-milk product with the addition of greens, spices.

Warning! If you have any health problems, it is better not to do anything new and do not introduce new foods into the diet.

We moved a little from the topic of cosmetic procedures to cooking. Vanilla spices you can use for baths that will make you feel like the goddesses of antiquity, because they give the body a special grace and fill the skin with a delicate aroma. A trail from you will win hearts. The bath can be made with vanilla oil, powder, milk is also poured here, honey and herbs are added. This relieves stress, has a beneficial effect on health, the nervous system as a whole. Of course, there is also a massage, of which only the lazy do not know.

Do you want a remedy for cellulite? Which of the girls now say no, because everyone is afraid of it. Take the sugar - a glass, in it, drip the vanilla oil - 15 drops, pour the ground coffee - 50 grams. Rub scrub into problem areas, and soon you will forget about them. Only quieter, it's a secret. And yes, do not skarabiruyte face and skin, where there are injuries, abrasions, wounds. And remember that good oils are not cheap, but they have the best effect, they are useful and can treat, make us beautiful, and it's better not to save on health and appearance, so that afterwards we do not spend even more on beauty injections and plastic surgery.

This is such a cognitive and positive article we got. Now you know everything, and where vanilla grows, and how it looks, and what you can do with it, except put it in buns. We all need such knowledge, because with them we can change our lives for the better.