Definition of vanilla - What it is, Meaning and Concept

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

Vanilla fruits are used for aromatization and flavoring of various foods and drinks.In the form of pod , this fruit that houses thousands of seeds can reach 25 centimeters in length.

The Vanilla planifolia , the Vanilla tahitiensis and the Vanilla pompona are the species that are usually used to make vanilla flavoring.Chocolates, ice cream, soda and candies with flavor or vanilla aroma.Coca-Cola, in fact, is a beverage that includes vanilla flavoring.

Perfumes from famous brands like Dior , Jean-Paul Gaultier , Chanel and Cartier also have vanilla as one of its 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:

* is a natural tranquilizer , since it has important calming properties.For example, its aroma is used in the 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, to phenol and salicylic acid, vanilla also acts as a natural analgesic .This makes it a perfect complement for cases of muscle aches and headache, and also to treat the indigestion that causes stomach pain;

* acts effectively to reduce fever , and this property has been exploited for decades.The secret behind its febrifuge action is in its components, between which include salicylates, benzoic acid, eugenol and salicylic acid;

* 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 strengthen the digestive tract and improves the functioning of your organs, thanks to containing catechins and possessing 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, since that can boost it;

* is rich in acids and antiseptic and antibacterial substances, so it is usually indicated to treat bad breath , among other disorders of Similar origins: Eugenol, tannins and vanillinic, anisic, malignant and benzoic acids are some of the main components with respect to the antibacterial action of vanilla.

In several South American countries , a elongated cookie is known as vanilla whose dough is flavored with vanilla essence.This sponge cake is also called soletilla sponge cake , savoiardi , template , melindro or language .

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

"Vanilla sky" , finally, is the title of a movie directed by Cameron Crowe that premiered in 2001 .The film is an adaptation of a Spanish tape from 1997 .