The Advantages Of Real Vanilla Bean (Over Natural Flavours!)

Vanilla is one of the most universally famous flavours going around. You can’t really beat the smooth and unique flavour of vanilla.

But not many of us know that vanilla bean has many other benefits, and that’s it’s actually very good for your health.

Vanilla bean, or vanilla planifolia, is a tropical orchid, typically grown in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. There are three main types of vanilla cultivars, but the most sought-after one is the vanilla planifolia. It is superior due to the vanillin composition - the major flavour compound.

There are many imitations of vanilla bean flavour available, often with no nutritional value.

Vanillin can also be extracted from wood chips and other nasty things, so when buying vanilla, you must make sure it’s derived from actual vanilla beans, and not just “natural” flavours. Some vanilla imitations have even used castoreum, which is the yellowish secretion of the castor sac of a beaver. Used for it’s scent by beavers to mark their territory, castoreum can also be used as a food additive. Yep, gross.

‘French Vanilla’ is another good example - vanilla isn't grown in France!

Real vanilla bean benefits

1. Mood Enhancing

Vanilla bean will help to increase neurotransmitter function, which will allow your brain to produce serotonin and dopamine - the feel good hormones. The aroma of vanilla bean and vanilla extract also has an anti-depressant and mood-lifting effect on the brain.

2. Magnesium

The magnesium found in vanilla bean will help to regulate the nervous system, and balance calcium and other minerals within your body. It will also relax nervous tension in your muscles and help you to relax. It is also a neurotransmitter and is necessary for healthy blood pressure and sugar levels.

3. Calcium

Your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Calcium also assists a healthy functioning heart, muscles and nervous system. Calcium helps to reduce cortisol in the body, the stress hormone that causes anxiety.

4. Potassium

Potassium is needed for healthy blood pressure levels, cardiovascular function, and regulates the fluids and minerals within your body. It also helps your blood vessels to relax, and can therefore help to reduce stress and tension.

5. Manganese

Manganese is important for boosting metabolic activity within the body. It also helps to maintain healthy bones, and is full of antioxidants that detoxify free radicals.

6. Aphrodisiac

Vanilla bean has been thought of as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years. Aphrodisiac foods enhance the hormones that are associated with love and happiness, such as oxytocin and dopamine. They will enhance your mood, and they’re great for your libido.

7. B Vitamins

Vanilla contains B-complex vitamins such as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6, which will all help to maintain nervous system function and regulate metabolism.

8. Anti-inflammatory

Vanilla contains vanilloids, which are chemicals responsible for the activation of receptors, which will reduce inflammation and improve mental performance.

Even a small amount of vanilla bean powder will still help to maintain healthy body function, relax the mind, and lower stress levels.

Unfortunately, organic vanilla bean can sometimes be hard to get a hold of, and can be very expensive. But that’s okay, because we happen to know of the most delicious organic vanilla bean blend on the market.

Made with ambrosial A-grade vanilla beans from Madagascar, our Vanilla Bean WPI is 100% natural protein, free of anything artificial or nasty, just straight-up vanilla-y goodness.

Next time you’re craving a vanilla milkshake, do it the healthy way and use Organic Vanilla Bean WPI. Not only does it have that amazing vanilla bean flavour, it’s organic, has a myriad of health benefits, and its free of those unnecessary calories! Vanilla smoothies all day long.

Vanilla Bean WPI

A Smoothie Lovers' Dream Protein

• Pure grass-fed whey protein isolate
• Aromatic vanilla bean
• Weight loss & lean muscle

The perfect high-protein, rejuvenating drink to consume after exercise and a deliciously healthy addition to your smoothies! The purity of this grass-fed WPI blend allows it to be ideal for anyone; whether you are an extreme athlete or just a vegetarian wanting to up your protein intake. Ideal for lean muscle development and weight management.

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Raspberry Peanut & Vanilla Shake

Probably the most delicious shake to start a new day full of energy! I have to admit that I personally don’t have a lot of experience with protein powders. But adding a spoon of the Vanilla WPI turns every shake and banana icecream into a cloudy, creamy, fluffy and light mixture that nobody could possibly resist!

• Prep 15 min
• Serves 2

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoon raspberries, frozen (or fresh)
• 2 teaspoon 2-3 tsp natural sweetener of choice, I used coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoon water
• 2 bananas, frozen and in slices
• 200 millilitre 200-250 ml soy or almond milk
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 2 teaspoon 2-3 tsp natural sweetener of choice, e.g. pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon Bare Blends Organic Raw Peruvian Maca Powder
• 1 tablespoon 1-2 heaped tbsp Vanilla Bean WPI or Vanilla & Coconut Plant Protein

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, heat up the raspberries together with the natural sweetener and water on medium heat until softened and warm.
2. While the raspberries are on the stove, take the frozen banana slices out of the freezer and thaw them for a few minutes.
3. Add the banana slices, milk of choice, peanut butter, sweetener and vanilla extract into a high speed blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
4. For an extra creamy, light and fluffy result, add the protein powder and mix again on high speed for a couple of minutes.
5. Add the warm raspberries into a jar, top with the creamy and thick-ish peanut shake, give it a quick stir if you’d like and enjoy. Either spoon it out or enjoy with a large straw!