Vanilla Whip Dip

Why is Vanilla Bean great for our gut?

Vanilla beans are from the vanilla plant which is cured and then either used in cooking, or processed to extract the essence used for flavor and fragrance. Vanilla beans can have a sweet scent with a smoky flavor. However, the vanilla bean spice can also provide a variety of benefits for the body and mind!

Vanilla beans come from South and Central America, as well as the Caribbean. They contain important micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Vanilla beans have been found to ease gastrointestinal irritation and inflammation of the gut microbiome, as well as containing antioxidant properties to prevent diseases such as colon cancer.

Vanilla beans can prevent diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and ease abdominal pain. In addition, consuming vanilla beans can ease stress levels. The incorporation of vanilla bean into one’s diet can regulate levels of glutathione, nitric oxide, and serotonin. Glutathione is an antioxidant that can reduce stress, while nitric oxide helps nutrients and oxygen travel throughout our bodies. Serotonin stabilizes our mood and feelings.

Stress plays a major role in the development of IBS and other gut-related disorders, and psychological stress in particular has been linked to the formation of IBS. A disturbance in the brain-gut axis can affect the body in managing symptoms of IBS. Easing the mind can ease the stomach.