Vanilla is one of the most versatile flavours in the world, with the magical flower being used in candles, perfume, ice cream, drinks and most baked goods.

The most popular type of vanilla is that of the Vanilla Planifolia, due to its high vanillin content. Vanillin has many potential health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, but research is still very sparce.

Vanilla is a soothing scent that helps you feel calmer in stressful situations. Also containing a small amount of magnesium and potassium to further help regulate your nervous system.

The versatility of vanilla cannot be denied, added to smoothies or your morning coffee, in cakes and biscuits or used in savory dishes to bring out the rich and subtle flavours within the food without overpowering the other ingredients.

Using vanilla extract or vanilla bean in foods and beverages could help reduce your added sugar intake, due to its sweetness.  A 2020 study among 112 children showed that adding vanilla to milk-based desserts increased the overall liking of reduced-sugar options in over 80% of the participants.