Essential Oils vs. Extracts

Here's a question that I'm frequently asked: "What's the difference between an essential oil and an extract?"  "If I should avoid grapefruit seed extract, should I also avoid grapefruit essential oil?"

What are Essential Oils?

The term "essential oil" has a very specific meaning. Essential oils are the concentrated volatile aromatic compounds of a plant, typically consisting of terpenes, esters, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols, and oxides. In other words, the aromatic compounds of the plant are removed and separated to create an oil-like substance.  (Although essential oils are not technically oils, as true oils are made up of lipids.) Essential oils are typically extracted through the process of steam distillation.  Plant matter is placed in a big vat with water and boiled...the steam arises and through a system of tubes. As the steam cools, the water collects to the bottom of the tank and the essential oils arise and collect in a separate tank.  (The water that's collected is known as a hydrosol and contains trace amounts of the essential oil and other components from the plant.) The only exception to steam distillation is with citrus fruits, where the essential oil is sometimes pressed from the rind of the fruit.  (Called cold-pressing.)

What are Extracts?
There are several types of extracts.

• Infusions
• An infusion is made when the plant material is let to steep in water or oil for a period of time.  A water-based infusion is made just like you'd make a cup of tea--boil the water and add the herbs to steep for anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes.  With an oil infusion, the steeping time is much longer, from days to weeks.  
• Tinctures
• A tincture is an alcohol-based extract. The plant material is steeped in a solution of (usually) 50% alcohol. The plant material steeps for days to weeks to extract compounds from the plant.  
• Glycerites
• These are liquid extracts in glycerin.

Essential Oils that Aren't Really Essential Oils

You may see a few ingredients listed as essential oils, when in fact, they aren't truly essential oils. Take for instance vanilla.  The "essence" of vanilla is difficult to extract via steam distillation, so it's typically extracted through steeping in alcohol (most commonly) or in oil.  This is the traditional vanilla extract that you'd use in cooking.  This is the least concentrated form of vanilla extract.  But, for a more concentrated form of vanilla, there's vanilla oleoresin. (Sometimes you'll see it listed as essential oil.)

• Oleoresin
  An oleoresin is created by taking an alcohol-based extract and evaporating out the alcohol.  You're then left with a thick resinous material that's a more concentrated form of the aromatics that the plant provides.  Two common oleoresins are vanilla and rosemary.  Vanilla oleoresin is commonly used in personal care products as a scent.  Rosemary oleoresin (also listed as rosemary extract) is used as an anti-oxidant in foods and personal care products, helping give oils a longer shelf life. (Do note that it is an anti-oxidant, not a preservative.  It will help keep oils fresh but it does not stop bacterial growth.)

• Absolutes  
  Finally, there are absolutes. This is the most potent and concentrated form of extracts.  Absolutes are typically extracted with a solvent like hexane to create a waxy material called a concrete.  The concrete is mixed with alcohol to further extract the aromatic compounds.  Then, the alcohol is evaporated out and a highly concentrated oil known as an absolute is left behind.  Sometimes people will mistakenly list an absolute or oleoresin as an essential oil, whereas they are technically not an essential oil.  Plants that are typically extracted as absolutes instead of essential oils include vanilla, jasmine, tuberose, oak moss and mimosa.  When it comes to roses, both steam-distilled essential oil and absolutes are made.  There are actually absolutes of honey as well, that will extract the delicate fragrance notes from different types of honey.  

Fake Extracts

There are some ingredients that you'll see listed as "extracts" on a product, when they're not really an extract.

• Japanese Honeysuckle Extract is not a true extract but a highly synthesized preservative.  You can read more about it here.
• Grapefruit Seed Extract is not a true extract, but a quaternary ammonium compound that's also used as a preservative.  You can read more about it here. (Not to be confused with grape seed extract, which is a totally different thing, extracted from grapes, not grapefruits. Grape seed extract is a true extract.)

Vegetable/Carrier Oils

Vegetable or Carrier oils are true oils, composed of lipids (fats). These include sunflower, jojoba, safflower, almond, olive, coconut. They are either solvent, or, preferrably, cold-pressed from the seeds, nuts, or fruit of certain plants.  Some carrier oils sound like essential oils, when they are not.  For instance rosehip seed oil is not an essential oil but a vegetable carrier oil.  After the rose has blossomed and created a rose "hip", inside this hip are hundreds of tiny little seeds.  These seeds are taken and pressed to create rosehip seed oil.  It doesn't smell like roses, but has a nutty, seed-like aroma.  Red raspberry seed oil is also commonly confused. It is pressed from the raspberry seeds and while it does have a mild raspberry aroma (somewhat like raspberry leaf tea) it is not an essential oil and is used for moisturizing properties, not for scent or aromatherapy.  

Hair Loss in Women

Are you concerned by clumps of hair coming out in the shower, thinning hair or balding spots? We all lose hair every day naturally (50 to 100 strands), but when hair loss seems to be more than usual, or we experience noticeable thinning, what can we do about it? What causes hair loss in women? How can we prevent it, and can we reverse it?

The Way Hair Grows

To understand hair loss, we need to understand how hair grows. There are four phases that our hair follicles go through:

1. In the active phase, also known as the anagen phase, the follicle produces new hair, creating new cells at the root. This phase lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 years.

2. Next, the root stops growing and a bulb is formed. Nutrients and blood flow are cut off from the bulb as the growth stops.  This is known as the catogen phase and lasts from 4 to 6 weeks.

3. In the dormant stage, also known as the telogen phase, the hair follicle doesn't grow hair, but it holds on to the strand in the follicle. This lasts about 2 to 3 months.

4. Finally, the bulb is released from the scalp and the hair falls out. This is called exogen.

So, now that we understand how hair works, we can more completely understand why and how hair falls out.

The number one process of hair loss is called telogen effulvium. Telogen effulvium is not a cause or diagnosis itself, but more of a term to explain what's going on with the hair. Sometimes, due to a number of different factors which we will discuss below, hairs in the anagen phase (growth phase) will prematurely go in to telogen (dormancy.)  It is then, 2 to 3 months later, that you notice the increase in hair loss. If you're going into telogen effulvium, you'll most likely notice bulbs at the end of your hair strands as they come out. If you gently run your fingers through your hair, it's normal for one to two strands to come out.  But when 10 or more strands come out, you're likely going through telogen effulvium.

Let's look at a few of the reasons behind telogen effulvium.

Telogen Effulvium

Progesterone

One great benefit of being pregnant is that your progesterone is high. It helps you sleep, it boosts your mood (hopefully!) and supports your body as the life within you grows. You'll likely notice during pregnancy that your hair is growing and is quite full. This is because increased hormone levels stimulate anagen growth, and fewer follicles enter dormancy or shedding phases. But then, when you have that dramatic drop in hormone levels, many of the anagen follicles will enter telogen phase. Thus, 2 to 3 months later, you'll notice some substantial hair loss.

Progesterone-related hair loss can affect women not just after pregnancy, but after any major drop or fluctuation in hormones. This means that starting or going off birth control pills, HRT, or progesterone pills or cream can signal telogen effulvium. If you struggle with low progesterone and estrogen dominance, drops in hormones from your natural cycle can also trigger telogen effulvium. Keep in mind that when you're losing your hair, it's not usually from something that's going on in your body right now, but something that happened 2 to 3 months ago.

Physical trauma

Any kind of physical trauma or extreme stress that you put on your body can show up later with hair loss. Surgery, illness, high fever, or extreme physical conditions may trigger telogen effulvium.

Emotional trauma

Deaths, divorces, traumatic experiences or any extreme emotional experience can cause telogen hair loss. The relationship between emotional stresses and hair loss is not fully explored, so before you write it off as "it's just stress" consider some of the other causes mentioned in this section.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Many different nutritional deficiencies can cause telogen hair loss. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, zinc, iron and essential fatty acid deficiencies will cause hair loss. Hair loss can continue if the deficiencies are not addressed. Vitamin B12, typically only found in meats, is an important vitamin that as we age, we lose the ability to absorb from our foods. Sublingual B12 methylcobalmin is the most absorbable form of B12 and can be helpful if B12 deficiency is to blame for the hair loss. (Talk to your health care professional for doses and recommendations.) Vitamin D is also very important, as it supports the body in creating new cells. When we lack vitamin D, the body will ration it out, so to speak, to more important bodily functions than hair growth. Therefore, vitamin D is highly important in continued healthy hair growth. Crash diets, starvation, severe caloric restriction, and severe protein or fatty acid restrictions all can lead to telogen effulvium, which will continue until dietary needs are met.

Medical Conditions

Continued telogen effulvium can be caused by several medical conditions. Systemic amyloidosis, liver failure, kidney failure, IBS, HIV, hyper or hypothyroidism, syphilis and lupus. If you suspect your hair loss could be caused by one of these conditions, visit your doctor for appropriate testing and treatment.

Skin Conditions

Psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin disorders can trigger telogen hair loss.

Side Effects to prescription drugs

As mentioned earlier, starting or stopping birth control pills, HRT, and progesterone can cause telogen hair loss. Other prescription pills such as alloppurinol (for the treatment of gout), beta blockers, retinods, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, blood thinners such as Heparin and Coumarin, and cholesterol drugs such as Clofibrate and Gemfibrozil can all trigger telogen hair shedding.

Telogen effulvium can be brief, lasting anywhere from a couple to several weeks. Typically with this type of hair loss, re-growth will begin to be visible within 4-6 months. However, if there are underlying causes that are not treated, the hair loss can continue indefinitely. If you're experiencing shedding for more than 6 months, it's considered chronic telogen hair loss and you should work with your doctor to identify the issues causing the hair loss.

Anagen Effulvium 

Anagen hair loss is characterized by sudden loss of hair, usually losing more than 80 percent of the hair from the scalp in a short period of time. In anagen hair loss, the anagen (growth) phase has been disrupted due to a severe trauma or toxicity to the body. Anagen hair loss will occur within days or weeks after the disruption, not 2 to 3 months as with telogen hair loss. Hair strands typically don't have the bulbs at the ends, but will have a tapered end.  However, it may take a doctor looking at the hair under a microscope to determine if your hair loss is anagen or telogen if you are unsure of the reason of your hair loss. The most common reason for anagen hair loss is chemotherapy. Other triggers include radiation, heavy metal poisoning and boric acid poisoning. Radiation can cause both anagen and telogen hair loss, both of which can be permanent.

An autoimmune disease called alopecia can also cause anagen hair loss. Alopecia hair loss can range from patchy hair loss or the complete loss of hair all over the body.

Androgenetic Alopecia--Female Pattern Baldness

With telogen hair loss, hair will usually fall out evenly, from all over the head, without areas of concentrated baldness. Anagen hair loss is obvious, with numerous bald spots or complete hair loss. With androgenetic alopecia, or female pattern baldness, there will be noticeable thinning around the central line part of the scalp, in addition to general thinning. Female pattern baldness may start out seeming like telogen hair loss, and it may be several months before this distinctive pattern is apparent. It can lead to complete baldness; however, it is rare.

The precise biological mechanism behind androgenetic alopecia in women is still somewhat unknown. It is believed dihydrotestosterone (DHT) shrinks hair follicles, making them unproductive or gone altogether. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductaste is responsible for converting testosterone in to DHT. So, minoxidil (Rogaine) and other hair-loss treatments block the production of 5-alpha-reductase, so less DHT is produced in the body. However, once the treatment is stopped, DHT is produced again and hair loss experienced once again. 

Genetics

Genetics plays a large key in female pattern baldness, as the levels of androgens (DHT and testosterone) are set largely by genetic makeup.

PCOS, Hormone Balance

Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome are at a higher risk for female pattern baldness due to the excess of androgens being produced in the body.

Other Conditions

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by the rubbing of the scalp or consistent tugging on of the hair by different hair stylings, like cornrows, braids, weaves, ponytails or anything else that could consistently pull at or irritate the scalp. 

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a disorder characterized by compulsive pulling of hair from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes or other areas of the body. 

Treatments

Hair loss, no matter the cause, can be a stressful situation. Many times we look for external methods to treat the hair loss, such as herbal tinctures or special shampoos. And while there may be shampoos or rinses or serums that claim that they help prevent hair loss or help re-grow hair, unless they have an active FDA-approved drug ingredient such as minoxidil, their claims are baseless (and illegal).

The best way to treat your hair loss is to get a proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional. Hair loss, no matter the reason, is a medical condition. And there's no single answer for everyone. The solution is as varied as the cause. Hair loss is an external symptom to an internal problem. Drugs such as minoxidil can temporarily stave off hair loss. It usually takes around 4 months before you start to see results, and there are some side effects to these drugs.

People sometimes ask me what kind of natural supplements they should take to reverse or slow hair loss. Of course, the answer is totally dependent on the particular deficiency one is experiencing. And, without a blood test, it's impossible to make a suggestion. In general, however, the following options may be helpful to consider and to talk to your doctor about:

Iron

Low iron levels have been implicated in adrogenetic and telogen hair loss. If you have a history of heavy menstrual flow, are vegan/vegetarian, or have lost a lot of blood through surgery or otherwise, you may be low in iron. (Iron supplements must be taken carefully; refer to your healthcare professional for dosage.) 

Zinc

Zinc deficiency can cause telogen hair loss, as zinc supports healthy skin and hair growth. A zinc supplement or multi-vitamin may be helpful.

Vitamin B12

As mentioned above, vitamin B12 deficiency can cause telogen hair loss. Sublingual methylcobalmin is the most absorbable form of vitamin B12.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds may be helpful preventing androgentic hair loss, as the lignans present in the seeds have been found to help inactivate 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that turns testosterone in to follicle-shrinking DHT. (I recommend 2 tablespoons a day.) 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is responsible for cell division, so making sure that you're not deficient in vitamin D is key to maintaining healthy hair. Recommended doses will depend on what your current levels are, so speak with your doctor, naturopath, or other licensed medical professional about what will help you the most.

Keep in mind that with telogen hair loss, what you do now affects your hair shedding 2 to 3 months from now.  Keeping a log of food, supplements, drugs and illnesses may help your doctor figure out your hair loss triggers. Continued hair loss (lasting more than 6 months) may be the symptom of a serious medical condition, so monitor your hair loss and visit your doctor if your hair loss does not subside.

Sources:

http://www.ccjm.org/content/76/6/361.full

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgenic_alopecia

The Chemical and Physical Behavoir of Human Hair, 5th ed. Clarence R. Robbins, Springer Publishing 2012.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23772161

http://www.americanhairloss.org

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9461660

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=enterolactone+5-alpha+reductase

[For educational purposes only.]

Coconut Oil Facial Detox?

All around the internet you'll find information and stories about using coconut oil as your only moisturizer and cleanser. You'll find amazing stories of "it shrank my pores" and "my skin has never looked or felt this great."  But for each amazing story you'll find one like this: "I tried coconut oil as my moisturizer and I broke out terribly.  I had a rash of pimples and white bumps all around my mouth."  The proponents of coconut oil will then reply "Oh, that's the detox period.  The coconut oil is drawing out the impurities from your skin and bringing them to the surface."

So, today I wanted to make a few things clear, as hopefully it will help some people.

There is no scientific evidence or biological function whereby coconut oil would draw out impurities. And if it was "drawing out the toxins," it shouldn't be in the form of massive amounts of pustules or redness around your mouth and nose.

Now, shouldn't I, a proponent of all things natural and organic, be supportive of coconut oil? Well, let me say this. There are so many healthy benefits that coconut oil brings when it comes to skin and in diet. But it may not be appropriate for facial use for some people. For some people, coconut oil works amazingly as a facial moisturizer. But for others, the results can be horrible.  Why?  What's going on?

If you've developed a rash of red pimples all around your mouth when using coconut oil, you've likely developed a condition called Perioral Dermatitis.  What's happened is that the coconut oil has created what's called an occlusive layer on your skin.  An occlusive layer is especially helpful if you have dry or allergy-prone skin.  Many eczema treatments work by creating this occlusive layer--a protective layer of oil that keeps out allergens and irritants.  The eczema can heal if it's caused by contact allergies and irritants, and the occlusive layer protects it.  HOWEVER, a strong occlusive layer like this can also work against you. What can happen is that a layer of fungi, bacteria, and dead skin cells can get trapped under that strong layer of oil (the occlusive layer) and infection begins and leads to breakouts, such as those seen in Perioral Dermatitis. Now, science is still trying to figure out the exact cause of Perioral Dermatitis, as it can be triggered by many things, not just coconut oil.  Women are more prone to developing the condition. And different people respond to different treatments.  Sometimes a prescription for a steroid cream is made and, because steroid creams are typically thick, they too create an occlusive layer, thus making the problem worse.  It's suggested that if you're suffering from this condition to stay away from all makeups, creams--anything that could create an occlusive layer.  Just use a gentle cleanser and perhaps an astringent like witch hazel (follow your doctor's instructions) so there's nothing trapping in that bacteria and letting it heal.

Coconut oil isn't the only oil that can cause Perioral Dermatitis.  Over-application of any oil can be a trigger, so be judicious when you're using a facial oil or oil-based cream, apply sparingly, patting it on to dry spots and areas that need protection. Without getting in to full depth about Perioral Dermatitis and all its causes (food allergies, contact allergies) I just wanted to offer a quick explanation to anyone that had experienced this so-called "coconut oil detox" and to clear up any confusion out there.

[For educational purposes only. This is not intended to treat, diagnose, or offer medical advice.]

Is Your Stomach Making You Stinky?

If you battle body odor, the answer may be in your gut. A study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that the same bacteria that can lead to stomach ulcers can also cause certain types of body odor.

Helicobacter pylori is found in the stomachs of about 50% of the population in the Western world. Out of these 50%, 80% show no symptoms.  This bacteria seeks out a neutral place to thrive away from stomach acid and it adheres to the stomach's internal wall. When an overgrowth of this bacteria occurs, it causes gastritis and ulcers. It can also infect the intestinal tract, leading to IBS.

So, now, what does this have to do with body odor?

When H pylori thrives in the stomach, it produces high amounts of an enzyme called urease, which breaks down urea (which exists naturally in the stomach). Urea then breaks down in to carbon dioxide and ammonia, which then is released in to the bloodstream, and then released through sweat. Most people have ammonia in their sweat, however people infected with H pylori will have higher amounts of it.

So, if you're one of those people that has a hard time with pungent odors, or experience odor shortly after cleansing, it may be ammonia in your sweat caused by H pylori in your stomach.

If you suspect that you have H pylori and have symptoms of ulcers or other gastric symptoms, visit your doctor for a complete diagnosis and treatment options.  Probiotics have been found to help ease the symptoms and control the growth of H pylori, so you may look at this as an option with your doctor.

(High levels of ammonia in sweat can also be caused by the body's inability to fully break down protein, a condition called proteinuria. Low-carb, high protein diets can also be the cause, as consuming more protein than the body can metabolize can also lead to elevated serum levels of ammonia, and thus in sweat. If you suspect that you have proteinurea, it is a serious condition; please seek medical attention.)

Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1396636

http://journals.lww.com/eurojgh/Abstract/1994/02000/Significance_of_ammonia_produced_by_Helicobacter.13.aspx

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7729442

http://195.246.41.66/English/MMJ/january%202008/1.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17311980

[This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.]

Helpful Herbs: Calendula

Calendula, also known at Pot Marigold, is a popular herbal remedy.  But does science back up its reputation as a healer?

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power

This study looks at the anti-inflammatory power of calendula and how it inhibits inflammatory compounds called cytokines:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19374166

Calendula was found to be a strong antioxidant that supports liver and kidney function:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19405380

Anti-cancer

This study found calendula to help breast cancer drug tamoxifen in fighting breast cancer cells:
http://www.academia.edu/524397/Effects_of_Flavonoid_Fractions_from_Calendula_officinalis_Flowers_in_Parent_and_Tamoxifen_Resistant_T47D_Human_Breast_Cancer_Cells

A tea of calendula and chamomile tea was found to kill cancer cells:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22899374

Calendula extract was found to be potent against colon cancer, leukemia and melanoma:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17190444

Skin Healing

Helps reduce oxidative damage caused by UV-B radiation:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23008814

Wound-healing properties:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19601397

Helps prevent dermatitis in patients receiving radiation treatment:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15084618

Antioxidant that helps heal burns and prevent granulomas: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18818737

Many Benefits

This review looks in detail at its many benefits, including being anti-HIV, cytotoxic against cancer cells, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective (liver support) and spasmolytic (muscle-relaxant).
http://jocpr.com/vol3-iss4-2011/JCPR-2011-3-4-655-663.pdf

Helpful Herbs: Aloe Vera

When you think of Aloe Vera most of us think about putting that green gel on after a sunburn.  But did you know that real aloe vera is  not a gel but a juice (the gel like stuff you see has thickeners in it.) Not only does aloe feel good on a sunburn, it has a number of benefits, being today's "Helpful Herb."

Cancer Protection

The full effects of ingestion of aloe vera juice are still being studied. But these these two studies found aloe to be chemoprotective:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10426820

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23418125

Skin Health

This study outlines the many promising effects of aloe:

"It can be effective for genital herpes, psoriasis, human papilloma virus, seborrheic dermatitis, aphthous stomatitis, xerosis, lichen planus, frostbite, burn, wound healing and inflammation. It can also be used as a biological vehicle and an anti-microbial and antifungal agent and also as a candidate for photodynamic therapy of some kinds of cancer."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19218914

This study found that regular application of aloe helped to heal second-degree burns!

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10808702

This study touts aloe as a "potential wound-healing and anti-inflammatory agent."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23181083

And finally, this study may explain why aloe helps so much with a sunburn, by boosting the skin's immune function:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9579551

Blood Sugar Health

This study looked at a standardized aloe vera extract, and how taking this as a supplement may help regulate blood sugar in those with Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes: 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23035844

And another study found that an aloe vera extract aided in liver and kidney health in diabetic rats: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16487267 stating: "the results of the present study provide a scientific rationale for the use of Aloe vera as an antidiabetic agent."

Finding Aloe

Because aloe vera juice has such a high water content, it must be preserved somehow.  Most of the jars that you'll find will have thickeners and preservatives.  However, there are juices that have no preservatives, you'll just need to keep them refrigerated and use them quickly.  (Here is one.) Of course, you can always grow an aloe plant (make sure it's aloe barbedensis) and squeeze the juice right from the leaves.  Always use caution if using on an open wound. While aloe is a great healer, you don't want to introduce bacteria in to the open skin.  If you have an open wound, please visit with your doctor about treatment.  

[This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.]

Helpful Herbs: Vanilla

Vanilla is one of the most widely used spices in the world.  When we think of vanilla we thing of mouth-watering vanilla bean ice cream, vanilla-scented candles, sugar cookies, potent little vanilla bean pods and aromatic extracts.  It's comforting and exotic at once. But did you know that this unique and universally popular spice has some potentially great health benefits?

Anti-Cancer
A compound called vanillin is the main constituent of vanilla extracts. It has been studied and found to have an anti-cancer effect on cervical, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.  
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20668316
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15854801
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19679064
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21992488

Anti-oxidant, Anti-Mutagen

Another main constituent of vanilla called vanillic acid is a potent anti-oxidant.  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20482617

And when combined with cinnamon, vanillin was found to be a potent anti-mutagen. 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17178418

Safe for Skin
Unless someone is allergic to vanilla (which is quite rare), vanilla is non-irritating and non-sensitizing, and safe to use on skin. In fact, when skin comes in contact with capsaicin, the compound in hot peppers responsible for the burning feeling, skin cells can partially neutralize it by breaking it down to vanillin and vanillic acid, which doesn't irritate the skin.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22950880
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18180272

Heart Health
Because of its strong anti-oxidant capabilities, vanillic acid is heart-healthy.  This animal study found that vanillin protected the hearts of rats who were given chemicals that induced inflammation and cardiotoxicity.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21763302  (Poor rats!)

The trouble with vanilla is that we usually eat it with loads of sugar, like in ice cream and cookies, so the pro-oxidant activity of the sugar, refined grains and dairy would likely negate the benefits of the vanilla. But if you can figure out a way to add vanilla to your diet in a healthy way, perhaps in low-carb coconut pancakes, along with other beneficial herbs and spices in an herbal tea, or in a creamy avocado and coconut smoothie, you can get all the delicious flavor and powerful punch of antioxidants that vanilla delivers.