7 Vanilla Relief Recipes to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Vanilla being the second-best spice and flavorings in the world; did you know that vanilla offers more than just sweet, comforting flavor? The compounds found in vanilla can actually provide therapeutic health benefits like easing anxiety, reducing inflammation, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Incorporating just a little bit of real vanilla extract or using the whole vanilla bean can enhance your meals and snacks with these healing properties. Read on for 7 tasty recipes that showcase vanilla in different wellness-boosting applications.
Vanilla Coconut Coffee
Start your mornings off with this comforting vanilla-infused coffee that provides a dose of antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you energized all morning long. The vanilla adds soothing anxiety-reducing compounds while the coconut oil helps reduce inflammation.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1⁄4 cup coconut milk (full fat canned)
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend for 15 seconds until frothy. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy this creamy, dreamy coffee!
Vanilla Cinnamon Overnight Oats
This easy overnight oat recipe infuses oatmeal with the rich flavors of vanilla and cinnamon for a breakfast that will keep you full and focused all morning long. The vanilla provides inflammation-fighting antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup rolled oats
- 1⁄2 cup milk of choice
- 1⁄4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp maple syrup
Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a jar or container. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, enjoy this super satisfying breakfast on the go!
Vanilla Peach Smoothie
Smoothies make it easy to incorporate the healing benefits of vanilla into your diet. Blend it into your favorite fruit smoothies for an antioxidant and fiber boost that stabilizes blood sugar levels post-workout.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 cup frozen sliced peaches
- 1 banana
- 1⁄2 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy this refreshing and rejuvenating smoothie!
Vanilla Cashew Milk
Skip the dairy and make your own homemade plant-based milk by blending vanilla with creamy cashews. You get the health benefits of vanilla along with calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
Soak cashews overnight, then drain and rinse. Blend all ingredients until smooth. Strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Store in the fridge and use within 3 days.
Vanilla Banana Muffins
These supremely moist banana muffins get even tastier with flakes of vanilla bean sprinkled on top. Bake with organic vanilla extract to get all those inflammation-fighting antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1 3⁄4 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp vanilla bean, scraped (for topping)
Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, honey, egg, vanilla, and olive oil. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Spoon batter into lined muffin tin. Top with vanilla bean scraps. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
Vanilla Yogurt Bark
This healthy Greek yogurt bark makes for a satisfying snack any time of day. The touch of vanilla adds anti-inflammatory antioxidants to this protein-packed treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 1⁄2 cup mixed nuts
- 1⁄2 cup mixed berries
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a bowl, mix together yogurt, honey, vanilla and salt. Spread onto sheet in a thin layer. Top with nuts and berries, gently pressing in. Freeze 30 minutes, then break into pieces.
Vanilla Chamomile Tea
Herbal chamomile tea boasts relaxation benefits on its own, but the addition of vanilla enhances the soothing, anxiety-reducing properties. Sip this before bed for better sleep.
Ingredients:
- 2 chamomile tea bags
- 1 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup milk
- 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
Boil water, then remove from heat. Steep tea bags 3-5 minutes. Remove tea bags, then stir in milk, vanilla and honey. Breathe in the relaxing aromas before drinking.
In conclusion
Incorporate some vanilla into your foods and beverages to relieve stress and dial down inflammation. With so many potential uses, from coffee to cashew milk and muffins, there’s no limit to the ways you can incorporate vanilla for both flavor and wellness!
