May benefit brain health

According to some studies, the vanilla chemicals vanillin and vanillic acid may help to maintain brain function. Additionally, they can have neuroprotective qualities, which means that they might shield your neurological system. For instance, a study conducted in 2021 examined vanillic acid's neuroprotective properties on mice that had been treated with a neurotoxin, a drug that may impair your neurological system.

Injections of vanillic acid protected against nerve cell inflammation decreased Alzheimer's disease-related indicators and lowered the neurotoxin's effects on memory. Vanillin has also been shown to be a potential neuroprotective drug in several test-tube and animal investigations. However, there is no proof that a diet rich in vanilla beans or extract supports brain function or guards against cognitive decline in people.