The vanilla used in cooking is almost always a liquid extract produced from the seeds of the vanilla plant. It is possible to find artificial or synthetic vanilla that is not actually created from real vanilla, but many cooks, chefs and bakers find the flavor of real vanilla preferable. Its delicate flavor is perfect for dishes such as puddings or cakes.
B Complex Vitamins
One tablespoon of vanilla extract contains 0.001 mg of thiamin, or vitamin B-1; 0.012 mg of riboflavin, or vitamin B-2; 0.055 mg of niacin, or vitamin B-3; 0.005 mg of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B-5; and 0.003 mg of vitamin B-6. According to Medline Plus by the National Institutes of Health, your body needs these B complex vitamins to help with energy production from food and new red blood cell creation.
Potassium
One tablespoon of vanilla extract also contains about 19 mg of potassium. Potassium is a mineral that contributes to healthy function of much of your body, including muscle movement, digestion, blood circulation and the conduction of electrical signals in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most adults -- both men and women -- should consume about 2,000 mg of potassium per day.
Magnesium
A tablespoon of vanilla extract contains about 2 mg of magnesium. The functions for which your body uses magnesium include helping your muscles contract properly, rebuilding your body's proteins, and contributing to energy production. According to Medline Plus, adult women need between 310 mg and 320 mg of magnesium each day, while adult men need between 400 mg and 420 mg of magnesium each day.
Calcium
There is about 1 mg of calcium in each tablespoon of vanilla extract. Calcium is important for much more than simply building strong bones and teeth. It also functions as an electrolyte, which is a substance that transmits electrical signals, and contributes to blood circulation and to the health of the muscular system. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, most adults need about 1,000 mg of calcium per day; women older than 50 need about 1,200 mg per day.
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