Welcome to OptimOZ! The Biohacker Store. Free Delivery over $99 in Australia.

0

Your Cart is Empty

by Guest Author April 30, 2016 2 min read

Vanilla powder is one of the most used ingredients I have in my pantry. I’m constantly adding a teaspoon here or there to my favourite recipes. You may be surprised to learn that vanilla is actually packed with a whole host of health benefits including;

  • B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and potassium
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Antioxidants
  • Supports nervous system function
  • Helps regulate the metabolism
  • Supports enzyme synthesis
  • Anticarcinogenic
  • Deters depression
  • Aphrodisiac properties
  • Supports hormone balance

I think vanilla is a must have for any pantry. It’s a classic flavour, whether it’s in ice-cream, custard or any type of dessert - you can’t go wrong! Vanilla has this unique ability to add a rich, deep aromatic flavour to even the most basic of dishes, plus it has numerous health benefits. Vanilla makes life not only that little bit sweeter, but healthier too.

I add vanilla powder to smoothies, chia puddings, panna cotta, jelly, cheesecakes, baked goods, pancakes, Bulletproof coffee, chai tea (and much more) so I can incorporate more of it into my diet.

Here’s a quick, easy and nourishing recipe that utilises the delicious vanilla bean that you can have for breakfast, a healthy snack or even dessert.

 

 

Vanilla & Berry Coconut Chia Pudding 

Serves 2 

Ingredients 

  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • 1 ½ cups of coconut milk (100% pure)
  • 2 tsp vanilla powder
  • 1 - 2 tsp cinnamon powder
  • ¾ - 1 cup organic berries + extra to garnish with
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnishing
  • A pinch or two of coconut flakes

Optional Add Ins: raw honey, pure maple syrup or liquid stevia to taste, other fruits, lemon or orange zest and juice, chopped pure organic dark chocolate, nuts or seeds or nut butter mixed through.  

Method

  1. Add all ingredients (except garnishes) to a quality blender and blitz until well combined, alternatively stir all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Taste the mixture and adjust if needed.
  3. Pour/ spoon into two small glass jars and place in the fridge to set.
  4. When ready garnish with extra berries, mint leaves, shredded coconut, nuts or seeds, chopped chocolate or whatever you desire.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

 

Credit

Jordan Pie

Holistic Nutritionist + Certified Gaps Practitioner.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordiepieface/

Website: http://www.reallifeofpie.com/

 

Resources

  • Bilcu M et al. 2014. Efficiency of vanilla, patchouli and ylang ylang essential oils stabilized by iron oxide@C14 nanostructures against bacterial adherence and biofilms formed by staphylococcuc aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains. 19 (11), 17943.
  • Billings-Smith L. 2015. ‘What are the health benefits of vanilla extract’. Livestrong. Sourced from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/298410-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-vanilla-extract/
  • Shyamala BN et al. 2007. ‘Studies on the antioxidant activities of natural vanilla extract and its constituent compounds through in vitro models’. J Agric Food Chem. 55(19), 7738.

Guest Author
Guest Author

This article was contributed by a guest author with expert knowledge in their field.



Also in Biohacking & HealthSpan

Biohacking Weekly: Mitochondria Transplants, Functional Mushrooms and Neuroplasticity
Biohacking Weekly: Mitochondria Transplants, Functional Mushrooms and Neuroplasticity

by Kunal K May 08, 2025 4 min read

In this edition of Biohacking Weekly:

1. Can lifting weights shield your brain?
2. Mitochondria transplants - new hope for slowing the effects of aging
3. High-dose Vitamin D for multiple sclerosis relief
4. Why everyone's talking about functional mushrooms?
5. Everyday habits that strengthen neuroplasticity

 

Read More
Biohacking Weekly: Spermidine, Sleep-Metabolic-Health Link and Creatine Power
Biohacking Weekly: Spermidine, Sleep-Metabolic-Health Link and Creatine Power

by Kunal K May 05, 2025 4 min read

In this edition of Biohacking Weekly:

1. Australia’s mental health burden rises with heat
2. Spermidine may protect your heart from "bad" cholesterol
3. The sleep – metabolic health link
4. Gut health tied to lower anxiety and depression
5. The hidden strength of creatine

Read More
Biohacking Weekly: Natural Solution for PMS, Groundbreaking Diabetes Treatment and Stress Contagion
Biohacking Weekly: Natural Solution for PMS, Groundbreaking Diabetes Treatment and Stress Contagion

by Kunal K May 03, 2025 3 min read

In this edition of Biohacking Weekly:

1. Ketogenic diet enhances brain health by boosting mitochondria
2. Breakthrough natural solution for PMS relief
3. Omega 3, Vitamin D and exercise may slow biological aging
4. Game-changing diabetes treatment
5. How stress can spread without you knowing

Read More