Short answer
The effects of vanillin aren’t harsh enough to cause a problem for most people. However, if you’re looking for true vanilla flavor, you’re better off choosing natural vanilla extract.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Vanillin is a synthetic alternative for pure vanilla extract, made either from the byproducts of wood pulp or created synthetically with petrochemicals. It was created to meet the high demand for vanilla flavoring, offering a cost effective alternative.
There are two types of vanillin, a type that is lignin-based and a type that is made from guaiacol. The lignin-based vanillin is the type made from wood pulp byproduct and has a richer flavor. The guaiacol based vanillin was found to be a more cost effective solution to the shortage of vanilla flavoring.
The chemicals used to produced vanillin give the product a vanilla taste by essentially tricking the brain into thinking it’s the real thing. Trace amounts of neurotoxins contained in vanillin have the potential to kill brain cells, but it’s more than likely that one would need to consume a large amount before that would happen. Because the flavoring tricks the brain to provoke a positive response (due to the release of serotonin), it can be considered an addictive substance.
Most research has found that the artificial flavoring doesn’t pose a major health threat. The exception is those with an allergy to the ingredients. For those who are allergic to the chemicals used during the manufacturing process, mild headaches and other reactions can occur.
While the negative of effects of vanillin aren’t likely to cause problems for most, it’s worth mentioning that using vanillin means losing out of the benefits of pure vanilla. Pure vanilla contains antioxidants and can help fight off bacteria. It also has a much richer flavor and more natural smell that most people will prefer over the artificial vanillin.
Possible short-term side effects
- mild headaches
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allergic reaction for those who are sensitive
Possible long-term side effects
- may kill brain cells
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could be considered an addictive substance
Ingredients to be aware of
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 01-27-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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