John Myers
Ingredients and effects of the tonka bean on humans
The tonka bean is known to many for its unique scent and tart and spicy aroma, which is slightly reminiscent of vanilla. However, the bean has numerous ingredients that have different effects on the body. We present them to you here:
- Coumarin: Coumarin is the main flavoring substance in the tonka bean and occurs in a concentration of 2 to 10 percent. The unique taste of the bean comes from this phytochemical and can be harmful to health in higher amounts. According to research, coumarin in large doses could be a trigger for cancer.
- Fatty acids: The contained 25% fatty acids (fatty oils) are made up of stearic, linolenic, palmitic, and linoleic acid. These saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are essential substances for the human body. Without these, certain vitamins (A, D, E, K) would not dissolve in the body and other bodily functions could not be carried out.
- Ferulic Acid: This organic compound found in the tonka bean acts against microorganisms in the body that can lead to numerous infections.
- Strength: Strength gives people energy.
- Essential Oil: The essential oil found in tonka beans promotes relaxation and soothes the gastrointestinal tract.
- In South America, the smell, the smoke, and the tonka bean itself are said to have erotic and performance-enhancing properties. These probably have something to do with the contained coumarin.
