It’s a lovely day for discussing the health benefits of annatto.
Ground annatto seeds, often combined with other seeds or spices, are used in culinary applications as a paste or powder, particularly in Belizean, Chamorro, Filipino, Jamaican, Latin American, and Vietnamese cuisines.
It’s primarily used as a natural food coloring and flavor enhancer.
Annato can also be called achiote.
The following is a list of annatto’s health benefits.
1. Annatto May Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Annatto had a hypoglycemic effect on laboratory rats with drug-induced diabetes, according to a Brazilian research team.
You can get more information on this by reading this (Bixa Orellana (Annatto) Exerts A Sustained Hypoglycemic Effect) study.
However, more research is needed to fully comprehend the spice’s impact on blood glucose levels.
2. Has Antioxidants Present
Carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and tocotrienols are among the plant-based compounds in annatto that have antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants are substances that can nullify potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can cause cell damage if their levels rise too high.
High free radical levels have been linked to chronic conditions like brain disorders, cancers, diabetes, and heart disease, according to research.
More of this can be read in this (Antioxidants From Annatto Seeds) study.
3. Annatto Is Good For The Bones
Annatto contains a significant amount of calcium, which may be important if you want to supplement your bone mineral density and ensure strength and durability as you age.
It may also aid in the prevention of osteoporosis.
4. Promotes The Healing Of Wounds
Annattos are high in antioxidants, which help to speed up the healing of minor wounds and promote the production of new cells and tissues, preventing scarring and skin damage.
The antimicrobial properties of annattos aid in the reduction of wound infection and burning skin.
5. Annatto Possesses Antimicrobial Properties
Annatto has antimicrobial properties and can kill various pathogens and bacteria in the body due to its powerful antioxidants.
It could also be very effective against a variety of foodborne diseases.
You can check more of this from this study (Antimicrobial Properties Of Commercial Annatto Extracts).
6. Helps Relieve Stomach Problems
Annatto is commonly used to soothe an upset stomach.
It can also act as a stomachic, alleviating heartburn and discomfort caused by a variety of factors ranging from viral infections to eating too much spicy food.
7. Annatto Could Help With Eye Care
Annatto’s possibly high carotenoid content may act as antioxidants in your ocular system, possibly preventing the development of cataracts while also preventing macular degeneration, keeping your vision strong for years.
It’s especially high in the carotenoids bixin and norbixin, which are found in the seed’s outer layer and contribute to its vibrant yellow-to-orange color.
8. May Have Expectorant Properties
The seeds of annatto have expectorant properties. As a result, they’re well-known for preventing mucus-related illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, and coughs.
It also aids in the removal of mucus from the lungs.
9. Annatto Helps With Healthy Digestion
The potentially high fiber content of annatto seeds, as well as the edible leaves of the achiote plant, is beneficial to digestion.
It may aid in the smooth passage of food through the bowels as well as the efficient absorption of nutrients.
If you’re cooking for better digestion, you may also want to try another herb, which is allspice.
You can learn more about allspice’s health benefits in my other article.
10. May Have Diuretic Properties
Because of their diuretic properties, annatto leaves may help the kidneys function better.
11. Annatto May Help With Skincare
Tocotrienols, which may be present in annatto, act as antioxidants, which is likely one of the reasons why it is so popular for skincare.
If you’re looking for an anti-aging solution for your skin, annatto paste made from the seeds can be applied topically to help reduce the appearance of blemishes, wrinkles, and other imperfections.
It may also tighten the skin and make it look younger.
12. May Aid With Liver Health
Annatto seeds support a healthy liver by balancing, detoxifying, metabolizing, and strengthening it.
It could also aid in the reduction of liver inflammation.
Conclusion
These are just a few of annatto’s many health benefits.
It’s good for your kidneys and liver, which is one of my favorite health benefits on the list.
So, how about you? Which of these health benefits most caters to you?
If you’re thinking about trying annatto, talk to your doctor first.
You may learn more about the health benefits of a range of culinary herbs and spices on this page.
Please share this information with a friend or family member if you think it will be useful to them.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please stay safe!
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