10 Amazing Health Benefits of Annatto (Bixa Orellana)

October 25, 2023 Agric4Profits

Annatto (Bixa Orellana) is a tree native to the tropics of the New World, is the only species in the family Bixaceae. Annatto has ovate leaves that are 8 to 18 cm (3 to 7 inches) long and rose-pink flowers about 5 cm (2 inches) wide. It can grow up to 9 meters (30 feet) tall.

The 5 cm (2 inches) long, brown fruits produce a reddish or yellowish powder used as a food coloring for butter, cheese, and oleomargarine. Tropical and subtropical regions of the world are where the plant is grown.

Bixa Orellana is a taprooted, perennial shrub or small tree with big, eye-catching pink flowers that may grow up to 3 meters tall and can be either evergreen or deciduous.

The crown is round. The trunk’s diameter can reach 10 cm. The bark can be light to dark brown and can occasionally be fissured and lenticellate. The immature branches are greenish and rusty-dusty scaly; as they mature, they turn dark brown and become ringed at the nodes.

The leaves are simple, whole, and petiolated, and they are arranged spirally. The leaf blade is ovate-shaped and measures 5–25 cm in length by 4–16 cm wide. The flowers are pentamerous, bisexual, and have a diameter of 4–7 cm. They are pinkish, whitish, or purplish-tinged. The group is near the tips of the shoots. It is the fruits

Chemicals in annatto may function as antioxidants or destroy germs. Additionally, some of the compounds in annatto may alter how the body utilizes sugar. Medicine is made from the seed, leaf, and root.

The use of annatto for illnesses such as diabetes, stomach issues, skin issues, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and enlarged prostate is not well supported by scientific research.

It is most frequently used as a natural food coloring because it imparts a vivid color that ranges from deep orange-red to yellow, much like saffron and turmeric.

The pigments known as carotenoids, which are also present in many other fruits and vegetables like carrots and tomatoes, are what give it its color.

Due to its mildly sweet and peppery flavor, annatto is also used as a condiment to improve the flavor of food. Nutty, peppery, and floral best describe its aroma.

It is available as an essential oil, liquid, paste, powder, and many other variations.

Antioxidants like cis-bixin, carotenoids, and vitamin A are abundant in annatto.
Minerals like calcium, salt, and iron are also present.

It might include a significant amount of dietary fiber. This plant substance’s potency is due to the high concentration of tocotrienols, which resemble vitamin E in both effects and structure.

Because of its potent pigmentation, annatto is a natural dye that can range in color from yellow to deep orange to red and has many uses in cosmetics. Certain regions of the world also use it as a condiment.

The flavor is somewhat peppery, and the aroma is flowery and nutty. Annatto is a traditional “superfood” that has been used for thousands of years in the cultures of the Caribbean and Central America to treat a variety of ailments, from minor illnesses to those that could be fatal.

10 Health Benefits of Annatto (Bixa Ollerena)

10 Amazing Health Benefits of Annatto (Bixa Orellana) — Annatto (Bixa Ollerena)

1. Aids Healthy Digestion

Both the edible leaves of the achiote plant and the possibly large amount of fiber present in annatto seeds are beneficial for digestion. It might encourage effective nutrient absorption and gastrointestinal lubrication.

2. For Strong And Healthy Bone

In order to maintain strength and durability as you age and to supplement your bone mineral density, annatto contains a substantial amount of calcium. It might also aid in osteoporosis prevention.

3. Helps Prevent Birth Defect

An impressive amount of folic acid, or folate, is likely present in annatto. While this vitamin has many advantages, preventing neural tube defects in developing children may be the most crucial. Pregnant women are to increase their folic acid intake to prevent the disorder.

4. Skin Care

An important factor in annatto’s popularity for skin care is the potential presence of tocotrienols, which function as antioxidants.

If you’ve been seeking for a skincare product with anti-aging properties, annatto paste prepared from the seeds can be applied topically to perhaps lessen the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, and other flaws as well as tighten the skin and make it look younger.

5. Anticancer

One of the pigments included in annatto seeds, norbixin, is well known for its potent antioxidant properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that norbixin has a definite anti-mutagenic impact on healthy cells exposed to malignant cells and free radicals, suggesting that the seeds may be able to aid in the prevention of the spread of a variety of malignancies.

Annatto also known as Bixa Orellana is a potential substitute for cancer prevention methods, according to a study by a Brazilian research team that was published in the Human and Experimental Toxicology Journal, albeit more data and research are required to support the claim.

6. May Treat Gonorrhea

For millennia, annatto has been used as a successful natural remedy for gonorrhea. Using its paste topically or internally can be quite useful for those with any uncomfortable and embarrassment-inducing conditions to get rid of that specific STD.

7. May Relieve Stomach Issues

It’s common practice to eat annatto to soothe an upset stomach. Additionally, it has stomachic properties used to alleviate heartburn and discomfort that can be brought on by anything from viral infections to overindulging in spicy foods.

8. May Heal Wounds

Applying annatto seed paste might hasten the healing process if you have experienced skin burns or wounds or are experiencing any form of skin irritation. Additionally, it might lessen the visibility of scars. Its inherent antibacterial properties can also aid in the prevention of illnesses.

9. Eye Care

The potentially high carotenoid content of annatto may work as antioxidants in your ocular system and maybe fend off macular degeneration and cataract development, preserving your eyesight for years.

10. Microbial Properties

Because of its potent antioxidants, annatto has the ability to fight a variety of bacteria and diseases in the body. Additionally, it may be particularly helpful against several foodborne illnesses.