Annatto is an evergreen tree growing to 26 ft (8 m) having large leaves, pink or white flowers and red fruit capsules containing red seeds, native to tropical forests in the Americas and the West Indies.
Plant Description
It has ovate leaves of round with heart shaped base and pointed tip which is 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. It also has bright flowers which range from white to pink in colour. The flowers turn to red and ovate to broad Fruit which measures about 2.5-5 cm long.
• The extracts of Annatto is used as a colouring agent in food products such as Butter, Margarine, Dairy spreads, Cheeses, cakes, custards, snack foods, Potatoes, snack foods, sausages and smoked fish.
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
Seeds, leaves, root.
• Seeds are collected as the Fruit splits open.
Directions of Preparation
• Boil 8-10 dried Annatto leaves in 1 ltr of water for 10 minutes and add a teaspoonful of seeds. let it cool before and drink it three (3) times daily.
• The seeds are grinded in the form of powder or paste to prepare the condiment.
• For Burns – Boil 30g of seeds and 100g of Olive Oil, then apply on the burned area on cooling.
Recommended Dosage
• Take 1/2 cup every 8 hours, but 1/4 for children under 12 years.
Its Active Constituents:
• The seed pulp contain:
• Carotenoid colouring principles (the reason for the pigment extraction).
• The presence of norbixin and bixin which is found in reddish waxy cOating of the seeds, gives Annatto its colour.
• Its seeds and leaves have Diuretic, anti-bacterial and Astringent properties.
• It contain:
• Amino Acids,
• Minerals (Calcium, Iron and Phosphorus).
• Vitamins (Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin C)
• Phytochemicals (such as cyanidin, Ellagic Acid, salicylic acid, Saponins and Tannins).
Precaution:
* Its seeds should not be consumed by diabetics as they may raise blood sugar levels.
Health Benefits of Annatto
Bones
• Annatto has high content of Calcium that provides mineral density and also promotes strength and durability.
• It prevents the chances of Osteoporosis with the essential Minerals (such as Calcium).
Foods & Bones
Cancer & Tumor Prevention
• Its seeds have anti-mutagenic effect, through its norbixin content which acts as a powerful anti-oxidant.
Foods & Cancer
Cardiovascular System
• They are shown to lower total Cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Detoxification
• Annatto seeds and leaves help to protect and strengthen the kidneys and treat Dropsy / Edema.
• boiled seeds and roots liquid has Astringent properties against Diarrhea, decreases Fever and promote urination.
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• Its seeds has been used for diabetic management for generations as it helps to reduce Cholesterol and optimizes the level of insulin and glucose in blood.
Foods & Diabetes
Digestive System
• Annatto seeds have high content of Fiber and the leaves are helpful for human digestion as it promotes smooth pasSage of food.
• Its seeds and leaves promote Digestive System health and is used to relieve Constipation, Indigestion, heartburn and stomach diStress caused by the consumption of spicy foods.
• Its used to calm upset stomach and treats discomfort and heartburn.
Foods & Digestive System
Eye
• Its seeds high content of Carotenoid acts as anti-oxidants in ocular system, prevents Cataract development and the chances of macular degeneration by making the strong vision.
Foods & Eye
Hair
• Fresh leaves may be rubbed on the scalp to relieve dandruff and stimulate Hair growth.
Foods & Hair
Infections
• Annatto leaves and roots Astringent infusion is taken to treat Fever, Epilepsy, and dysentery.
• Its seed pulp taken internally, acts as a general antidote for Poisoning.
Foods & Infections
The Liver
• Its seeds are used to help tone, balance and strengthen The Liver and reduce Liver inflammation (Hepatitis).
• Scientists have shown the role of bixin in destroying the harmful free radicals in The Liver.
• Its seeds have hepatoprotective effects, which help balance, detoxify, metabolize, and strengthen The Liver.
Foods & The Liver
Pregnancy
• Annatto has high content of Folate which helps to prevent neural tube defects in new born children.
Pregnant women should increase the intake of Folic Acid that helps to prevent these conditions.
Foods & Pregnancy
Reproductive Health
• Annatto helps to clear STD and is useful for treating gonorrhea’s painful and embarrassing condition either topically or internally.
• Its leaves and roots Astringent infusion is also taken as an aphrodisiac.
Foods & Reproductive Health
Respiratory System
• Its seeds have Expectorant properties, thus helpful to those who have Bronchitis and helpful to clear mucus from the lungs and may be beneficial to mucous-related disorders (such as Asthma, Bronchitis and Coughs).
Foods & Respiratory System
Skin Health
• Its dried leaves infusion can also be applied topically to promote Wound healing, cleanse Skin Infections and treat Burns.
It may prevent the chances of Infections by speeding up the healing process and lowers the apPearance of scars.
The Wounds, Burns and Skin irritation could be healed fast by applying the seed paste.
• Its seeds paste is applied topically to lower the signs of wrinkles, imperfections and blemishes, thus making the Skin to look young and tightened.
• Its seed pulp reduces the severity of blistering when applied immediately to Burns.
• It has organic compounds (such as Tocotrienols that acts as anti-oxidants for the body) which helps with Skin Health and Anti-Aging solution.
Foods & Skin Health
