Annatto is a type of food coloring substance derived from the seeds of the achiote tree. You can now spice up your daily meals and reap the benefits with this earthy condiment. Artificial food colorants are always a concern as they come with too many health risks.
However, annatto is entirely safe to consume. It imparts a yellowish tinge to chees, popcorn, etc. A vast majority of natural food colors are usually derived from annatto. Besides culinary uses, annatto has long been used to treat medical conditions.
The annatto extract is famous for its antioxidant property. Research suggests that it may be beneficial for muscular and ocular treatments. Here are some of the benefits, uses and facts to know about annatto.
Overview of Annatto
Annatto is an orange-red food coloring substance derived from the achiote tree. The primary use of annatto is in the food industry. It is often used to impart a yellow or orange color to food items. The color of annatto comes from a wide variety of carotenoid pigments.
The Nutritional Value of Annatto
Annatto contains amino acids, iron, calcium and vitamins B-2 and B-3. Annatto also contains beta-carotene and vitamin C at the proper levels. Research studies indicate that beta-carotene and vitamin C are potent antioxidants.
Therefore, annatto may help decrease the damage induced by free radicals. Moreover, annatto also contains ellagic acid and cyanidin. These are specific phytochemicals that may help immunity.
May Promote Eye Health
Annatto has a higher concentration of carotenoids. Research studies suggest that the presence of carotenoids may promote eye health. It has a good concentration of bixin and norbixin. It acts as an antioxidant in the ocular system and prevents the growth of cataracts.
May Help with Healthy Digestion
Annatto has a higher level of fiber. And this higher concentration of fiber may simplify digestion in human beings. It may promote the smooth passage of food through the bowels. This higher concentration of fiber may also help in decreasing cholesterol and managing diabetes. Researchers opine that it may be used as an effective way to manage diabetes.
May Decrease the Chances of Developing Cancer
The anti-carcinogenic properties of annatto can be attributed to its plant components. It usually contains tocotrienols, a type of vitamin E. Research studies have found that annattoishelpful in inducing the death of abnormal cells in vital human organs.
May Alleviate the Occurrence of Age-Related Cardiac Illnesses
Tocotrienol in annatto may assist in the reduction of inflammation and age-related heart diseases. Research studies indicate the effectiveness of annatto in decreasing triglyceride levels in the blood. But researchers aren’t sure about the capabilities of annatto in fighting are-related cardiac illnesses. They need to conduct more experiments to ascertain the efficacy of its mechanism.
May Boost Bone Health
Annatto and its compounds may help reduce inflammation in osteoporosis. It may also alleviate the concerns related to decreasing complications of metabolic syndrome or bone loss.
Annatto seems to offer a wide range of health benefits. You can now purchase the best quality annatto liquid extract from Hawaii Pharm. They only use certified organic raw materials to manufacture the annatto achiote liquid extract.
