Health Benefits Of Annatto
Annatto contains numerous vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to the body, aside from being a condiment or food coloring in some dishes.
Achiote tree is known as the source of annatto, which can be easily cultivated everywhere. This tree was believed originated in Brazil and it was initially used as decorative for body painting, ritual, insect repellent, sunscreen and medicinal purposes before it was used as food additives.
It is used in the Caribbean and Latin America as both food flavoring and coloring. It has natural red-orange seeds but usually yellow or orange in color when it is added in some dishes as flavoring and color enhancers.
Its leaves and seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals that may cause harm to our cells in the body. Annatto has a great nutritional value, which is good for the body’s health.
Annatto contains vitamin C, dietary fiber, energy, carbohydrates, folate, sodium, calcium, protein, fat, and other nutrients that have beneficial for the health. It is effective and helpful in treating and preventing different types of diseases.
The concoction of its leaves can heal wounds, fever, helps digestions, mouth problems, headaches, gonorrhea and snake bites. It can also alleviate syndromes of heat stroke, treats leprosy, and can be also used as a poison antidote.
Its pulp can prevent scar formation, stop bleeding, and its decoction can also help to treat diabetes. Boiled annatto seeds can treat burns, serves as aphrodisiac or libido enhancer, and can be also used to treat thinning hair and prevents baldness.
Its bark can alleviate menstrual pain, improves menstrual flow, and can be used as a feminine wash. Annatto can also prevent macular degeneration, prevents cancer, manage diabetes, and reduces the sign of aging.
Annatto ca also reduce the risk of neural tube defects in infants, treats gonorrhea, and promote healthy bones. These are only some of the health benefits of annatto that can provide to the body.