Annatto seed. Natural food additive anatoto has been associated with a number of advantages, such as decreased inflammation, enhanced heart and eye health, and anticancer effects. The seeds of the achiote tree, which grows in tropical regions of South and Central America, are used to make anatto, an orange-red condiment or food coloring. The seeds of the achiote tree are used to make anatto, a kind of food coloring.
ANNATTO SEED
It may not be well recognized, yet it is thought to be the source of 70% of natural food coloring. In addition to its culinary use, annatto has long been used for artistic purposes, as a cosmetic, and to treat a variety of illnesses throughout South and Central America.
1. Properties of antioxidants
Many plant-based substances with antioxidant qualities, such as carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tocotrienols, are found in anato. antioxidant are substances that can counteract free radicals, which are potentially dangerous molecules that can destroy your cells if their concentrations go too high. High amounts of free radicals have been related to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, brain disorders, and malignancies, according to research.
2. Antimicrobial qualities
This food coloring may have antibacterial qualities, according to research. Annatto extracts have been demonstrated in test-tube experiments to suppress the growth of a variety of bacteria. This suggests that this food coloring may play a promising role in food preservation.
Annatto may be able to prevent cancer, according to preliminary research. Compounds found in annatto, such as the carotenoids bixin and norbixin and tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, have been implicated in its possible anticancer effects. Although these results are encouraging, more research on humans is required to fully understand these impacts.
4. support eye health
Carotenoids, which are abundant in anatto, may be good for eye health. It is especially rich in the carotenoids bixin and norbixin, which are present in the seed’s outer layer and contribute to its vivid yellow-to-orange hue. The most common cause of irreversible blindness in older age is AMD. However, before annatto is suggested for this use, human research is required.
Side effects
Annatto seems to be safe for most people overall. An allergic reaction to it is rare, but it can happen to certain people, particularly if they have a history of allergies to plants in the Bixaceae family.Hives, low blood pressure, itching, swelling, and stomach ache are some of the symptoms.Annatto may cause irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in certain circumstances. Due to a lack of research on its safety in these groups, pregnant and lactating women should avoid consuming it in quantities greater than those typically found in foods.
Summary
Reduced inflammation, better heart and eye health, and anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer qualities are just a few of the advantages associated with anatoto, a natural food additive. Before it can be suggested for medical purposes, more research is required because there aren’t enough human studies on its advantages and disadvantages.