Achiote—Bixa orellana L.—Annatto
Annatto is a product made from achiote seeds used for hundreds of years by Indigenous Americans. The word achiote means shiny seed, and it was cultivated in the Yucatan Peninsula and was of prime importance to the Mayan civilization. It is used as a food colorant for several foods, including butter and dairy products. It is also a popular ingredient in the Puerto Rican spice called sazon. Annatto is used in poultry feeds to enhance the color of the yolk of eggs. The use is not limited to America's, and extracts of achiote have been used for hundreds of years in Europe as well. Achiote is a tree that is perennial and produces dark pink fruit and white flowers. Annatto is the pigment extract derived from the achiote seeds. In this section, we will discuss the profile and science behind this amazing seed.
Composition:
The achiote seeds primarily contain a whole host of carotenoids, terpenes, flavonoids, vitamin E derivatives called tocopherols and tocotrienols, and apocarotenoids, of which bixin and norbixin are the primary components. It also contains lipids, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and amino acids.
Properties:
The naturally occurring vitamin E derivatives in the achiote seeds have potent antioxidant activity. They help prevent lipid peroxidation caused by free-radical-mediated oxidant injury in experimental animal studies.
They are particularly rich in carotenoids and favorable for eye health.
The natural antioxidants in the seed may also contribute to their anticarcinogenic and antiinflammatory effects. It is a well-known fact that chronic inflammation is the cornerstone of chronic disease processes and preventing this process is a key factor in overall health.
The seed also has antibacterial and antiseptic purposes, according to indigenous groups.
In folklore, the seeds were used to treat a host of conditions that ranged from asthma to fevers, burns, dysentery, high cholesterol, etc.
Having said that, it is important to note that contaminated specimens may contribute to allergic reactions with use and consumption. I would also advise discussion with your health care provider before use and stress the fact that this seed is not a replacement for conventional medicine. As always, I wish that you keep your health and nutrition in center focus and live long and strong!
