Annatto Seeds

 

Annatto seeds are the seeds of the achiote tree.  Which is a shrub native to Central and South America. The fruit and seeds are the most useful part of the plant.  They grow in clusters with spiky reddish-brown pods and seeds. Annatto seeds are commonly used to dye cosmetic products.  But, there are plenty of health benefits as well. 


Some of the most impressive health benefits of annatto include its ability to promote healthy digestion, strengthen bones, prevent neural tube defects, promote healing, lower fevers, boost eye health, eliminate headaches, reduce nausea, and protect respiratory distress.

In Caribbean and Central American cultures, annatto has been used for thousands of years to cure everything from mild to potentially life-threatening diseases, making it an ancient “super food” to a certain degree. However, it has only been in recent generations that the chemical composition of annatto has been fully understood, and the high concentration of tocotrienols, which are similar in effects and structure as vitamin E, makes this plant substance so powerful. 

Like many other seeds, annatto seeds are high in antioxidant compounds.  Which benefit skin health, this is the primary reason annatto is often added to cosmetic products. Annatto paste applied to the skin is said to help fight wrinkles, sun damage and other signs of aging. Consuming the seeds is thought to provide similar benefits from the inside out.

The antioxidants found in annatto seeds encourage the production of healthy cells and tissues that will reduce scarring and skin damage. Norbixin is special type of antioxidant which has been found to reduce the spread of cancer cells. Another benefit is annatto seeds are surprisingly high in calcium. This can benefit bone related diseases. Making it less likely you will suffer from weakening and breakage as you age. Even a little bit in your beauty routine can provide great benefits.