Annatto seeds are probably best known for their ability to add a vibrant red color to just about any dish, but the truth is they're so much more than that. While primarily used as a food dye, annatto has become increasingly popular for the health benefits it offers. It is generally consumed in seed or paste form, which you can use to add both flavor and color to a dish. If you haven't heard of or tried annatto, that needs to change. Don't believe us? Check out some of these awesome health benefits of annatto seeds.
Carotenoids are the main nutrient when it comes to keeping your eyes healthy. As the name might suggest, it's the compound that's found in carrots that makes them beneficial for your eyesight. Annatto seeds are another food that's naturally high in carotenoids, so eating annatto seeds or taking an annatto supplement is a good way to make sure your eyes stay strong as you age.
One unexpected effect of annatto seeds is their ability to treat STDs like gonorrhea. Annatto can inhibit certain enzymes that give it the ability to wipe out gonorrhea. You can use it topically or consume it because it will work either internally or externally.
Most people think of calcium as something you get from meats and dairy foods. The truth is there are a lot of different foods that can provide you with ample levels of calcium, and annatto seeds are one of them. You can get a good calcium boost in your diet by adding annatto seeds or paste to some of the foods you eat or taking an annatto supplement.
When you have an upset stomach, often the best you can hope to do is relieve the effects of your stomach problems. You can do this by taking medicine like Tums or by eating foods that calm your stomach. Annatto has properties that naturally help to calm your stomach and relieve the symptoms of your stomach ache. The next time you have stomach pain that won't go away, reach for some annatto paste.
Among the many nutrients, you'll find in annatto seeds are high amounts of antioxidants. Because of this, annatto-based products have antimicrobial properties which give them the ability to help fight off bacteria in your body. This is especially true when it comes to foodborne illnesses, which makes annatto a good addition to any meal.
There are a great many compounds that can help improve the health of your skin, and tocotrienols are one of them. Annatto seeds are naturally high in tocotrienols, making them great for skin care. All you have to do to improve the health of your skin is rub some annatto paste which is made from the seeds.
Annatto paste can help heal wounds for various reasons. For one, it has properties that help soothe the discomfort associated with the wound. It may also help make your scars less visible. Perhaps the best part of using annatto to treat wounds is the fact that it has natural antimicrobial properties so it will help prevent infections.
If you're looking to get more fiber in your diet, annatto seeds are a good place to start. Annatto is packed with a wide range of nutrients that are beneficial to you, but it's particularly high in fiber—especially for a seed. Add some annatto seeds or paste to the meals you prepare to increase your fiber intake a bit.
Cancer has many enemies when it comes to your diet, but antioxidants are one of the main ones. As was previously mentioned, annatto seeds are absolutely packed with antioxidants, so they're a great food to add to your diet to help ward off cancer. The antioxidants in annatto seeds can help prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Annatto seeds are rich in everything from vitamin A to iron. However, they're also very high in antioxidants, which makes them good food for preventing and fighting cancer, boosting your immune system, and minimizing the symptoms of illnesses. You can get the antioxidant effects of annatto seeds by adding some of the paste to soups and sauces.
This site offers information designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this site as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for, professional counseling care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.