6 Amazing Benefits Of Annatto, How To Use It, & Side Effects

Artificial food colorants are always a concern as they have too many health risks. Here is where natural food colorants and dyes like annatto may help. There are numerous benefits of annatto. It is a pigment extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa Orellana). This dye is mostly used to impart a yellowish tinge to popcorn, store-bought cheese, and many other spices.

If you are worried about the health risks of artificial color and want to switch to natural options, you may try annatto. Read this article to know more about annatto, its uses, and possible side effects. Scroll down.

Know Your Ingredient: Annatto

What Is It?
An orange-red food condiment and coloring agent derived from Bixa Orellana tree seeds.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may strengthen bones, promote vision health, and help reduce the risk of age-related cardiac issues.

Who Can Consume It?
It is considered likely safe for most people when consumed in moderation.

How Often?
Though there are not enough studies about the limit of Annatto consumption, some researchers suggest you can consume 600 mg of it per day.

Caution
Since Annatto can affect your blood sugar levels, people with diabetes should limit its consumption.

What Is Annatto?

Annatto is a natural food coloring agent and condiment. It is made from the seeds of the achiote tree (Bixa orellana) native to South and Central America. The achiote tree yields a heart-shaped brown fruit covered with spiky hairs that contains many red seeds. The red flesh of these seeds contains the pigment-yielding carotenoids.

Trivia

The annatto tree is believed to originate from the tropical regions of Mexico and Brazil.

What Does Annatto Taste Like?

Annatto is usually available as powder, paste, liquid, and essential oil. It doesn’t have a specific taste to itself when used as a food colorant. It is also used as a condiment in certain culinary preparations, where it adds to the dish an earthy, peppery flavor with a hint of bitterness. It also has a mild floral scent similar to that of nutmeg.

Trivia

The earliest known record of annatto’s use in cheese is in a 1743 Dutch book, Household Words.

Uses Of Annatto

• As A Natural Food-Colorant

Annatto’s primary use is as a natural food-colorant (1). It is used to give various cheeses their bright yellow color. The seeds are usually crushed and soaked in water to form a paste once the water evaporates. This brightly-colored paste is then added to various soups, gravies, cheese, butter, margarine, cakes, and packaged popcorn to enhance their color (2), (3).

Annatto is also used as a replacement for the expensive saffron in culinary preparations all over the world. It even is used as a food dye in other commercial packaged food products like smoked fish, microwave popcorn, beverages, and other varieties of packaged food. Annatto is non-toxic and safer than most other artificial food colorants and additives.

• As A Condiment

Annatto is also used as a condiment to enhance the flavor of dishes.

It is usually used at the beginning of cooking. It is mixed with other herbs and spices to impart a wholesome flavor. It is added to marinade pastes to render a smoky flavor to fish, meat, and poultry preparations. It also is an important ingredient in cochinita pibil, a traditional Mexican slow-roasted pork dish.

• As Cooking Oil

Annatto seeds are commonly steeped in cooking oil to make achiote oil or achiotina lard. It infuses the oil with its rich color and flavor. Cooking or sautéing with this oil or lard renders a beautiful rich tint and flavor to soups, stew, fish, meat, rice, and paella.

• As Commercial Dye And Paint

The isolation of the natural yellow-orange dye from annatto has use in non-culinary industries too. The dye exhibits low toxicity and high biodegradability. It is often used in the cosmetic, textile, and leather industries ( 4). Annatto seeds are also used to create natural fabric dyes. Annatto’s use in the cosmetic industry has earned it the nickname the lipstick tree.

A blogger, reflects on her experience with annatto seeds for dyeing, stating, “The colour is pretty lovely, and in the future if I dye with annatto I will grind the seeds up right off the bat to ensure that more of the bixin is released into the dye liquor (i).”

Annatto oil offers antioxidant benefits in body care products. It adds a rich, sunny color to creams, lotions, and shampoos. Annatto is also used in household products such as floor wax, furniture polish, and shoe polish. The dye has also been used to color wood, rattan, and wickerwork.

• Tribal Art And Body Painting

Annatto has been used by tribals and the ancient Mayans and Aztecs for a range of medicinal and non-medicinal uses. The red dye was considered sacred in most tribal rituals. Many ancient Mayan scriptures seem to have been written with annatto juice.

Annatto has also been found to be used in ancient art, crafts, and murals as orange-red ink and color. Indigenous people and tribal communities still use the pulp emulsion in oil as hair dyes, lipsticks, or body paints. The annatto-based body paint also seems to repel insects and act as a sunscreen due to the UV-filtering properties of its carotenoid pigments (5). However, more information is warranted in this regard.

As annatto is more commonly used as a food coloring agent, let us check out some recipes involving it.

Recipes Using Annatto

Here are some culinary uses of annatto.

1. Annatto-Infused Oil

What You Need

• 1/4 cup annatto seeds
• 1 cup neutral-flavored oil (such as grapeseed or canola oil)

Instructions

1. Toast the annatto seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Transfer the toasted seeds to a jar and pour the oil over them.
3. Seal the jar and let it sit for at least 24 hours, or up to a week, in a cool, dark place.
4. Strain the oil through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar for storage.

2. Achiote Paste

What You Need

• 1/2 cup annatto seeds
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Toast the annatto seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Grind the seeds until they form a fine powder.
3. Combine the ground annatto seeds, orange juice, vinegar, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, cloves, and cayenne pepper, in a small bowl.
4. Mix the ingredients until smooth and creamy.

Apart from these uses, annatto is also known to offer important health benefits. Keep reading to know more.

Potential Health Benefits Of Annatto

Annatto has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and certain skin conditions due to its natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

1. Has Antioxidant Properties

Annatto contains carotenoids and other phytochemicalsⁱ  Chemicals compounds found in plants that help resist fungi and bacteria. They are rich in antioxidants. that possess antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight toxicfree radicalsⁱ  Unstable oxygen molecules formed as a byproduct of normal metabolism that can cause harm to other healthy cells. , which may otherwise increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, brain disorders, and other chronic health conditions (6), (7).

2. Has Antimicrobial Properties

Annatto extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens (8). Annatto may also have antifungal properties and may help increase the shelf-life of breads (9). Pork patties treated with annatto powder were found to undergo less microbial contamination after 14 days in storage (10).

3. May Reduce Cancer Risk

Annatto’s anti-carcinogenicⁱ  A substance used in cancer treatments that helps prevent the growth of new cancerous cells and provides protection against existing ones. properties have been attributed to its various plant components. These include tocotrienolsⁱ  Chemicals present in vitamin E essential for the body and brain function found in leafy vegetables. , a type of vitamin E, and carotenoids like bixin and norbixin (11), (12). Test tube studies have found annatto extracts to be effective in suppressing the growth of cancer cells. The extracts could also induce cell death in pancreas, liver, human prostate, and skin cancer cells (13), (14), (15), (11). While all these findings seem promising, more research and human studies are warranted in this regard.

4. May Promote Vision Health

Annatto is high in carotenoids that may help improve eye health (16). Pigs and mice supplemented with norbixin for 3 months reported a decrease in the accumulation of N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E). A2E is a byproduct of the retinal cycle responsible for vision loss in the elderly (17). Bixin, another annatto carotenoid, was found to help prevent and treat retinal damage (18). However, further human studies are needed to recommend annatto as a health supplement or as a potential treatment for vision issues.

5. May Help Prevent Age-Related Cardiac Issues

The tocotrienolⁱ  Chemicals present in vitamin E essential for the body and brain function found in leafy vegetables. in annatto may help reduce inflammation and age-related heart issues (19). Animal studies have also hinted at the potential effect of annatto seed extracts in decreasing blood triglyceride levelsⁱ  The level of triglyceride (a type of fat) in blood that can cause heart diseases and strokes if it is too high. (20). However, more studies are warranted to understand annatto’s exact mechanism of action on heart health.

6. May Help Improve Bone Health

Annatto-derived tocotrienolⁱ  Chemicals present in vitamin E essential for the body and brain function found in leafy vegetables. was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and improve bone health in osteoporosisⁱ  A medical condition in which bones become frail and brittle. Bones lose tissues and resist the formation of new bones. in diabetic mice (21). In another rat study, annatto tocotrienolⁱ  Chemicals present in vitamin E essential for the body and brain function found in leafy vegetables. was found to reduce complications of metabolic syndrome or bone loss caused due to osteoporosisⁱ  A medical condition in which bones become frail and brittle. Bones lose tissues and resist the formation of new bones. (22).

Annatto seems to offer promising benefits for human health. But how strong is its nutrition profile? Learn more about the same in the next section.

Annatto Nutrition Facts

Annatto contains a minimal amount of calories and provides virtually zero energy. While Annatto is not a significant source of macronutrients, it plays a vital role in enhancing the color and flavor of various dishes while offering a hint of essential fats. It has a total lipid (fat) content of 1 gram, constituting a mere 2% of the Daily Value (DV). Notably, it contains 0 grams of carbohydrates and is suitable for low-carb diets (23).

Further, annatto contains 34.9 milligrams of sodium and contributes to just 1% of the DV, which is relatively low. It also comprises 0.5 grams of saturated fat, representing 3% of the DV (23).

Possible Side Effects Of Annatto

While annatto appears safe for most people, one must also be wary of its potential side effects.

• May Trigger Allergic Reactions

Although not very common, people allergic to plants in the Bixaceae family may experience allergies with the ingestion or use of annatto (24). In a study, a child with a history of allergic rhinitisⁱ  A medical condition in which the inner membrane of the nose becomes inflamed, causing cough, sneezing, and congestion. developed serious asthmatic conditions after intake of food containing annatto (25).

Many individuals could be unaware of the inclusion of annatto in the food industry as a food dye in cheese, ice-creams, and other food items. Hence, they may attribute any adverse reaction to that particular food instead of annatto itself( 26). Hence, it is important to read through the ingredients list of any packaged or dairy product to avoid any allergies associated with annatto or other food additives.

• May Cause Irritable Bowel Syndrome

In a study, a woman was found to experience IBS symptoms following intake of food supplemented with annatto (27 ). Her symptoms included diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. As annatto is not scrutinized by the FDA, it is important to be aware of this possible side effect. Ensure you take it only in moderation. However, more research is warranted to further understand the role of annatto in IBS (28).

• May Cause Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

There is less information on the safety of annatto during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hence, it is important to be mindful of what you eat as your body is more prone to food sensitivities during this period. Stay safe and avoid annatto during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Safety Precautions To Consider Before Taking Annatto

• Diabetes

Annatto has been found to alter blood glucose levels in certain animal studies (29), (30). Those with diabetes must be vigilant about their blood glucose levels while consuming foods with annatto. They may also be required to alter the dosage of corresponding medications. It is best to consult a doctor before including annatto in your diet.

• Surgery

Since annatto can possibly affect your blood sugar levels, it may hamper your pre-and post-surgery conditions. Hence, it is advisable to stop taking annatto at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery. It is also important to notify your doctor of your annatto intake in case of any emergency surgical procedure.

Infographic: Benefits Of Annatto For Skin

Annatto exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties that help improve several skin conditions. It is also rich in antioxidants that benefit skin health. This natural food dye may fight against wrinkles and other signs of skin aging effectively. The seeds and powdered annatto have been used in many cosmetic products and natural remedies. Click on the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of annatto for skin.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is annatto the same as paprika?

No, paprika is another spice made of ground dried red pepper. Paprika is sometimes used as a substitute for annatto and vice versa as both impart the same red color to foods.

Is annatto the same as achiote?

Annatto is sometimes referred to as achiote, as it is the pigment derived from achiote seeds.

Is annatto vegan?

Yes, annatto is vegan. It is derived from the seeds of the achiote plant.

Can annatto cause migraines?

Yes, anecdotal evidence suggests that annatto may cause migraines.

Is annatto high in histamine?

No, currently there are no studies that suggest that annatto is high in histamine.

Illustration: Amazing Benefits Of Annatto How To Use It & Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Uncover the remarkable health benefits of annatto in this video! From enhancing digestion to promoting radiant skin, explore the incredible advantages of incorporating this natural wonder into your lifestyle. Watch now!