Achiote is a medicinal plant rich in carotenoids, tocopherols, vitamin A, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. It possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The many health benefits of achiote include strengthening of the bones, blood sugar control, and treatment of some skin problems. It may also play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease and protecting brain health.
In addition to its medicinal properties, achiote can also be used as a dye in cosmetics, textiles, and paint. Ground achiote seeds make a spice that can be used to give color and flavor to certain culinary dishes.
The achiote plant, also known as Bixa orellana, is native to Central and South America and may be found at some garden centers. Annatto is another name for the seeds of the achiote plant, which may be sold as whole seeds or in the form of a paste, ground spice, or oil. Achiote can be found in supermarkets and Latin American grocery stores.
Health benefits
Achiote may be used for:
1. Improving eye health
Achiote is rich in carotenoids, such as bixin and norbixin, which are primarily contained in the external layer of the seed. Achiote is also high in vitamin A. Both carotenoids and vitamin A are important for protecting the eyes, preserving vision, and preventing conditions such as dry eye and night blindness.
2. Achieving youthful-looking skin
Achiote is rich in carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tocotrienols, powerful antioxidants that combat free radicals that damage skin cells and can lead to premature aging of the skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
3. Preventing of cardiovascular disease
The tocotrienols found in achiote are potent antioxidants that can help reduce levels of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol in the blood responsible for the formation of plaques in the arteries. In this way, achiote may help prevent or reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
Also recommended: Natural Ways to Lower Cholesterol: 8 Delicious Recipes & Tips tuasaude.com/en/natural-ways-to-lower-cholesterol4. Managing high blood pressure
Achiote is high in potassium, a mineral that helps to control blood pressure (especially when it is high) by promoting relaxation of the blood vessels.
In addition, the magnesium found in achiote is a natural calcium channel blocker, inhibiting the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for increases in blood pressure. Both potassium and magnesium play important roles in managing blood pressure.
5. Regulating blood sugar levels
Some studies suggest that the tocopherols found in the leaves of the achiote plant may help improve insulin resistance, thereby helping to control levels of glucose in the blood. In this way, achiote may have an important role as a complementary therapy in the management of diabetes.
Also recommended: Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar: 12 Tea Recipes tuasaude.com/en/tea-for-blood-sugar6. Improving digestive health
The leaves and seeds of the achiote plant are high in fiber, which can help improve function of the digestive system, promoting healthy digestion and improved absorption of nutrients in the gut.
7. Protecting bone health
Achiote is rich in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous, which are fundamental for bone health. These minerals help strengthen the bones and prevent conditions like osteoporosis, osteopenia, and rickets.
8. Promoting brain health
Achiote is rich in anti-inflammatories and antioxidants like carotenoids and tocotrienols, which prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals. This helps to maintain good brain health and prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, for example.
9. Ensuring optimal wound healing
Some studies show the leaves of the achiote plant possess both healing and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the production of substances like prostaglandins and cytokines. In this way, achiote may be indicated as a complementary therapy to accelerate healing in the treatment of wounds, cuts, burns, or skin conditions like psoriasis.
10. Eliminating fungi and bacteria
Some studies show the extract from the achiote leaves has the ability to kill fungi, particularly Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, as well as certain bacteria such as:
- Staphylococcus aureus that causes infections of the lungs, skin, and bones;
- Escherichia coli that can lead to UTIs;
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa that can cause infections of the lungs as well as ear infections and UTIs;
- Streptococcus faecalis that can also cause UTIs;
- Shigella dysenteriae that causes infectious diarrhea.
Further studies using human subjects are necessary to confirm these findings.
11. Helping to fight cancer
Studies involving myeloma, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer have shown that bixin, a carotenoid present in achiote, possesses antiproliferative properties that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Carotenoids like bixin and norbixin, as well as the tocotrienols found in achiote, combat free radicals that cause further cellular damage. Studies involving human subjects are needed to confirm these findings.
Nutrition facts
The following table contains information based on a 100 g serving of achiote (annatto) seeds:
How to use
The active substances of the achiote plant can be extracted from both the leaves and the seeds. The most common ways to consume achiote include:
- Achiote tea, which can be made using fresh or dried leaves of the achiote plant or the seeds;
- Achiote oil for cooking: mix 300 g of achiote seeds with 1 liter (32 oz) of sunflower oil. Heat the mixture over low heat until the oil becomes red in color. Turn off the heat, wait for the oil to cool, and use as a condiment for salads or cooking;
- Achiote capsules: one 250 mg capsule of achiote can be taken up to 3 times a day before meals. These capsules can be purchased in some pharmacies, drug stores, and health food stores.
Achiote also comes in the form of an ointment made from the extract of the achiote plant. It can be used for wound healing and in cases of psoriasis, cuts, or burns. Make sure to consult a doctor before using this ointment.
How to make achiote tea
Achiote tea can be made using the leaves or the seeds of the achiote plant.
Ingredients
- 8 to 12 fresh or dried leaves from the achiote plant or 1 Tbsp achiote seeds;
- 32 oz (1L) of water.
Instructions
To make achiote tea, bring the water to a boil and remove from the heat. Add the leaves or the seeds and let steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink (up to 2 to 3 cups per day).
Side effects
Achiote is considered safe for most people when used as an ointment or consumed in small quantities in the form of a spice added to certain dishes.
The general recommendation for consuming achiote is to use up to 750 mg of achiote leaves per day for no more than 12 months. Prolonged use of achiote seeds should be avoided, as there is not sufficient data about safety or potential side effects associated with long term use.
Achiote can cause an allergic reaction in some people. It is important to seek emergency medical attention for any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, or convulsions (seizures).
Contraindications to use
Achiote should not be used by people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is insufficient data regarding its safety during pregnancy and lactation. People undergoing surgery should also avoid achiote, as it can alter levels of glucose in the blood.
Achiote should be used with caution in people taking certain medications for diabetes, such as glimepiride or insulin, for example, as achiote can cause sudden drops in blood sugar. This may be associated with symptoms of hypoglycemia such as excessive sweating, nervousness, agitation, tremors, confusion, palpitations, and fainting.
Achiote is contraindicated in people with chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury. People taking diuretics or medications to treat hypertension should not use achiote.