![]() ![]() However, human studies are needed before annatto can be recommended for this purpose. In an animal study, supplementing with norbixin for 3 months reduced the accumulation of the compound N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E), which has been linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) ( 17).ĪMD is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among older adults ( 17). ![]() In particular, it’s high in the carotenoids bixin and norbixin, which are found in the outer layer of the seed and help give it its vibrant yellow-to-orange color ( 16). May promote eye healthĪnnatto is high in carotenoids, which may benefit eye health ( 15). While these findings are promising, human studies are needed to investigate these effects. The potential anticancer properties of annatto have been linked to compounds it contains, including the carotenoids bixin and norbixin, and tocotrienols, a type of vitamin E ( 2, 11, 13). May have anticancer propertiesĮarly research suggests annatto has cancer-fighting potential.įor example, test-tube studies have found that extracts of this food coloring may suppress cancer cell growth and induce cell death in human prostate, pancreas, liver, and skin cancer cells, among other types of cancer ( 11, 12, 13, 14). This research indicates that this food coloring may have a promising role in food preservation. Similarly, one study found that pork patties that were treated with annatto powder had less microbe growth than untreated patties after 14 days in storage ( 10). Moreover, adding the dye to bread inhibited the growth of fungi, extending the bread’s shelf life ( 9). In another test-tube study, annatto killed various fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Neurospora sitophila, and Rhizopus stolonifer. In test-tube studies, annatto extracts were shown to inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli ( 7, 8). Research suggests that this food coloring may have antimicrobial properties. Research has found that damage caused by high free radical levels is linked to chronic conditions, such as cancers, brain disorders, heart disease, and diabetes ( 6). Antioxidant propertiesĪnnatto contains numerous plant-based compounds with antioxidant properties, including carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and tocotrienols ( 2, 3, 4, 5).Īntioxidants are compounds that can neutralize potentially harmful molecules known as free radicals, which can damage your cells if their levels rise too high. This natural food coloring has been associated with various potential health benefits. Its vibrant color comes from compounds called carotenoids. SummaryĪnnatto is a type of food coloring agent and condiment that is made from the seeds of the achiote tree. It comes in several forms, including powder, paste, liquid, and as an essential oil. Its aroma is best described as nutty, peppery, and floral. Its color comes from compounds called carotenoids, which are pigments that are found in the seed’s outer layer and many other fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and tomatoes.Īdditionally, annatto is used as a condiment to enhance the flavor of dishes due to its slightly sweet and peppery taste. It’s most commonly used as a natural food coloring, as it imparts a bright color that ranges from yellow to deep orange-red, similar to saffron and turmeric. It has several other names, including achiote, achiotillo, bija, urucum, and atsuete. Annatto is an orange-red food coloring or condiment made from the seeds of the achiote tree ( Bixa orellana), which grows in tropical regions in South and Central America ( 1). ![]()
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