The achiote fruit's seeds are used to produce annatto, a food colouring and condiment that has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. With the scientific name bixa Orellana, the achiote tree is a tropical shrub or small tree that thrives throughout Central and South America.

The fruit of this tropical tree, which consists of spiky brown and red pods that grow in clusters and are white or brilliant pink in colour, is actually the most appealing feature of the plant. These pods, when dried and cracked open, reveal crimson seeds that can be used to make red pigment.

Because of this, the achiote tree is also known as the lipstick tree. Strong pigmentation makes annatto a natural food dye, and it has many uses in cosmetics, but its myriad medical and herbal benefits—many of which are only now being fully appreciated—are more significant.

Health Benefits Of Annatto

Eye Care

The carotenoid concentration of annatto seeds is what gives those seeds their distinctive red colour, as well as the pigment made from them. Never purchase annatto seeds if they are a vibrant orange or red colour because carotenoids break down over time. This high carotenoid content will protect your eyes against macular degeneration and cataract formation by acting as antioxidants in your ocular system. It will also delay the onset of cataract development.

Antioxidant Capacity

One of the reasons annatto is so popular for treating skin conditions is because the other organic components that make it up, such as tocotrienols, also serve as antioxidants in other parts of the body. If you've been seeking for a skin care product that prevents wrinkles and other symptoms of ageing, annatto pastes derived from the seeds can be topically applied to tighten the skin and make it appear younger.