In many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the planet, there is a small tree called “achiote”. The fruit it bears is not the kind that you can turn into juice or slice up and toss into a bowl together with other fruits. It’s because it is a brown, hairy pod with nothing but red-colored seeds in them, and they’re called “annatto”.

Annatto is commonly used as food coloring because it yields a bright-red dye. It’s exactly for this reason why achiote, the tree where annatto comes from is also sometimes referred to as the “lipstick tree”. Annatto, by the way, is not only used for coloring foods, but also various other products such as makeup.

But then annatto may also be pulverized, allowing it to be used as a spice that helps make various dishes look so much more appetizing. And just like so many other spices out there, this one offers so many health benefits. Actually, annatto is also employed as a traditional medicine that’s good for dealing with various forms of illnesses.

Here are some of the health benefits of annatto that will surely leave you in awe:

Improves Eye Health

The reason why annatto comes in such bright red color is it’s loaded with beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that is very beneficial to the eyes. You see, beta-carotene neutralizes free radicals that can damage the various structures in your peepers. The inclusion of annatto in your diet can help ward off eye problems, some of which can cause loss of vision.

Slows Down Aging

Aside from beta-carotene, there are so many other types of antioxidants present in annatto. Some of them are excellent at shielding the skin cells from those damaging free radicals. If you’re a beauty-conscious person and you want to remain looking young, you may employ annatto topically as a cheap and easily accessible form of anti-aging product.

Optimizes Wound Healing

Here’s another reason why annatto is good for the skin: it can help in preventing skin injuries from becoming infected. In fact, this red-colored spice is used by traditional healers for many years now in disinfecting minor wounds and burns. Through having an infection prevented, the skin can heal so much faster and without complications.

Increases Bone Strength

Annatto is also revered for its ability to keep the bones strong. This spice that is widely available in numerous tropical and sub-tropical areas across the globe actually contains good amounts of calcium. So if you are looking for some effective ways on preventing osteoporosis, now you know which spice you should start sprinkling more often.

Eases an Aching Tummy

Bugged by a stomachache? You may add a pinch of annatto to a cup of hot water and slowly consume it to attain relief. Many swear by the effectiveness of this drink against acid reflux and heartburn. You may also consume it after having a spicy or fatty meal, which is something that can definitely leave you with a bad case of indigestion.

Treats Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases or STDs on the face of the planet, and traditional healers employ annatto in dealing with it. The said spice is used either topically or internally, or sometimes both. However, it’s still a good idea for a doctor to be sought by those who believe that they have gonorrhea.

Kindly have this article reposted on social media to let everybody know that annatto is more than just a humble food colorant or dye, but also a really powerful herb capable of dealing with a number of health issues.