Our source annatto plant

Annatto Plant - The Secret of Amazon!

Annatto is a vibrant condiment derived from the seeds of the plant known as Achiote. It is also known as Bixa Orellana. It is more commonly used as a natural food coloring agent that gives yellow or orange color to food products such as dairy products, baked goods, breakfast cereals etc. The color of Annatto comes from various carotenoid pigments, mainly Bixin and Norbixin, found in the reddish waxy coating of the seeds. Annatto is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in various forms as a healing agent.

Annatto has also recently been the key of the greatest Vitamin E creation ever! 

Dr. Barrie Tan discovered the purest and the most potent source of Vitamin E antioxidant called Tocotrienols from the Annatto seeds. He mentions Annatto as a ‘One Plant Wonder’ in his book, ‘The truth about Vitamin E’, as it contains 100% Tocotrienols, that is, it is completely free of Tocopherols which interfere with lipid absorption and metabolism. There are four variants of Tocotrienols: Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta, amongst these, Gamma and Delta are the most effective molecules based on research.

Annatto is the only known plant-based source of active Delta and Gamma Tocotrienols, also making Annatto a supreme source of this powerful antioxidant.

Annatto as a Food Additive

Annatto has numerous applications as a food additive for its coloring properties. It is added to various food products, including cheese, butter, snack foods, and baked goods, to give them an orange or yellow hue. It is 100% natural and considered healthier than synthetic food colorings. In addition to its coloring properties, some food products use annatto as a natural preservative. The antioxidant properties of annatto can help to prevent spoilage and extend the food shelf life. It is heat-stable; it can withstand high temperatures during food processing without breaking down or losing its color. It adds a mild, light sweet peppery taste with a hint of bitterness to edibles. 

It has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Almost 70% of food coloring agents are derived from it; the color comes from compounds called carotenoids (which also act as an antioxidant), pigments found in the seed’s outer layer. 

Annatto is also known for its use as a spice in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine. The seeds are often ground into a powder or made into a paste and added to dishes such as stews, rice, and beans. The flavor of annatto has been described as slightly peppery and nutty, with a hint of sweetness.

Currently, Annatto enjoys GRAS status (Generally, Recognized as Safe) by Food and Drug Administration. It is also endorsed as a food coloring agent in the European Union and other countries worldwide.

Annatto: The Ancient Superfood

Annatto is a versatile plant that has been used by indigenous populations for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. Its rich history and numerous health benefits have earned it the nickname of the "Ancient Superfood." The annatto seeds are coated with a red color derived from the carotenoid bixin. This antioxidant supports eye health and may prevent eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. We already understand the importance of antioxidants in our metabolism, but our ancestors also recognized this fact, albeit through different sources of information.

Annatto paste, made from the seeds, has been utilized to treat various conditions such as headaches, upset stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, asthma, bronchitis, skin blemishes, burns, and other skin irritations. While the seeds are primarily known for their medicinal and antioxidant properties, the leaves are also edible and rich in fiber and calcium, promoting bone health and maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Annatto as a Natural Cosmetic

Annatto has been used as a cosmetic for thousands of years and is commonly known as the "Lipstick Plant" because of its red seeds. People have been using Annatto, for its naturally vibrant hue, to paint their bodies. This tradition of using annatto as body paint dates back to the era of the ancient Mayans. Since most cosmetic brands these days are migrating towards more natural, healthier, and sustainable replacements, Annatto has proven to be a top choice for many cosmetic manufacturers in terms of working as a substitution for synthetic colorants. These days, it is often used in organic makeup products such as lipsticks, eye shadows, and blushes. It is also used in the hair-care industry to give a natural-looking color to the hair. Additionally, this versatile dye is considered a safe additive by the FDA.

Annatto-derived Tocotrienols – Why so Special?

Annatto is more than just a condiment and a natural dye; it is a rich source of vitamin E, specifically tocotrienols, the most superior form of vitamin E.

The Wellness Extract vitamin E contains authentic and pure DeltaGold® Tocotrienols, which are formulated using a patented natural evaporative method that does not involve harsh or synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals, or solvents to extract the Tocotrienol vitamin E from the Annatto seeds.

Extract the Tocotrienol vitamin E from the Annatto seeds

What are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are compounds that prevent the process of oxidation, that is inhibiting chemical reactions which release free radicals that damage the cells of our body. Dietary Vitamin E is an essential lipid-based antioxidant which is essential for protection against oxidative stress. Our body needs antioxidants just like an army needs superior weapons to fight. The right kind of antioxidants are our weapons to fight any damage to our body and support healthy aging.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential micronutrient to create and sustain human life. As a powerful fat-soluble cell antioxidant, it is a strong protector against free radicals. It can work wonders if the supplement contains the right molecule. Vitamin E is highly beneficial for our foundational health specifically in cardiovascular, bone, metabolic, and skin health. Parts of it can be obtained through certain food and some parts only through dietary supplements. As we age, our body has to work harder to absorb the nutrients from daily diet. Vitamin E is an essential micronutrient which can be consumed through food, but has a low antioxidant action in a standard meal especially because a certain part of Vitamin E is most likely missing.

Vitamin E Family - Tocopherols (T) & Tocotrienol (T3)

Vitamin E Family

The unique properties of Vitamin E make it essential for the human body–especially for our immune system and cell protection. Vitamin E is made up of two main groups: Tocopherols and Tocotrienols  (lesser known). Both consist of 4 isomers each –Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta. Tocopherols have been around for a long time and can be obtained through many common foods for example, palm, rice, grains, and much more. Whereas, Tocotrienols are a more recent and important discovery.

The defense mechanism of Vitamin E Tocotrienols protects 95% of lipid cells from oxidative damage. Dr. Barrie Tan has studied both of these molecules individually and found through research that Tocotrienols have almost twice the amount of antioxidant activity than Tocopherols. However, they are missing in 99% of vitamin E supplements available in the market at present. This is because Tocopherols are much more readily available through common foods and therefore easier to make. In conclusion, we are still missing out on the 50 TIMES stronger form of Vitamin E – TOCOTRIENOLS!

Dr. Barrie Tan

Dr. Barrie Tan – The World’s foremost expert on Vitamin E – has dedicated over 3 decades on the study of Vitamin E. He discovered that Tocotrienols (especially Gamma and Delta Tocotrienols) are far more superior than the other Vitamin isomers due to their size, shape and miraculous antioxidant properties. Tocotrienols may be 50 TIMES more potent than Tocopherols based on their molecular structure alone. But the limitations came in finding a source of PURE Tocotrienols. After years of exploration and discoveries, Dr. Tan stumbled upon a unique, bright, and vibrant looking plant in the Amazonian Forest. This plant was none other than –Annatto! (Also known as the Achiote tree / Bixa Orellana)

In the last two decades, Dr. Tan’s extensive research has uncovered this additional important role for the Annatto plant which continues to be a life-changing discovery for many. Annatto was found to have extremely unique antioxidant properties as a specific form of Vitamin E: Tocotrienols. This plant contains pure Tocotrienols (NO Tocopherols) which is the key to its superiority.

Tocotrienols VS. Tocopherols

If we take a look at these two components that make up Vitamin E, there are a few key major differences.
Tocotrienols VS. Tocopherols

Benefits of Tocotrienols over Tocopherols

Tocotrienols are made up of a shorter molecular structure and therefore are light in weight and have increased mobility; they cover larger cellular surface areas and are able to penetrate into a vast number of cells due to their smaller size, making them almost 50x times more effective than Tocopherols.

Tocotrienols have recently been identified as a super health supplement. Previously, only alpha-tocopherols were studied and consumed but now are proven to have less potent antioxidant action than Tocotrienols based on many study results.

Tocopherols are commonly consumed through various dietary products in our meals such as nuts and seeds, fruits like Avocado etc, hence their requirement is met through food and Tocopherol supplementation will not help much as excess is secreted out of the body. 

Tocopherols interfere with Tocotrienol benefits and affect the physiological functions such as absorption, resulting in a compromised cholesterol and triglyceride reduction.

Ideal Vitamin E supplementation should be Tocopherol free, which will not interfere with body physiology. Replacing conventional Vitamin E supplements which contain a mixture of Tocopherols and Tocotrienols or only Tocopherols with Tocotrienols is proven to show more health benefits and faster results.

Top Health Benefits of Tocotrienols

☆ Supportive therapy

☆ Supports metabolic health

☆ Supports cardiovascular health

☆ Improves bone health

☆ Improves cell health

☆ Metabolizes fat in the liver

☆ Helps regulate Inflammation

☆ Helps maintain healthy sugar levels

☆ Supports skin health

☆ Improves brain health

Our Annatto products - Best Source of Vitamin E Tocotrienols

Annatto derived Tocotrienols are clinically proven to be the best source of Vitamin E.

Our Eannatto products contain the very same plant-based Tocotrienols extracted from Annatto, using the sustainable extraction method curated by Dr. Barrie Tan, which received the first ever Annatto-patent for a unique extraction technique in 2002.

This method is free of any harsh chemicals, synthetic solvents, or any petrochemicals.

Moreover, our Eannatto products have the most active antioxidant molecules of Tocotrienols - Delta and Gamma variants. 

*These Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only, not a replacement for any medical advice or attention of the healthcare professional.

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