Treatments developed from the fruit were more than 15 percent effective in hair growth, according to one study
Annatto, a plant native to the Brazilian Amazon basin, has several benefits for our health. Besides being a complete source of vitamin E, annatto is also rich in vitamin A, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, carotenoids and flavonoids, being a powerful antioxidant.
But in addition to these benefits, and also being popularly known as a natural tanner, annatto oil is a 100% natural source of tocotrienols ― an essential nutrient for the body, from the vitamin E family ― and with a high potential against hair loss .
“Tocotrienols present in sources of vitamin E, as well as annatto, compared to tocopherols, are 60 times more antioxidant and have a powerful action against oxidative stress. Annatto oil, in turn, is a complete source of vitamin E composed of 100% tocotrienols, which makes it a powerful agent against hair loss and alopecia”, explains Maurizio Pupo, pharmacist and specialist professor in cosmetology.
Relationship between hair loss and annatto
Hair loss does not necessarily mean a health problem, but it is known that there is a strong relationship between oxidative stress and hair loss.
“This is confirmed by the fact that levels of glutathione – the body’s main natural antioxidant – are low in people suffering from hair loss. With low levels of glutathione, free radicals, responsible for cell damage, provide the oxidative stress that causes this hair loss,” says Maurizio.
Furthermore, according to studies carried out at Sains Malaysia University, Malaysia, with volunteers suffering from hair loss, after four months of testing the group of volunteers who received the tocotrienols treatment had a significant increase of 15.2% of hair loss. hair, while the volunteers who received the placebo, had only a 3.2% increase in hair.
Benefits of annatto oil
“It is also worth mentioning that annatto oil helps reduce sebum (capillary and body), as well as presenting other benefits for the body in general, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-osteoporosis action. And when it comes to aesthetics, the benefits go beyond hair loss, such as: action against skin aging and anti-wrinkles, skin hydration and minimization of hyperpigmentation”, explains Maurizio.
And, while annatto oil has properties that promote tanning on the skin, it offers protection from the sun’s rays.
“Since it is a plant that contains flavonoids, i.e. it has a powerful antioxidant action, it is very effective as an active ingredient in sunscreen, with an average factor of 5.5. But obviously annatto oil by itself doesn’t replace sunscreen, it’s just an extra help for our skin against the harmful effects of solar radiation”, underlines the specialist.
Ways to consume annatto correctly
And in order for all these benefits to be enjoyed, the pharmacist indicates how annatto can be used.
“If supplementation is opted for, it should be done using manipulated capsules derived from annatto oil. As for home use, it is from the annatto seed that the active substances are extracted and, in this way, it is possible to consume it through herbal teas prepared from dried or fresh leaves, in oil for cooking or as a food coloring. It is also worth mentioning that, nowadays, ointments with annatto extract are also produced, which are used above all in the case of scars, burns and dermatitis”, concludes the pharmacist.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
