Table of Contents
Baobab trees can live for over 3,000 years. When they die, they rot inside and all of a sudden collapse! You can find baobab growing within our Jungle Biome.
Botanical description
Taxonomic name: Adansonia digitata.
Family: Malvaceae (kapok, mallow, soda, hibiscus).
Also known as: monkey bread tree, lemonade tree, upside down tree.
Tree up to 25m high. Trunk girth as much as 25m when mature. Branches short, stout and twiggy at ends. Bark red-brown to purple-grey. Leaves easy to digitate, with as much as 9 dark green and glossy brochures but usually 5. Flower stalk (peduncle) up to 90cm long. Flowers dangling, up to 20cm broad, white, petals rounded including a mass of stamens (as much as 1,600), typically open prior to leaves. Fruits amphisarca, as much as 20cm long, globose to ovoid, covered in felt-like downy hairs (tomentum), consist of lots of seeds.
Where to discover Baobabs?
Baobabs (Adansonia digitata) can be found in Africa South of the Sahara:.
Southern and Eastern Africa: Ethiopia (in the South), Eritrea, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan (in the South), Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botsuana, Namibia (in the very North), Angola, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa (in the North, Limpopo Province).
West Africa: Burkina Faso, Kamerun, Tchad, Kongo, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo.
Baobabs were commonly dispersed by human beings– Arab merchands for instance traded the fruit on Egyptian markets and additional East. The trees are said to be discovered in nations as far as Vietnam and Indonesia. A less positive distribution aspect was the slave trade to Latin America: Baobabs can be discovered in the Carabbean today. Some Baobabs take pleasure in the warm climate in Florida. More baobabs grow in Australia (in the North-West) and in Madagascar. However the types there are not Adansonia digitata.
Traditional medical usages
Baobab leaves, bark, and fruit are utilized for food and medicinal functions in southern Africa. The bark has astringent homes and has actually been used traditionally to relieve colds, fevers, and influenza (a decoction made from the fresh bark is taken as a beverage for one week to treat the flu). The wood, bark, and seeds of the tree are understood to have anti-inflammatory properties. The leaves may be utilized as an antiperspirant, and they likewise have been used to treat fever, kidney and bladder illness, along with asthma and diarrhea. In African conventional medication, baobab fruit pulp is used to treat fever, diarrhea, dysentery, smallpox, measles, hemoptysis (the coughing up of blood), and as a painkiller. For the treatment of infant diarrhea, a mix made from the floury pulp combined with millet flour and water is offered to the child up until cured. For dysentery, baobab leaves are administered orally or squashed into a drink. Leaves can likewise be used in hip-baths to treat parasitic skin infections. The seed can be pulped and used externally or contributed to water as a drink to deal with gastric, kidney, and joint diseases.
During the rainy season when the trees are in leaf, baobab is a great fodder tree, specifically for video game such as elephants, kudus, nyalas, and impalas. At the end of the season, cattle eat the fallen leaves, and numerous video game types relish the fallen flowers. As far as human beings are worried, the roots can be tapped for water, and the young roots are cooked and consumed. Young leaves can be prepared and eaten like spinach or dried and powdered to be utilized later on. The leaves are rich in ascorbic acid (vitamin C), sugars, and potassium tartrate. The acid pith of the fruit is abundant in vitamin C and can be used to make a revitalizing drink. Baobab seeds, the oil of which is high in calories, can be eaten fresh, dried, or roasted as a substitute for coffee (Coffea spp., Rubiaceae). The pulp and seeds have high dietary value in the form of iron, calcium, and vitamin C, and they can be fed to animals towards completion of the dry season when grazing is poor.
The citric and tartaric acids found in the pulp inspired one of baobab’s popular names, “cream of tartar tree.” Baobab pulp is frequently used in baking as a milk-curdling representative, as a flavoring for yogurt and ice cream, and as a source of calcium for pregnant and lactating females. Due to its high pectin content, the pulp likewise has actually been used generally as a thickening representative for sauces and jams. In some African cultures, the pulp has actually been used as an ingredient in cosmetics.
Baobab has a long history of use as a medical product. The botanist and physician Prospero Alpini (1553-1617) wrote in his book De plantis Aegypti liber that fresh baobab fruit had a very pleasing taste, which the Ethiopians utilized it on burns and rashes and to cool the impacts of serious fevers. For these conditions, they either chewed the flesh of the fruit or pressed it into a juice with sugarcoated. Alpini likewise wrote that in Cairo, Egypt, where fresh baobab fruit was unobtainable, Egyptians made preparations from its powder to deal with fevers, dysentery, and bloody injuries– an indicator that this plant has been used medicinally for centuries.
Local medical uses for baobab are highly varied. The bark, along with dried leaves, is made into a preparation called lalo that is used to induce sweating and minimize fever. The bark contains a quantity of edible, insoluble, acidic, tragacanth-like gum, which is utilized to disinfect skin ulcers and wounds. Mucilages made from baobab phloem sap in the bark are used as a solution for gastrointestinal inflammation. The bark likewise is popular as a cardiotonic; this traditional usage has actually been verified experimentally by researchers who demonstrated the favorable inotropic result of an ethanolic bark extract on separated atrial muscles of rats.
In Sierra Leone particularly, the leaves and bark are used as a prophylactic versus malaria. In the Congo,.
a bark decoction is used to bathe kids with rickets, and in Tanzania, as a mouthwash to deal with tooth pain. In Ghana, the bark is used as a substitute for quinine in cases of fever. In southern Zimbabwe, the leaf is consumed as a vegetable, while in central Africa it is utilized as a diaphoretic (perspirant) against fevers, and the seeds as a remedy for dysentery. In Messina, South Africa, the powdered seed is given to relieve hiccups in kids.
In Nigeria and Senegal, baobab fruits are deemed to be effective against microbial illness. This has been validated in tests versus particular bacteria and fungi, although the active constituents responsible for these impacts have yet to be separated. A ready root infusion is utilized as a bath for infants to maintain soft skin. Conditions including asthma, sedation, colic, fever, swelling, diseases of the urinary system, ear trouble, backache, wounds, growths, and respiratory problem are treated orally. The leaves are considered an emollient and diuretic, and leaf preparations are utilized for earache and otitis (inflammation of the outer ear, middle ear, or ear canal). In general, leaf preparations are utilized for the control of kidney and bladder illness, asthma, tiredness, and as a tonic, blood cleanser, prophylactic, and febrifuge (a medication that minimizes fever). They have also been used for diarrhea, inflammation, insect bites, the expulsion of guinea worms, internal discomfort, and other afflictions.
15 Fantastic Benefits of Baobab Powder You’ll Love
1. Baobab powder is high in vitamin C
All of us understand how crucial vitamin C is! It supports immune function, collagen production and enhances iron absorbtion. Vitamin C is crucial for keeping healthy bones, skin, capillary and more. Baobab powder has 6 times the vitamin C of an orange by weight, and supplies 33% of the recommended day-to-day quantity in just one tablespoon.
2. Baobab powder is abundant in prebiotic fiber
You have actually probably become aware of probiotics and taken them after a course of prescription antibiotics. Probiotics are live microbiota that reside in the gut and assistance food digestion and immune health. Baobab is a prebiotic food, implying that it consists of soluble fibers that are non-digestible and benefit the gut microbiome to produce beneficial microflora. The advantages of prebiotic fiber extends beyond the gut and increases stress resilience, alleviating stress and anxiety and even enhancing sleep according to research at the University of Colorado in Stone. Baobab powder is nearly 50% fiber, 75% is prebiotic.
3. Baobab powder is a vegan source of calcium
Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in our bodies and together with vitamin D makes for strong bones and healthy skin. Baobab powder has perhaps the greatest calcium content of any plant food– it offers 2 times the calcium of milk, making it an ideal calcium boost for those who don’t consume dairy (or anybody, really!). For the cardiovascular system consuming adequate calcium decreases the danger of hypertension and decreases cholesterol. Calcium likewise enhances skin barrier function which assists maintain hydration for plump younger skin. People with dry, vulnerable skin in particular benefit from calcium-rich foods.
4. Baobab powder has 4 times the potassium of a banana
Baobab powder provides 4 times the potassium of a banana, making it an outstanding source of this essential nutrient. In addition to sodium, potassium plays a role in preserving the body’s fluid balance, muscle and kidney function. Every cell in the body needs potassium, for the cardiovascular system it controls heart beat, unwinds capillary and promotes regular high blood pressure.
5. Baobab powder gives magnesium
Enjoyable truth: Magnesium is utilized in more than 600 reactions in the body! Magnesium manages blood sugar level, and is essential to heart health and brain function. For professional athletes magnesium enhances leg strength and enhances efficiency. Magnesium deficiency impacts mood and is related to increased depression, stress and anxiety and sleep problems.
6. Baobab powder offers powerful polyphenol antioxidants
Nutrient-dense baobab powder is an outstanding source of polyphenol anti-oxidants. We’ve all heard about how terrific antioxidants are for your health, but what do they. do? Polyphenol anti-oxidants protect the body’s tissues versus oxidative stress connected with cancer, and coronary heart disease. It’s a great concept to consume antioxidants every day to decrease swelling which. puts us at risk of chronic disease. Research studies reveal that Baobab’s polyphenol anti-oxidants enhance sugar handling and support a balanced gut microbiome. A single assisting of nutrient-dense Baobab powder consists of 6 times the quantity of polyphenol antioxidants discovered in berries– so toss a tablespoon or 2 into your smoothie and keep those complimentary radicals in check!
7. Baobab powder’s nutrients are bioavailable
What excellent are healthy nutrients if you can’t absorb them? Not just is baobab powder packed with vitamins and minerals, however these nutrients are really bioavailable as well. This suggests a higher.
proportion of the nutrients actually get absorbed, absorbed and metabolized by the body.
8. Baobab powder is low glycemic
It’s a great idea to pay attention to your blood glucose even if you are not diabetic, Keeping steady blood glucose levels throughout the day helps keep your energy up, your brain healthy, and your mood balanced. Eating low glycemic foods that take longer to be absorbed (such as fiber-rich baobab powder) is an excellent way to support well balanced blood glucose levels. Research study reveals that Baobab powder is a low glycemic food!
9. Baobab powder supports gut health
Your digestive system is home to trillions of microbes that, when in balance, work to absorb food appropriately and support other bodily systems. Prebiotic fiber acts as food for the good bacteria in your gut, which assists keep the whole microbiome balanced. As baobab powder is an exceptional source of prebiotic fiber, adding it to your everyday regimen is an easy way to improve your gut health.
10. Baobab powder promotes glowing skin
Not just is a balanced gut microbiome helpful for your digestion, it’s likewise fantastic for your skin thanks to the gut-skin axis. Baobab powder’s high vitamin C material likewise helps increase collagen and elastin production, the proteins that keep your skin flexible and youthful. Include baobab powder’s incredible antioxidants that assist battle oxidative damage, and you have actually got among the best foods for glowing skin!
11. Baobab powder is an immune enhancing powerhouse
Did you know that a massive 70% of your immune system is involved your gut? This suggests that gut microbiome balance is incredibly important for keeping a healthy immune system. Baobab powder, with its toolbox of powerful nutrients, is an excellent immune booster; Its prebiotic fiber assists stabilize the gut microbiome while its high levels of vitamin C guarantee your immune system can do its job.
12. Baobab powder is naturally sweet and tasty
Baobab powder has a delightful, moderate citrus flavor that is mainly undetectable when utilized in recipes. KAIBAE co-founder Barbara Maes states it tastes like “a sweet tart fulfills a pixie stick” or “healthy enjoyable dip”. Thanks to its mild taste, it’s easy to take advantage of the health benefits of baobab powder by including it to any dish! In fact blending Baobab powder with honey makes a terrific healthy immune reward for kids (and adults too). The KAIBAE Baobab + Honey Magic Resistance Elixir is a preferred recipe!
Baobab powder can be consisted of in recipes for pancakes, breads, sauces, desserts and more.
13. Baobab powder is flexible, professional athletes like it too
Using baobab powder is an easy way to get more nutrients in your diet because of its flexibility. Include it every day for all around health, weight management and to improve athletic performance and healing. Taking your baobab powder can be as simple as mixing it with water or mixing it into a smoothie, or it can be consisted of in dishes for pancakes, breads, sauces, desserts and more. Experiment in the kitchen area and boost your nutrient consumption at the same time!
14. Baobab powder is wildcrafted and sustainable
The baobab tree is considered to be a Lost Crop ™, a wild plant with powerful health and appeal benefits that has actually been undervalued until recently. By consisting of baobab powder in your diet plan, you’re assisting bring economic value to this spectacular tree and securing biodiversity. Considering that baobab powder is collected in the wild there are never ever pesticides, chemicals or harmful farming practices used. You might be wondering, Why is KAIBAE Baobab accredited as Organic? To accredit a wild-harvest natural makes sure that these wild crops are collected in a manner that protects the trees and the environment and sustains the growth and regenerative practices around these the wild crops.
15. KAIBAE baobab powder is single origin, directly supports communities and preserves biodiversity
KAIBAE Organic Baobab Powder is wild collected in the northern area of Ghana, where there are few opportunities for financial development and poverty is widespread. We’ve partnered with communities there to regeneratively and morally harvest wild baobab fruit. The income from these harvests offers stable, year-round income for them and significantly enhances their access to healthcare and education.
What does a baobab fruit taste like?
A ripe baobab fruit has dry, white flesh that tastes like yogurt or tamarind. It has low levels of sweetness and a subtle tang, like a mild lemon. The texture of a baobab’s kernels is a special milky, dry consistency that may leave a great flour-like powder coating in your mouth.
Each fruit has lots of small, brown baobab seeds which are covered in the white pulp. Some varieties have a soft shell that can be bitten through while others will need a hammer or nutcracker to break. The kernel inside is edible and tastes like a Brazil nut with a buttery mouthfeel and somewhat acidic taste.
Baobab juice is a moderate beverage with much less taste strength and sweet taste than apple, apricot, or pear juice. It likewise has a little sourness. Individuals that enjoy water with a capture of lemon juice or coconut water, may enjoy this rejuvenating beverage.
Baobab fruit is frequently sold as dried fruit or powder in stores throughout the world. The powder has a pleasant zingy, appetizing taste that is exceptional added to beverages or food. Like the fresh fruit, it is slightly sweet with a subtle lemony taste.
Baobab fruit taste infographicTip: if you ever try a fresh baobab then we recommend consuming the nuts independently from the pulp. While they are both pleasurable consumed by themselves, when the two are paired together the flavor mix is awkward.
How to utilize Baobab
For maximum outcomes, we recommend taking 2 to four teaspoons of Aduna Baobab Superfruit Powder each day. It is simple to add Baobab into your everyday diet – just let your imagination lead the way!
Here are a few of our preferred ways you can feel the #baobablove:
- onto fruit, cereal, yoghurt & & pancakes. into bread,
- brownies, cakes & & cookies. into porridge, desserts, soups, hot water & & lemon. into water, fruit juice, coconut water & & salad dressings
- into sauces, milkshakes, healthy smoothies & & ice creams
Negative effects
When taken by mouth: Baobab is LIKELY SAFE when consumed as a food. There isn’t adequate dependable information to know if baobab is safe to utilize as a medication or what the adverse effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn’t sufficient trusted information to know if baobab is safe or what the side effects might be.
What are the adverse effects of baobab?
Though baobab has a good nutritional worth and its intake is considered advantageous, there are particular drawbacks to it, such as: The seeds and pulp include certain antinutrients, particularly phytates, tannins, and oxalic acid, which interfere with and reduce the absorption of nutrients.
Does baobab have negative effects?
Though the majority of people can securely consume baobab, some prospective negative effects need to be thought about. First, the seeds and pulp include antinutrients, such as phytates, tannins and oxalic acid, that can decrease nutrient absorption and accessibility.
Does baobab raise high blood pressure?
The mineral material of this powder has been shown to lower high blood pressure and enhance flow, two things that will assist to prevent heart disease and stroke.
Can you dislike baobab?
In conclusion, the baobab fruit might trigger extreme food allergy reactions.
Is baobab helpful for arthritis?
Baobab is likewise stated to safeguard against inflammation-related conditions (including type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and allergic reactions, along with heart problem and cancer). Additionally, baobab fruit is in some cases used as an active ingredient in skin care, hair-care, and body-care items.
Is baobab acidic or alkaline?
By consuming highly alkaline foods. The PRAL rating (potential renal acid load) is a measure of the alkalizing homes of foods. With a PRAL Rating of -52, Baobab Fruit Powder is among the most blood alkalizing foods in the world!
Just how much baobab powder should I take?
Just how much baobab powder a day? Our recommended serving is 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons every day, morning or night (or both). For a quick increase, mix baobab powder into a glass of water or juice. It can likewise be stirred into yogurt and oatmeal, sprayed on fruit or salads, and added to baked goods, soups, and desserts.
Is baobab helpful for diabetics?
Baobab essentially decreases the GI of high GI foods such as white bread! By slowing the glycemic reaction of basic carbohydrates, the findings indicate that baobab fruit powder could possibly assist in the management of weight problems and type 2 diabetes.
Does baobab powder end?
Baobab fruit powder generally has a life span of 24 months, but scientists have actually called for more examination into how storage and processing impacts the nutrients.
How do you eat baobab seeds?
In order to get to the kernel the seeds are cooked or roasted and then crushed. Roasted seeds can be consumed like peanuts. As a coffee alternative whole seeds were roasted, ground and brewed with hot water. The powder can be utilized as spices for soups or other meals.
Is baobab good for fertility?
Rich in vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and selenium, baobab certainly offers a fantastic amount of nutrients for a healthy fertile body in both men and women.
Is baobab helpful for skin?
Loaded with vitamins and nutrients, baobab oil can be directly applied to the skin. Its high vitamin C content might promote collagen development, boosting the skin’s natural elasticity and smoothness.
Does baobab coffee have caffeine?
Baobab Coffee. This scrumptious standard drink is made from roasting && amp, grinding Baobab Seed, and is a great alternative to routine coffee. It does not contain any caffeine. … Hunters likewise used baobab seed as a remedy to neutralize the harmful Stophanthus applied to arrowheads for searching.
What is the name of baobab fruit?
The tree’s fruits are big pods known as ‘monkey bread’ or ‘cream of tartar fruit’ and they produce a dry fruit pulp that is extremely healthy.
What does baobab taste like?
chalky of a texture. The pale powder covers your mouth and the roofing of your mouth. Practically like flour however unlike flour where you taste the genuine wheaty-ness, baobab is a little appetizing, nearly citri-sy sort of flavor.
Does baobab oil lighten skin?
You have actually baobab oil for skin lightening. It is the ideal ingredient to cause moisturizing of the skin and hair quality. … The oil well nurtures the scalp with the supply of the vital nutrients. It helps in promoting healthy hair growth and can make the skin and hair look great.
Adverse Effects and Risks
Using Baobab and similar items like moringa supplements needs to be taken into thoroughly. This requires to be validated to be safe and protected to be utilized by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It likewise has actually many risks included along with this,.
- Reduces high blood pressure
- Decreases the heart rate
- Consists of alkaloid
- It might also cause uterine contraction particularly if you have moringa bark
- Cell anomalies can be caused utilizing the chemical isolated from roasted seeds
- May cause issues with fertility9
- May interfere with your pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, you require to call your doctor before taking any type of herbal medicines on your own.
Dosing
The proper dosage of baobab depends on a number of aspects such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time, there is inadequate scientific information to identify an appropriate series of doses for baobab. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Make sure to follow pertinent directions on item labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare specialist before using.
Sources
- https://www.edenproject.com/visit/things-to-do/rainforest-biome/baobab
- https://baobabstories.com/en/find-baobabs/
- https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/108/table-of-contents/hg108-feat-baobab/
- https://gokaibae.com/blogs/blog/15-amazing-benefits-of-baobab-powder-youll-love/
- https://tastylicious.com/baobab-fruit-taste/
- https://aduna.com/blogs/learn/how-to-use-baobab
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1260/baobab
- https://dailydelish.us/faq/what-are-the-side-effects-of-baobab/
- https://aminabaobab.com/blogs/moringa-baobab/baobab-fruit-powder-health-benefits-side-effects-dosage-and-facts
- https://www.rxlist.com/baobab/supplements.htm#Dosing
