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Baobab seed and powder
Baobab Fruit
Introduction
Introduction
The African Baobab tree, which is scientifically known as Adansonia Digitata, grows naturally in Africa, Middle East, Australia and Madagascar. Traditionally, all parts of the tree have been used for one function or the other, from being consumed as food or medication, to the production of clothing and domestic artefacts. The tree produces a large delicious citrus-tasting fruit which is harvested from the wild natural habitat of the tree. Baobab fruit is found inside hard shells that hang from the branches of the tree. The seeds of the fruit are covered by pulp, which can be crushed to produce fruit powder. The tree is known to possess numerous health and medicinal properties. Here are the top baobab fruit benefits and reasons why you should be taking supplements with fruit powder as part of your regular diet.
1. Baobab is effective at preventing and fighting a variety of ailments
1. Baobab is effective at preventing and fighting a variety of ailments
The African Baobab tree is laden with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols which are known to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant, antimalarial, antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory properties. Different parts of the tree contain different nutrients. Whilst the baobab fruit powder is rich in vitamin C, fibre, protein, phosphorus, calcium, lipids, carbohydrates and potassium; the seeds contain zinc, manganese, phosphorus, thiamine, fat, micronutrients, magnesium, sodium, iron, lysine and calcium. Due to its nutrient-rich and medicinal nature, some ancient cultures used Baobab tree barks, pulp, seeds and leaves to treat most known diseases including tuberculosis, dysentery, diarrhoea, fever, microbial infections, malaria, anaemia, toothache and asthma.
The African Baobab tree is laden with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and polyphenols which are known to possess antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant, antimalarial, antidiarrheal and anti-inflammatory properties. Different parts of the tree contain different nutrients. Whilst the baobab fruit powder is rich in vitamin C, fibre, protein, phosphorus, calcium, lipids, carbohydrates and potassium; the seeds contain zinc, manganese, phosphorus, thiamine, fat, micronutrients, magnesium, sodium, iron, lysine and calcium. Due to its nutrient-rich and medicinal nature, some ancient cultures used Baobab tree barks, pulp, seeds and leaves to treat most known diseases including tuberculosis, dysentery, diarrhoea, fever, microbial infections, malaria, anaemia, toothache and asthma.
2. Baobab fruit benefits for the digestive system
2. Baobab fruit benefits for the digestive system
Baobab is rich in fibre and polyphenols which are instrumental in the production of some microorganisms that are essential for your digestive health, especially intestinal bacteria. Extracts of the plant promote what is referred to as a robust microbiome - the increased production of essential and good bacteria in the intestines. Research studies have shown that societies that have baobab as part of their regular diets have better intestinal microbiome than those who do not consume baobab at all. This is due to the fact that the prebiotic nature of the soluble fibre and polyphenol compounds found in baobab promote the growth of these good bacteria, which optimizes the digestion of starch by the intestines, leading to robust gut health. This explains why baobab is effective in fighting dysentery, diarrhoea and constipation.
3. Baobab health benefits for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
3. Baobab health benefits for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
The term Glycemic response refers to the extent to which the consumption of food and drinks which are high in carbohydrates affects our blood sugar levels. It is measured by what is called the Glycemic Index (GI). Due to its high fibre content and polyphenol antioxidants, the fruit powder has a lower GI compared to most foods. The inclusion of the fruit powder in yours diet, therefore, slows down the digestion of starch and regulates the production of insulin, thereby minimizing the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Consequently, this results in low blood sugar levels in the body. The ability of the fruit powder to regulate the release of glucose into the blood stream helps prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels which could lead to the development of type-2 diabetes.
The term Glycemic response refers to the extent to which the consumption of food and drinks which are high in carbohydrates affects our blood sugar levels. It is measured by what is called the Glycemic Index (GI). Due to its high fibre content and polyphenol antioxidants, the fruit powder has a lower GI compared to most foods. The inclusion of the fruit powder in yours diet, therefore, slows down the digestion of starch and regulates the production of insulin, thereby minimizing the release of glucose into the bloodstream. Consequently, this results in low blood sugar levels in the body. The ability of the fruit powder to regulate the release of glucose into the blood stream helps prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels which could lead to the development of type-2 diabetes.
Since the body stores any sugar, excess to its requirements, as fat, the consumption of the fruit powder also minimizes the development of diseases caused by the build-up of fat, like obesity. The fibre in the fruit powder also slows gastric emptying thereby reducing the craving for food, which further assists with weight loss. Research has also shown that the fruit powder has the effect of preventing both obesity and type-2 diabetes even when it is taken together with foods which are known to cause weight gain and have higher GI like cakes, white bread and white rice.
Since the body stores any sugar, excess to its requirements, as fat, the consumption of the fruit powder also minimizes the development of diseases caused by the build-up of fat, like obesity. The fibre in the fruit powder also slows gastric emptying thereby reducing the craving for food, which further assists with weight loss. Research has also shown that the fruit powder has the effect of preventing both obesity and type-2 diabetes even when it is taken together with foods which are known to cause weight gain and have higher GI like cakes, white bread and white rice.
4. Baobab powder benefits for the immune system
4. Baobab powder benefits for the immune system
Due to its phenomenal strength in boosting the immune system, more research studies have been conducted on the effects of Vitamin C on the immune system than any other nutrients. The strength of your immune system determines whether you fall sick or not. A week immune system leaves you vulnerable to the more than 200 viruses that cause flu, common cold, influenza and other respiratory diseases. Whilst it is among the list of foods that are rich in vitamin C, which include papaya, cantaloupe, grapefruit, guava, kiwi, orange and strawberries, the fruit powder tops the list. Due to the high quality of its vitamin C, only 40 grams of the fruit powder can provide between 84 percent and more than 100 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C. The regular consumption of the fruit powder is therefore, a very effective way of fending off the common cold and other illnesses.
Due to its phenomenal strength in boosting the immune system, more research studies have been conducted on the effects of Vitamin C on the immune system than any other nutrients. The strength of your immune system determines whether you fall sick or not. A week immune system leaves you vulnerable to the more than 200 viruses that cause flu, common cold, influenza and other respiratory diseases. Whilst it is among the list of foods that are rich in vitamin C, which include papaya, cantaloupe, grapefruit, guava, kiwi, orange and strawberries, the fruit powder tops the list. Due to the high quality of its vitamin C, only 40 grams of the fruit powder can provide between 84 percent and more than 100 percent of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C. The regular consumption of the fruit powder is therefore, a very effective way of fending off the common cold and other illnesses.
5. Baobab facilitates iron absorption
5. Baobab facilitates iron absorption
According to the World Health Organisation (2017), iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder that affects more than 30% of the world’s population. The human body requires two types of iron, namely: heme which comes from red meat, fish and poultry; and non-heme which comes from milk, eggs, plants and meat. Of these two, the human body finds it difficult to absorb non-heme iron. Since baobab fruit pulp is rich in vitamin C, which can be easily absorbed by the human body, the rate of non-heme iron absorption can be increased by eating the iron rich food together with the fruit powder.
6. Baobab is a super food
6. Baobab is a super food
Indeed, Baobab is a super food, especially the pulp which produces the fruit powder. The powder can either be consumed on its own or can be used as ingredients for numerous dishes and recipes, including smoothies and salads. It can be added to beverages, ice cream, cereals and yougurt. The fruit powder can be taken at any time of the day and can be blended with any food that can raise blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that the fruit powder contains up to six times the vitamin C of oranges; four times the potassium of bananas; 10 times the fibre of apples; five times the magnesium of avocados; twice the antioxidants of acai berries; and twice the calcium of milk.
7. Baobab is excellent for general hydration and skin health
7. Baobab is excellent for general hydration and skin health
Baobab leads all other foods in antioxidant content. This, coupled with its ability to fight free radicals makes baobab the perfect food for skin health care, including aging skin. Due to its high concentration of Vitamin C, the fruit powder helps to brighten the skin and lighten dark spots on the skin. The fruit powder contains fatty acids, such as omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9, and several vitamins that have nourishing, cleansing as well as moisturizing properties that are friendly to the skin. It is therefore, an excellent ingredient for promoting a healthy skin barrier. The blending of Vitamin C, antioxidants and the omega fatty acids makes baobab a vital ingredient for hydrating the skin, making the skin look youthful and delaying the onset of skin aging. The fruit powder is super rich in protein, calcium and vitamin E, which promote the healing and strengthening of nails and moisturizing of dry scalp and damaged hair. The fore going discussion clearly spells out the baobab benefits in body oils and lotions as part of your skin care routine.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Numerous studies on Baobab fruit pulp have consistently demonstrated that baobab is an excellent super food, which is effective at preventing and fighting a variety of ailments. It is rich in fibre and polyphenols which help to improve gut health, thereby minimizing the onset of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Baobab’s ability to boost the immune system is also well documented and it is also excellent for general skin health. Although it has no known side effects, Baobab should not be used as an alternative to proper medical attention. You still need to consult your doctor when using Baobab to fend-off or manage any diseases, and maximize the health benefits of baobab.
Bibliography
Bibliography
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Jakemanl, P., & Maxwell, S. (1993). Vitamin C & Muscle Function: Effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on muscle function after eccentric exercise. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology.
Link, R. (2018). Top 6 Benefits of Baobab Fruit and Powder. Retrieved from Healthline.
Megan Ware. (2018). Health and nutritional benefits of baobab. Retrieved from Medical News Today.
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Thompson, R. (2016). Prebiotics & Sleep: Dietary Prebiotics and Bioactive Milk Fractions Improve NREM Sleep, Enhance REM Sleep Rebound and Attenuate the Stress-Induced Decrease in Diurnal Temperature and Gut Microbial Alpha Diversity.
Zee, M., & Chamlee, V. (2021). Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Baobab. Retrieved from BYRDIE: https://www.byrdie.com/baobab-benefits
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