What exactly is baobab?
Baobab is the name of a fruit that grows on trees belonging to the Adansonia genus. It may be discovered within hard pods that are hung upside-down from the branches of the trees. Baobab is often ingested as a powder prepared from the dried and crushed fruit of the tree that has been harvested. There's a lovely, citrusy flavour to it.
Advantages in terms of nutrition
A 10g serving of baobab powder gives the following benefits:
- 25 cal / 105 KJ
- 0.2g Protein
- 0.1g Fat
- 4.1g Carbohydrate
- 4.7g Fibre
- 198 mg Potassium
- 27mg Vitamin C
The top five health benefits of baobab
Jump to:
- Advantages in terms of nutrition
- 1. It may be possible to control blood sugar levels
- 2. It has the potential to cure fever and high temperatures
- 3. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties
- 4. It is high in antioxidants that protect the body
- 5. It has the potential to increase fullness
- Is baobab a safe plant for everyone to consume?
1. It may be possible to control blood sugar levels
Only a few studies have been conducted on the health benefits of baobab in humans, however, a 2013 study investigated whether baobab might lower glycaemic response (blood sugar levels) when baked into white bread or swirled into water. The researchers discovered that not only is baobab abundant in polyphenols – plant components that have beneficial antioxidant characteristics – but that it also has the ability to lower starch digestion and glycaemic reactions in humans.
Although these findings were later challenged by a study published in 2016 by Nutrition Research, the researchers discovered that baobab-enriched bread had no effect on glycaemic response or hunger, but that adding the fruit extract to white bread had a positive effect on the amount of insulin required to control blood glucose levels. More study is clearly required in this area, however, it seems that baobab has certain beneficial properties that may be beneficial to those who have diabetes or insulin sensitivity problems.
2. It has the potential to cure fever and high temperatures
Fever and high temperatures may be treated using a mash prepared from the dried bark of the baobab tree, which has traditionally been used in Africa as a herbal treatment. The baobab fruit, pulp, and seeds have been shown to have anti-fever qualities and to have the potential to decrease raised body temperatures in certain studies. However, further research is needed.
3. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties
There have been a few publications published looking at the antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects of baobab, but more study is required to determine which section of the plant is the most useful.
4. It is high in antioxidants that protect the body
In addition to polyphenols, which protect cells from harm and aid in the management of inflammation, baobab is also rich in other plant chemicals. A number of animal studies have shown that both the bark and the flesh of the fruit may be beneficial in reducing inflammation levels. More study, however, is required to determine whether or not the findings are applicable to people.
5. It has the potential to increase fullness
Considering that baobab has a significant amount of fibre, it may be beneficial in suppressing hunger and maybe supporting weight-loss efforts. One tiny research found that the usage of baobab might help people lose weight by lowering their appetite and having a favourable impact on their weight control.
Is baobab a safe plant for everyone to consume?
When baobab is consumed as part of a well-balanced diet, its seeds and pulp include chemicals such as phytates and tannins, which may interfere with the absorption of vital nutrients. However, when baobab is consumed in small amounts, these levels are unlikely to be of concern. However, if you are thinking about taking it as a supplement, it is recommended to see your doctor first, especially if you are on prescription medication, pregnant, or nursing.
