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super food guide
Baobab: the complete guide
22
Jun
Jun
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The baobab is a tree also called “tree of life”. There are 8 species scattered in Africa, Madagascar and Australia (and some of which are endangered).
A baobab tree can be up to 40 meters high and is able to withstand the hottest temperatures because it can hold up to 120,000 liters of water. This tree has a fruit named “monkey bread” which measures 20 cm but which weighs its weight (about 1.5kg)! These fruits contain seeds coated with a pulp. In addition to being edible, these famous “monkey breads” contain an incredible richness in vitamin C as well as other prodigious benefits.
Baobab powder (from the pulp of the fruit) has gained ground and has been exported to Europe. England has already capitulated to such a marvel… Who’s next?
Quick Navigation :
• The benefits of the baobab
• The origins of the baobab
• Experts’ opinion
• Side effects and contraindications
• Dosage
• Where to buy it?
The benefits of baobab
A great composition!
The fruits of the baobab have a composition that makes more than one superfood jealous! Surprisingly rich in vitamin C, these fruits have 6 times more than oranges. Wait and see, it’s not over: 3 times more calcium than in a glass of milk, 6 times more potassium than bananas and 6 times more antioxidants than black currant! Monkey breads also contain a high content of fiber, iron and minerals.
We understand better how this fruit helps to fight against deficiencies!
Tonic and energizing properties
Thanks to its tonic and energizing properties, baobab powder can occasionally be used as a cure for fatigue. It is also recommended after an illness (flu, infection), during a convalescence, in case of loss of form, after an emotional shock, a fall in immune defenses or during sports activities for a better recovery.
Anti-inflammatory
Everyone knows the usefulness of anti-inflammatories: pain reduction, inflammation, swelling, etc. Who said that you need medication to relieve a pain when baobab powder can also be used for this purpose! It is also useful in case of inflammatory diseases (osteoarthritis) and joint pain.
Benefits for bones and teeth
As previously mentioned, the baobab fruit is rich in calcium and iron. That is why it greatly affects the strength and rigidity of bones as well as tooth enamel. Its interesting composition would also allow it to have a certain role to play in muscle contraction, the proper functioning of the nervous system and in blood coagulation.
Rich in antioxidants
The baobab fruit contains a significant amount of vitamin C and it is particularly known for its antioxidant effect. It is also proven that the baobab pulp is 4 times more powerful than a kiwi and 15 times more than an apple! (Antioxidant power level)
Antioxidants can prevent oxidative stress from free radicals and thus prevent the development of certain degenerative diseases such as cancers, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc. They also participate in the protection of cells against aging and in a good general state of health.
Skin aging and healing
Baobab powder is excellent for the skin, and this on several levels. Often used on dull and tired skin, it is possible to use it as a mask to moisturize the skin, soothe and soften it.
This superfood also has healing properties. Indeed, the vitamin B2 present in the baobab powder intervenes on the repair of tissues. It also helps in the absorption of iron so do not hesitate to combine it with spirulina!
In addition to vitamin B2, vitamin C also has regenerative, restorative and anti-aging properties. Indeed, thanks to its strong antioxidant power, it prevents cell aging. What more could you ask for?
Purifying properties
Thanks to the antimicrobial active ingredients it contains, our baobab powder has purifying properties. It also helps to detoxify the body but especially the liver. For a total action, do not hesitate to associate the baobab with wheat grass!
Actions on the liver
Studies have proven that previously mentioned benefits (such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities) protect and repair the liver. There is no doubt on this point: it is THE superfood consumed after a night a little too watered! (Just to counteract the effects of alcohol on your liver a little)
Regulator of the intestinal transit
Baobab powder is extremely rich in fiber, which is why it helps to fight constipation and diarrhea, participates in the perfect regulation of intestinal transit and is an excellent rehydrator. Approved by the WHO! (World Health Organization)
Moreover, if this benefit is your priority, you can combine baobab powder with its best ally: psyllium
The origins of the baobab
The baobab is a sacred tree in many African countries. Also nicknamed “magic tree”, the pulp of this fruit has been consumed for many years by the local ethnic groups of Africa.
Moreover, it is often used in Senegal for a refreshing and energetic drink named “Bouye” (a mixture of water or condensed milk and baobab powder).
However, Africans are not satisfied only with the pulp of the fruit: all parts of the baobab are exploited for their many nutritional and therapeutic virtues. And when we say all of them, it’s all of them! (Roots, bark, trunk, leaves, seeds and pulp). Baobab is also integrated into several preparations of traditional African remedies.
Expert opinions
Nutritionist Laurence Foucaud confirms the usefulness of baobab powder (mixed with a yogurt, smoothie, or juice) as part of an occasional cure against fatigue. However, she questions the intake of capsules as a dietary supplement. According to her, the capsules would be uninteresting: gustatively speaking, it is not the best, it is rather expensive, it does not replace a diversified diet and vitamin C is eliminated in the urine if it is taken in too large quantities. Laurence Foucaud also mentions that it is useless to replace flour with baobab powder because it loses almost all of its fibers and vitamins during cooking.
Nevertheless, she specifies that in a small cure (with a dosage of one to two small spoons per day), baobab powder can be interesting.
Adverse reactions and contraindications
Adverse reactions
Taking baobab powder does not really have any adverse effects. However, even if rare cases of allergies have been reported, the main inconvenience that you may encounter is the appearance of certain gastric problems (due to its high fiber content). To get rid of it, nothing could be simpler! It is enough to reduce the doses.
Contraindications
People suffering from heart or kidney problems may potentially experience certain problems due to potassium.
Moreover, given that the fiber content per 100g of powder is 44g (that is about 10g more than the daily requirement of an adult), it is strongly advised to avoid overdosing in people with intestinal disorders.
Concerning the pregnant or breast-feeding women as well as the children, ask your doctor before consuming baobab powder.
Dosage
How much per day?
When consumed in powder form, this superfood requires an intake of between 5 and 15g per day (i.e. about 1 to 3 teaspoons). The powder is usually diluted in water or juice but you will see that there are a lot of possibilities!
If you decide to turn to capsules, follow the instructions written on the package.
How to consume baobab powder?
Baobab powder can be used in different ways and for different purposes.
In the kitchen
With its tart and slightly sweet taste, baobab powder can be combined with many different dishes or drinks: juices, smoothies, sorbets, ice cream, yogurt, cereals, pancake preparations, cakes, cereal bar, etc.
Thanks to its sweet taste, you will be able to reduce the amounts of sugars and flavor your white cheeses, teas, infusions…
In case of fatigue, there is nothing better than consuming baobab powder as a cure for breakfast (in drinks, cereals, or others).
In external care
Baobab powder is also used in external care. Indeed, it is possible to make it into oil to nourish the hair, face creams, masks, lotions, etc.
Where to buy it?
It is possible to find baobab powder in organic stores and specialized stores. This superfood is also available on the internet. Be careful to check the origin and composition before any purchase.
As with all superfoods, it is highly recommended to choose organic.
Don't know which products to eat to reach your health goals?
Find out in less than a minute by making your personalized diagnosis.
