Baobab is a genus (Adansonia) of nine species of deciduous trees that belong to the hibiscus or mallow family (Malvaceae). The baobab tree is also warmly referred to as the “tree of life.”
Research by Chadare et al., (2009) demonstrates that baobab tree contains remarkable collection of macronutrients, micronutrients, amino acids and fatty acids in the pulp, leaves, seeds and kernels of the baobab tree. In traditional medicine, different parts of the baobab tree have been used as a general cure for many health conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis, fever, microbial infections, diarrhea, anemia, toothache and dysentery. In India, practitioners of Ayurvedic Medicine have used baobab to treat diarrhea, dysentery, excessive thirst and skin inflammation.
Scientific Studies on Health Benefits
- Immune Support
A study by Rahul et al., (2015) demonstrates that, Baobab leaves and fruit pulp are used as an immune stimulant. This is due to the fact that, the fruit pulp has significant amount of vitamin C (280–300 mg/100 g), about seven to 10 times more than oranges (51 mg/100 g)!
An earlier study by Wintergerst et al., (2005) supported this Baobab immune-boosting potentials due to the abundant of vitamin C. The study further demonstrates that, vitamin C (as well as zinc) may help decrease symptoms and shorten the duration of respiratory tract infections including common cold. The study also agrees that vitamin C and zinc can fight pneumonia and malaria infections, especially in children living in developing countries.
- Iron Absorption
As a result of the high content of Vitamin C, Baobab improves the absorption of nonheme iron, which is the form of iron present in plant-based foods like baobab according to the National Institute of Health. This means that, Baobab helps to get the right amount of vitamin C and iron.
- Dermatological Support
In a study conducted by Calsen et al., (2010), looking at the total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. The study emerged that, both the baobab fruit and leaves have high amount of antioxidant which support the skin as well.
Whether taken internally or externally (seed oil) can fight oxidative stress that promotes signs of aging and the same time boosting collagen production, which of course is very anti-aging. Interestingly, in a previous study conducted by Niki (1987), Vitamin C also supports regeneration of vitamin E, and in turn helps to protect and repair skin.
- Support digestion and Blood Sugar
A study conducted in the lab by Coe et al., (2013) demonstrates that Baobab fruit decrease starch digestion in vitro and show potential for reducing the glycemic response (GR) while also increasing satiety and diet-induced thermogenesis (a metabolic process during which the body burns calories to produce heat) in humans.
In the method, six different Baobab from African locations were baked into white bread at various doses to figure out the optimal dose for reducing starch breakdown and sugar release from white bread after an in vitro digestion process.
The researchers found that, the polyphenol-rich baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata) extract reduced starch digestion and glycemic response at both low and high doses. Nevertheless, no notable effects on satiety or energy expenditure were observed.
- Support Weight
In a recent study by Garvey et al., (2017) which investigated the effects of baobab fruit extract on satiety. It is noted that, baobab fruit is rich in health-boosting dietary fiber and polyphenols, hence, it is expected that the results to be positive.
The study involved one-day single-blind crossover, 20 healthy respondents consumed a test smoothie containing 15 grams of baobab extract or a control smoothie with zero baobab. Then subjective ratings of satiety were taken. The researchers found that the consumers of the baobab smoothie did, in fact, report reduced measures of hunger.
The study notes, “This research has positive implications for the use of baobab for reducing hunger, possibly having a positive effect on weight maintenance.”
Nutritional Contents
According to Food Data Central, two tablespoons of organic baobab powder has the following:
- 30 calories
- 0 grams protein
- 0 grams fat
- 6 grams carbohydrate
- 5 grams fiber
- 1 gram sugars
- 0 grams cholesterol
- 5 milligrams sodium
- 15 milligrams vitamin C (17 percent daily value (DV)
- 2.7 milligrams iron (15 percent DV)
- 250 international units vitamin A (5 percent DV)
- 200 milligrams potassium (4.3 percent DV)
- 16 milligrams magnesium (3.8 percent DV)
- 40 milligrams calcium (3.1 percent DV)
Warning signs
In 2009, according to the Medical News Today, baobab fruit was certified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are currently no well-documented baobab powder side effects.
It is advisable that, pregnant, breastfeeding, and those with others medical condition or taking medication, to consult their doctor before including baobab powder into their diet. One company by name degraciafoods.com is into organic Baobab in Ghana.
Take Home
- From research, Baobab is a good source of vitamin C, iron, potassium and many other nutrients.
- In traditional medicine, it is used for all kinds of health concerns including malaria, tuberculosis, fever, microbial infections, diarrhea, anemia, toothache and dysentery.
- Improves immune system function and fights off diseases
- Boosts iron absorption
- Improves skin health when used both internally and externally
- Improves digestion and blood sugar control
- Supports weight maintenance
The writer is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips, scientific herbs and healthy recipes in the world.
DISCLAIMER This post is for enlightenment purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for professional diagnosis and treatments. Remember to always consult your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or for counselling, guidance and treatment about a specific medical condition.
The writer is an honorary Professor of Holistic & Naturopathic Medicine. A chartered Management Consultant (ChMC), Naturopathic Consultant, Researcher, Lecturer and educationist. President, Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine and currently, LLB level 300 law student. Contact: 0241083423/0541234556
References
- Chadar FJ, Linnemann AR, Hounhouigan JD, Nout MJ, Van Boekel MA. Baobab food products: a review on their composition and nutritional value. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Mar;49(3):254-74. doi: 10.1080/10408390701856330. PMID: 19093269.
- Wintergerst ES, Maggini S, Hornig DH. Immune-enhancing role of vitamin C and zinc and effect on clinical conditions. Ann Nutr Metab. 2006;50(2):85-94. doi: 10.1159/000090495. Epub 2005 Dec 21. PMID: 16373990.
- Carlsen, M.H., Halvorsen, B.L., Holte, K. et al.The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. Nutr J 9, 3 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-3
- Niki E. Interaction of ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1987; 498:186-99. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632. 1987.tb23761. x. PMID: 3304060.
- Coe SA, Clegg M, Armengol M, Ryan L. The polyphenol-rich baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.) reduces starch digestion and glycemic response in humans. Nutr Res. 2013 Nov;33(11):888-96. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.08.002. Epub 2013 Sep 9. PMID: 24176228.
- Garvey R, Clegg M, Coe S. The acute effects of baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata) on satiety in healthy adults. Nutr Health. 2017 Jun;23(2):83-86. doi: 10.1177/0260106017704361. Epub 2017 Apr 17. PMID: 28413912.
