Baobab. KING OF SUPER fruits

THE MIGHTY BAOBAB

Growing up in Zimbabwe, I was always fascinated by Baobab trees. I would spot them scattered in the wild across the country and in neighboring countries like Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa. I would frequently visit one of my favorite rural areas along the Zambezi river to enjoy the wildlife. Along the way, I would see Baobab trees on desolate roads with an abundance of wildlife surrounding me. Elephants, zebras, baboons, lions and hyenas - to name a few, would wander by the side of the road or occasionally cross. To me, there is nothing more majestic and captivating to see than this. My fascination with Baobab trees opened up a whole new world of wonder as I learned more about a tree like no other. Here are some interesting facts I discovered about these trees and its fruit, which has been used traditionally for centuries as food, medicine, clothing, ceremonies and more.

BAOBAB Tree

There are a total of eight types of these trees in parts of Madagascar, Africa, Australia, India and the Arabian Peninsula. These trees have been around since 200 million years ago and are among the longest-living life forms on Earth. Some are believed to be over 1,000 years old, with the oldest known Baobab estimated to be around 6,000 years old (more than Egyptian pyramids). Their extended lifespan makes them one of the world's oldest living trees. They can reach heights of 16 to 98 ft and trunk diameters of 23 to 36 ft. Its trunk can hold up to about 31,700 gallons of water, an adaptation to the harsh drought conditions of its environment.

This majestic tree is also known as the 'bottle tree', 'upside-down tree', 'monkey bread tree' and 'the tree of life'. Its existence is intertwined with both human culture and wildlife. These names are given for a good reason as they provide shelter, clothing, food, medicine, and water for the animal and human inhabitants of the African Savannah regions. The tree's leaves are used to make soup, and it has medicinal properties in some regions of Africa for healing wounds, diarrhea, asthma, fever, and Malaria.

The Baobab tree is leafless for most of the year and looks like it has its roots sticking up in the air ('upside-down tree'). Each tree has hundreds of flowers ready to bloom at night, timing its arrival with the lunar cycle. This creates a stunning display of changing nighttime colors as they time their bloom beneath the full moon. Depending on what species of Baobab tree, the flowers are pollinated by bats or mouse lemurs and insects.

BAOBAB fruit

The Baobab fruit, sometimes known as 'monkey bread', grows dehydrated in its pod throughout the dry season (the only fruit in the world to do so). This natural process produces one of the most nutrient dense fruits on earth, with each fruit weighing around 3 to 4 lbs. Baobab fruit is classified as a super-food/super-fruit because of its exceptional nutritional value. It is naturally rich in essential minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes and prebiotic dietary fiber.

Baobab fruit does not need to undergo any heat treatment, irradiation, spray drying or freeze-drying making it naturally preservative-free, additive-free as well as non-GMO.

In 2008, baobab dried fruit pulp was authorized in the EU as a safe food ingredient, and later in the year was granted GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in the United States. As a UK certified Clinical Weight-Loss Nutrition and trainer, the Baobab fruit has been an invaluable tool in the past when working with my clients in this field. Since 2009, JoPaulo Natural Organics has used and sold Baobab fruit powder as a supplement as well as Baobab oil for our skin and hair care products. The Baobab seed oil (not fruit) has extraordinary topical properties, but it is not advisable to be taken internally as it contains cyclopropenoid fatty acids. This may interfere with the fatty acid synthesis in the body and lead to several health issues.

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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the FDA. Nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products mentioned in this article or website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Neither JoPaulo Inc, its writers nor publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

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