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 superfood/superfruit because of its exceptional nutritional value.  It is naturally rich in essential minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes and prebiotic dietary fiber.  It 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 my past when working with clients in this field.  Since 2009 JoPaulo Natural Organics we have 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 amazing topical properties but it is not advisable to be taken internally as it contains cyclopropenoid fatty acids, which may interfere with the fatty acid synthesis in the body and lead to several health issues.  In this article I'll be focusing only on the Baobab fruit and return to the Baobab oil later in another article.

Because of its delicate but tangy citrus-like flavor I have gone beyond just drinking it on its own or as an electrolyte. I add it to collagen, mix it into smoothies, teas as well as making sauces, marinades, jams and baking.  I have blended it with honey and other ingredients to make a 'healthy' Margherita, lemonades, sorbets and desserts.  It truly is versatile and delicious.  I consume it everyday along with various African teas and believe its one of reasons I have barely have gotten sick or visited a doctor in over 33 years.

NUTRIENT PROFILE

Here are some of the well-known health qualities discovered in some studies.  I would recommend doing a little additional in depth research and studies on the internet as this only covers the basics.

Antioxidants

Baobab fruit powder has a high concentration of bioactive phytochemicals like triterpenes, flavonoids, sterols, polyphenols and antioxidants.  It has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.  With an ORAC (Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of 140,000 it overtakes freeze-dried acai powders by 36% (102,700), raw cacao by 150% (55,653), Camu Camu by 169% (52,000), moringa leaf by more than 1,000% (11,900), and maca root by 2,000% (6,100).  Baobab's antioxidant level is more than twice that of Goji berries, and more than six times that of blackberries, blueberries and cranberries.  Antioxidants protect your body against free radicals that may cause cancer and certain heart diseases.  The polyphenols in Baobab fruit powder improve digestion, blood sugar levels, blood clots, brain function, and reduce inflammation in the body.

Vitamin C

At 100mg/100g baobab powder contains seven to 10 times more vitamin C than oranges.  Vitamin C is water soluble and an antioxidant vitamin and cannot be stored in the body as it is constantly excreted and should be supplied to the body on a regular basis.  Vitamin C is an immune booster and help in the protection against infections.  It helps white blood cells produce antibodies and eliminate harmful cells, an effective booster to your immune system during cold and flu season.  Vitamin C also contains anti-hypertensive properties which can lower blood pressure and strengthens many parts of the body such as blood vessels (heart health and prevention of varicose veins).  Vitamin C is beneficial for muscles and provides healthy gums and helps form collagen and elastin which support the skin giving its elasticity and youthfulness.  Vitamin C is also known to help to burn fat which leads to weight loss.

Iron

Baobab powder is a rich source of iron, containing 3.6mg/100g.  This is more than foods traditionally recommended for their high iron content such as lentils, spinach and red meat. Iron makes up an important part of hemoglobin, a substance in blood that carries oxygen throughout the body.  Iron also carries oxygen in muscles, helping them function properly.  Iron helps increase resistance to stress and disease.

Magnesium & Calcium

Dried baobab powder is a rich source of magnesium, containing 144.5mg/g, five times more magnesium than avocados.  Magnesium is linked to heart health, bone health and the lowering of high blood pressure.  A lack of magnesium leads to insulin resistance and magnesium in baobab can lead to improved insulin sensitivity and may reduce the risk of developing diabetes.  With over 250mg/g of calcium baobab powder contains twice as much calcium as milk.  Baobab is the richest known plant source of calcium.  Calcium is vital in the building and maintaining of bones and teeth.  Magnesium and calcium also control blood pressure by tightening and relaxing blood vessels when necessary.

Potassium 

2120mg/100g of potassium is contained in baobab powder, which is almost six times higher than banana even dehydrated banana powder. Potassium is an important mineral for a healthy body, it's very good for the nervous system, brain and muscle function.  Potassium minimizes the effects of sodium, potassium allows you to excrete more sodium through urine.  Potassium can also relax your blood vessels, which can reduce blood pressure lowering the risk of cardiac arrest.

Fiber

A healthy digestive system will help with the absorption essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, as well as strengthen the immune system.  Baobab's high fiber content is good not only for weight management by slowing digestion and feeling fuller longer, but it may aid to keep stomach healthy too. It contains pectin, which accounts for approximately 50% of the baobab fruit's total fiber content, an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber.  It is also prebiotic, which means it feeds the healthy bacteria in your stomach, improving digestion which may play a vital role in preventing intestinal ulcers, piles, and other inflammatory diseases of the digestive system.  Due to it fiber and polyphenols it may slow down the rise in blood glucose, helping prevent sugar spikes according to a Oxford Brookes University study.

Amino Acids, Vitamin B, Phosphorus, Selenium & Zinc

Baobab fruit contains a variety of essential amino acids, including lysine, threonine, and valine, which are required for the immune system, metabolism and protein synthesis.  Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and B9 (folate).  The majority of B vitamins primarily assist in converting food into energy that the body can use. It helps initiate the processes that turn carbohydrates, fats and proteins into a usable form of energy.  Selenium protects cells from oxidative damage caused by pathogens and infections; improves immunity by lowering inflammation.  Zinc promotes wound healing and cell reproduction, leading to increases development of new immune cells.

Alkalizing Effect

PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load) is a metric that determines if a food has a basic (alkaline) or acidic effect after consumption.  Meat and dairy products have positive PRAL values, indicating that they increase acidity. Vegetables and fruits typically get a negative grade, indicating that they promote alkaline levels.  Baobab powder's PRAL rating is -52 which outperforms bananas, carrots, beet greens, beans, carrots and mushrooms.

How to Take

Before incorporating baobab into your diet, seek advice from a registered healthcare professional such as a nutritionist or doctor.  Pregnant or nursing, or individuals using medication such as anticoagulants and blood pressure meds, as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions ought to give special attention to this.

Begin with 5 grams (about a teaspoon) of baobab powder per day and gradually increase the dosage as needed, up to a daily maximum amount of 15 to 20 grams.  This will minimize any potential side effects and aid in figuring out your personal tolerance.  To determine how your body is reacting to baobab supplements, regularly monitor changes in your energy levels, digestion, and overall health.  If you have any side effects, cease using it and seek medical advice.  Be aware that excessive intake of vitamin C (more than 1000mg a day), may cause stomach pain, flatulence and diarrhea.

Conclusion 

Baobab fruit powder is a very nutritious and versatile that offers numerous health benefits and an excellent source of nutrients featuring a significant vitamin C content along with an impressive mineral profile.  Its tangy taste, solubility, and prebiotic qualities make it an excellent additive to a variety of food and beverage products.  Whether you want to enhance your immune system, improve digestion, or just add a nutrient-dense superfood to your diet, baobab fruit powder is an excellent option.