Baobab

Baobab

Scientific Name: Adansonia digitata
Classification: Herb and Fruit

Health Uses: Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Blood Sugar, Digestion, Heart Health, Nutrients, Nutrition/Dietary, Weight Loss

Adansonia digitata L. fruit, also known as baobab, has been used traditionally throughout the world for its medicinal properties. Ethnopharmacological uses of various plant parts have been reported for hydration, antipyretic, antiparasitic, antitussive, and sudorific properties and also in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in many African countries. Several studies have revealed that in addition to these applications, baobab has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial activities. The health benefits of baobab have been attributed to its bioactive compounds, namely phenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanins, tannins, catechins, and carotenoids. Baobab fruit is also an important source of vitamin C and micronutrients, including zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and protein, which may reduce nutritional deficiencies. (1)

Health Benefits:

Nutrient Rich

Baobab is a good source of many important vitamins and minerals. Research shows that the nutritional content of baobab can vary depending on the geographical location where it’s grown and between different parts of the plant, such as the leaves, pulp and seeds. For instance, the pulp is high in vitamin C, antioxidants and several key minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The leaves are rich in calcium and high-quality proteins that can be easily digested. The seeds and kernel of the plant are loaded with fiber, fat and micronutrients like thiamine, calcium and iron.

However, in most parts of the world where fresh baobab is unavailable, it’s more commonly found as a dried powder. Powdered baobab contains many important nutrients but is especially high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, iron and potassium.

Weight Loss by Promoting “Fullness”

Some research has found that adding baobab to your diet may be beneficial if you’re looking to drop a few extra pounds. It can help curb cravings and promote feelings of fullness, helping you eat less and lose weight.

One small study in 20 people showed that drinking a smoothie with 15 grams of baobab extract significantly reduced feelings of hunger compared to a placebo drink.

Baobab is also high in fiber, with most powdered preparations packing around 4.5 grams of fiber into each tablespoon

Blood Sugar

One study found that baking baobab extract into white bread reduced the amount of rapidly-digested starch and slowed down the increase of blood sugar levels in the body.

Similarly, another small study in 13 people showed that adding baobab to white bread decreased the amount of insulin needed to transport sugar from the blood to the tissues to help control blood sugar levels.

Inflammation

Baobab is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, which are compounds that protect your cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation in your body. Some studies suggest that chronic inflammation could contribute to a long list of health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disorders and diabetes.

Though current research is mostly limited to animals, some studies have observed that baobab may help decrease levels of inflammation in the body. One rat study found that baobab fruit pulp reduced multiple markers of inflammation and helped protect the heart from damage.

Digestion

Baobab is a good source of fiber, and powdered versions can contain up to 18% of the daily recommended value in just one tablespoon (10 grams). Fiber moves through your gastrointestinal tract undigested and is essential to digestive health.

For example, one review of five studies showed that eating more fiber increased stool frequency in people with constipation. Fiber also acts as a prebiotic and feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, optimizing the health of your gut microbiome.

Other research shows that increasing your intake of fiber may also protect against conditions like intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and hemorrhoids  (23)
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