In Africa, it has long been part of the normal diet and even has medicinal uses; in Europe, it's being touted as a new "superfood": The fruit of the monkey bread tree, called baobab, is said to have many beneficial properties for the body. What's the truth behind the hype about baobab?
Table of contents
1. What is the origin of baobab?
Baobab originates from Africa. Adensonia digitata is the most popular of seven species there. A hard seed coat makes baobab particularly resilient, as the seeds can easily remain in the soil for years before germinating with irrigation. Once harvested, the fruit flesh is particularly nutrient-dense, which is why baobab is often used in traditional dishes. Baobab's external appearance resembles the cocoa fruit, but the flesh falls apart like dry bread when the fruit is opened. Unlike many other fruits, baobab dries on the tree and is therefore harvested dry.
2. What does baobab taste like and how is it used?
Baobab tastes similar to citrus fruits. Its slightly acidic flavor makes it particularly suitable for making fruit juices or sweets. Baobab can also be used in sauces or porridge. Extracted baobab oil is also popular in cosmetic products. Baobab powder is delicious in muesli or yogurt, or dissolved in water or milk for a fruity drink. In addition to the pulp, the seeds are also processed, for example, in the production of shampoo.
Medicinal uses are known, although studies do not yet allow for definitive conclusions. In Africa, for example, baobab has been used for centuries in the production of traditional medicines. In Europe and the USA, only the dried pulp is officially approved as a food product; whole baobab fruits, however, are available only as decorative items. However, baobab is generally considered a safe food with no side effects.
3. How does baobab work?
Baobab has a high vitamin C content of 250-300 mg per 100 g of powder – neither apples nor oranges can compete with that. Furthermore, the fruit of the baobab tree is rich in antioxidants . Antioxidant foods protect cells from accelerated aging and prevent various diseases. Baobab also contains high levels of calcium and iron .
Baobab powder is particularly beneficial for digestion due to its high fiber content of over 40%. This means that just one tablespoon (10 g of powder) provides more fiber than a slice of whole-grain bread. Since baobab powder contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, it supports intestinal activity in several ways: Soluble fiber feeds the intestinal flora , while insoluble fiber swells when combined with liquid, makes you feel particularly full and regulates intestinal transit. Another positive side effect of fiber-rich foods: The slowed absorption of carbohydrates results in a slower rise in blood sugar levels—one more reason to incorporate the baobab tree's superfruit into your diet.
BRAINEFFECT HACK : To benefit from baobab while enjoying a delicious drink, we developed DAILY GUT LEMON with friendly gut bacteria, vitamins, and fiber from baobab. The flavor of baobab complements the acidity of real lemon juice powder—providing the perfect nutritional base for your gut flora.
4. Conclusion
Baobab is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Baobab powder protects cells from oxidative stress and has a regulating effect on the intestines. Anyone looking for a delicious powder with digestive benefits should look for baobab powder .
5. Sources
FJ Chadare, AR Linnemann, JD Hounhouigan, MJR Nout, MAJS Van Boekel: Baobab Food Products: A Review on their Composition and Nutritional Value. In: Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. Volume 49, No. 3, 2008
David A. Baum: A Systematic Revision of Adansonia (Bombacaceae). In: Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Volume 82, No. 3, 1995, pp. 440-471
Official Journal of the European Union; 2008; authorizing the placing on the market of Baobab dried fruit pulp as a novel food ingredient under Regulation (EC) No 258/97 of the European Parliament and of the Council
Coe, S., & Ryan, L. (2012). Polyphenol content and in vitro bioaccessibility of six baobab fruit extracts. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society , 71 (OCE2).
