While exploring the african continent I fell over a special superfood. It has been nicknamed the “tree of life” – The Baobab tree and fruit. In nature many monkeys, birds and warthogs gets important nutrients from the tree. The baobab tree plays a key role in African ecosystem. They help keep soil conditions humid, promote nutrient recycling, and prevent soil erosion.
Baobab is a fruit that has been associated with a number of remarkable health benefits. In addition to adding many important nutrients, adding baobab to your diet may help with weight loss, balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation and improve digestive health.
Baobab is considered a nutrient-dense fruit, and the pulp is very rich in vitamin C, and holds protein, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and fiber. The levels of these nutrients in the pulp are much higher than those found in commonly consumed fruits such as guava, mango, berries, and bananas.
How to use Baobab
When looking at the nutrition content of the fruit it could easily be added to an athletic diet as a supplement.
Baobab pulp and powder has more than 2 times the amount of calcium as milk. In the western world it is possible to get the benefits from the fruit through Baobab powder. 100g of Baobab powder contains 173.2 mg vitamin C as well as 8.42 mg of iron, 342.00 mg of calcium, 2189 mg of potassium. Amazing numbers for a fruit.
In older days and since ancient times medicinal plants has healed us. Baobab leaves, bark, and seeds was used to treat many different diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, fever, microbial infections, diarrhea, anaemia, toothache, and dysentery. Especially, the leaves and fruit pulp was used to reduce fever and stimulate healthy immune system.
Africans has used Baobab for many years. They use the fruit in cooking and soap making. They often ferment, ground and turn baobab seeds into a highly nutritious sauce.
The taste of baobab is described like a light lemon and sweet sherbet. Mixed with other ingredients, baobab can be used as a flavour brightener enhancing the flavours of the companion ingredients. It gives a fruity flavour when add to smoothies, porridge, pancakes and so on.
Are you interested in other healing plants and herbs, then try to read this Guide made by a University on Medicinal herbs.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306445
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/baobab