This superfood is great for healing the body from the inside out! Baobab tastes like a sour mango and is consumed in powder form. It easily mixes with beverages, smoothies, juices, and various meal preparations. Baobab has numerous health benefits but one of my favorites is its ability to repair and rejuvenate the skin. According to The Journal of Nutrition, baobab has the highest amount of antioxidants compared to any other fruit. At 48.1 mmol/100 ga Baobab can help heal and restore skin complexion, heal damage, improve elasticity, and fight aging!
It’s naturally rich in vitamin A, C, D, E, and F, plus fatty acids, minerals, and B complexes. Baobab is said to have 10 times the fiber of apples, 6 times the vitamin C of oranges, 2 times the antioxidants of acai berries, 2 times the calcium of milk, 4 times the potassium of bananas, and 5 times the magnesium of avocados, and more iron than red meat! The iron and Vitamin C are helpful in promoting healthy iron levels in the body as Vitamin C increases the absorption rate of iron. The hefty amount of antioxidants combined with Vitamin C helps to fortify the immune system and increase energy levels. The potassium and magnesium help promote healthy cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.
Baobab is composed of 50% dietary fiber and polyphenols which help reduce hunger by increasing
satiety. A large amount of soluble fiber supports heart health and digestion. The soluble fiber may help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) “bad” cholesterol levels by binding to the cholesterol and bile acids in the intestine promoting their excretion. The prebiotic effects help sustain a healthy gut by promoting the presence of healthy bacteria, therefore, improving elimination. Baobab helps to significantly reduce the rate at which sugar is released into the blood supply post-digestion. These actions are promising for those with type 2 diabetes, and for those looking to lose weight.
The leaves of the Baobab contain high amounts of Vitamin C as well as alpha and beta 
carotenes, rhamnose, uronic acids, tannins, potassium, calcium, catechins, tartrate, glutamic acid, mucilage and other sugars. The medicinal properties of the leaves are expectorant, diaphoretic and antipyretic, astringent, anti-histamine, anthelmintic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hydrotic. The leaves are commonly used medicinally for coughing, congestion, asthma, fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, inflammation, allergies, insect bites, worms and parasites, and diarrhea.
Baobab does pack a powerful punch when it comes to nutrient-rich food sources. The actions of baobab within the body promote healthy functions helping to increase overall vitality. Although this is available in capsule form I recommend adding it to cold beverages for a zesty refreshment. There are many brands to choose from but I personally love Limitless Good. Besides having a 100% pure product they are also a fair trade company that supports women, and donates 8 meals to those in need for every purchase!
*These statements are for educational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a physician before starting new supplements.
Sources
1. 2018. Available at: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0260106017704361?journalCode=naha. Accessed January 31, 2018.
2. Carlsen M, Halvorsen B, Holte K et al. The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide. 2018.
3. Nutrition • Baobab Powder | African Superfood | Rawtanica. Baobab Powder | African Superfood | Rawtanica. 2018. Available at: http://www.baobabsmile.com/home/nutrition/. Accessed January 31, 2018.
4. How Does Fiber Help Reduce LDL?. Healthyeatingsfgatecom. 2018. Available at: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/fiber-reduce-ldl-5545.html. Accessed January 31, 2018.
5. Baobab: the superfruit. Baobab: the superfruit. 2018. Available at: http://baobabsuperfruit.com/. Accessed January 31, 2018.
6. The Baobab leaves health benefits, medicinal properties | Poudre Baobab bio | acheter poudre baobab bio. Baobabbaobabbio. 2018. Available at: https://www.baobab.baobab.bio/fruit-benefits-properties/. Accessed January 31, 2018.
