Baobab powder: uses and nutritional benefits

Native to Africa, the Baobab is a large tree of the Bombaceae family. Its large trunk makes it a very special tree. In arid regions, where it flourishes, all parts of the tree are consumed and used: from seeds to roots. The fruits have a floury texture and a sour taste. This taste indicates the presence of an acid that is particularly appreciated: ascorbic acid, or vitamin C. The vitamin C confers many properties and therapeutic indications to the Baobab: antioxidant, vascular, bone and dental protector... We also notice the presence of fibers in the Baobab powder. The fibers trap the cholesterol in the food, which lowers the cholesterol level. Baobab powder is traditionally used in multiple ailments, some are unanimous, such as its invigorating and anti-diarrhea effect. Latin name: Adansonia digitata L. Botanical family: Bombaceae. Part used: Fruit.

Recommended consumption

Baobab powder is a concentrate of energy and nutrients. It is best to increase the doses as you go along in order to avoid unpleasant side effects. As a cure or for pleasure, 2 to 6 g of Baobab powder, or 1 to 3 teaspoon(s) per day.

In what form?

To take full advantage of its benefits, you can use it :

  • In powder form
At what time of day?

We advise you to use it during the following meal(s) to take full advantage of its benefits:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Snacks
  • Dinner
What modes of use?

You can integrate them into the following preparations to facilitate its taking:

  • Smoothies, juices
  • Yoghurt, dairy
  • Drink, water
  • Compote

Health Nutrition Benefits

4 grams of Baobab powder contain a significant portion of the Population Nutritional Reference (PNR) for food and diarrhea guide). In large amounts, it is an excellent laxative, preventing and fighting constipation (see our food and constipation guide). In addition, the fiber in Baobab powder stimulates the proliferation of intestinal microbiota. This makes it a great food for getting the bowels back in shape.

Circulatory system

Baobab powder is traditionally used for circulatory disorders. Potentially due to the vitamin C, which contributes to vascular health through its power on collagen production.

Nervous system, well-being

In case of fatigue, bet on the Baobab powder. It compensates for vitamin C deficiencies. Vitamin C reduces fatigue and improves iron absorption. An iron deficiency causes intense fatigue. In addition, vitamin C is involved in the synthesis of catecholamines. In this group, we find adrenaline: a stimulating compound; or dopamine, called the pleasure hormone. In addition, Baobab powder provides an essential fuel for the body and especially the brain: carbohydrates.

Body, face and hair care

With age, collagen production decreases. Collagen is the protein responsible for the firmness of the skin. Baobab powder reduces the marks of time by contributing to the need for vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to the synthesis of collagen.

Immune system

The Baobab powder participates in the functioning of the immune system, by the contribution of vitamin C. A vitamin known as immunomodulating. Baobab powder reinforces the immune benefits of a varied and balanced diet.

Bone system

Baobab powder stimulates the production of collagen thanks to its contribution in vitamin C. Collagen is an important protein of the skeleton: the organic part of the bone is represented by 90% of collagen fibers. The resistance of the bones comes largely from collagen. By contributing to the synthesis of collagen, Baobab powder prevents the risk of fractures and stimulates bone health.

Oral system

Scurvy causes serious oral lesions. This pathology is caused by the absence of vitamin C, Baobab powder fights against vitamin C deficiency.

Muscles and joints

Collagen is an important component of the joints. It participates in their hydration, their flexibility and their resistance. Baobab contains a lot of vitamin C. Thus, it contributes to the synthesis of collagen and takes care of the joints.

Nutritional properties

Main properties

  • Regulates digestive transit (fiber): Baobab powder contains a lot of fiber. Whatever the nature of the fiber, brought in large quantities, they stimulate digestive transit by increasing the total volume of stools. Nevertheless, in low doses, Baobab powder diluted in water: a Baobab solution, is traditionally used to fight against diarrhea.
  • Prebiotic (fiber): Baobab contains insoluble and soluble fibers. Within the digestive tract, they serve as a substrate for the intestinal microbiota, which positively influences the composition of the microbiota.
  • Hypocholesterolemic (fiber, beta-sisterol): the fiber in Baobab powder is accompanied by beta-sisterol, a phytocholesterol. These two compounds reduce the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
  • Antioxidant (vitamin C): Baobab powder has a FRAP score of 10.8 mmol/100g which indicates a very high antioxidant capacity. This virtue comes from the abundance of vitamin C that Baobab powder holds. Vitamin C is an oxidation-reduction agent. Moreover, it intervenes in the regeneration of vitamin E: another antioxidant vitamin.
  • Contributes to energy metabolism (carbohydrate, vitamin C): the Baobab powder is a good source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are macronutrients, they are carriers of energy: 4 kcal for 1 g. They are important macronutrients for the functioning of the body. In addition, the vitamin C present in Baobab powder, also contributes to the energy metabolism.
  • Anti-fatigue (vitamin C): Baobab powder is traditionally used to stimulate and invigorate the body. Potentially, because of its richness in vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to reduce fatigue. In addition, it improves the absorption of non-heme iron. An iron deficiency increases the feeling of fatigue.
  • Hemostatic: Baobab powder is said to aid in wound healing. These healing and hemostatic powers are frequently cited.
  • Antipoison (adansonine alkaloid): several parts of the Baobab tree including the fruit (which is used to obtain Baobab powder) seem to contain an antidote against poisoning of the strophantus species. This ability is thought to come from the alkaloid adansonine, a phytonutrient found in Baobab.

Secondary properties

  • Antipyretic: a scientific study carried out on rats intentionally put in hyperthermia, deduced that after four hours of administration of Baobab powder, their temperatures decreased. Further studies are needed to affirm this property.
  • Protector of the osteoarticular system (vitamin C): vitamin C is the most widely represented vitamin in Baobab powder. It contributes to the formation of collagen, an essential protein that ensures the normal function of bones and cartilage.
  • Vasculoprotector (vitamin C): through its action on collagen formation, vitamin C gives Baobab powder benefits for blood vessels. Collagen is a component of the blood vessel wall. Baobab powder can claim to participate in maintaining the integrity of the vascular system.
  • Immunomodulating (vitamin C): Baobab powder is rich in vitamin C. The latter participates in the functioning of immune cells.
  • Dental protector (vitamin C): Baobab powder contains a lot of vitamin C. Vitamin C works together to make collagen. This protein is essential for the oral cavity: the gums and teeth are richly made of it. A deficiency in vitamin C leads to scurvy: a witness of the importance of vitamin C for the oral system.
  • Smoothing (vitamin C): thanks to the contribution of vitamin C, Baobab powder supports the preservation of the skin. It participates in the production of collagen. For the skin, collagen holds the role of moisturizing and firming agent.
  • Nervous balancer (vitamin C): through vitamin C, Baobab powder contributes to the formation of neurotransmitters. Indeed, vitamin C stabilizes the enzymes that synthesize catecholamines. Catecholamines are substances that influence the functioning of the sympathetic nervous system, such as adrenaline or dopamine.

Nutritional values

*Recommended Daily Allowance

To know more about the plant : The Baobab

The Baobab belongs to the Bombaceae family. It is native to Africa, Madagascar and Australia. Eight species of Baobab exist, six are native to Madagascar, one to Australia and one to Africa. Baobabs have a strange appearance: their trunks can reach 10 m in diameter. They are also large trees measuring up to 25 m.

They grow in hot, arid to semi-arid regions, in stony places with low rainfall. They tolerate high temperatures, up to +40 °C. They often tend to grow as solitary individuals. During the rainy season, the Baobab swells strongly and absorbs up to 1000 L of water. During this same season, it produces its leaves. The leaves of the Baobab consist of five to seven digitate leaflets. When the dry seasons return, it loses its leaves to reduce moisture loss. The flowers are white and hanging on long stems. Pollination is done by bats and results in the Baobab berries.

These fruits have a particular shape, the pulp is protected by an external capsule resistance. The interior has a floury, powdery texture, with a tangy taste. It contains many seeds. Baobab has been traditionally used since antiquity in traditional medicine. The seeds, leaves, roots, flowers, fruit pulp and bark of the Baobab are edible. In recent decades, it has attracted the interest of many industries: food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and even biofuels. The Baobab was not domesticated at the time, and given its lucrative potential, Baobab plantations are only just beginning. It is estimated that production has more than tripled between 1990 and 2005.

Return on the vernacular names of the Baobab

The Baobab has a multitude of names, which come from its physical characteristics, cultural or animal uses. Before we discover all the nicknames of the Baobab, let's see why it is called "Baobab". "Baobab" might come from the North African Arabic "Bibab", which means "many fruits".

In the population names, we find "the palaver tree", to indicate a place where the elders meet to solve problems; "the dead rat tree", for the appearance of its fruits; "the monkey bread tree", because its fruits are used as food for the monkeys; the "upside down tree", because its branches look like roots; the "pie cream tree", because of the acid taste of the fruits; magic tree, chemist tree, monkey tamarind, Ethiopian sour gourd, Judas bag, Senegalese calabash, lemonade tree, etc...

In short, all these denominations show the cultural, historical, alimentary or medicinal importance of the Baobab.

Organic Baobab (powder)

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