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7 Baobab Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

A closer look at its health benefits will tell you why this fruit is worth the hype!

Medically reviewed by Heather M. Duquette-Wolf, RD, CSSD

Heather M. Duquette-Wolf is a registered dietitian nutritionist and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with 13 years of experience. She has been the owner of HMD Nutrition in Scottsdale, Arizona since 1999. She started out in medica... more

Written by Swathi Handoo, MSc (Biotechnology), Professional Certificate In Food, Nutrition & Health Experience: 4 years

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• Mar 1, 2024

The Benevolent Baobab: 6 Surprising Benefits And Facts

Image: ShutterStock

The baobab tree is the longest living tree with many therapeutic uses. Almost all parts of this tree, including the fruits and leaves, are edible. The benefits of baobab are many and can be attributed to its dietary fiber, polyphenolic compounds, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Baobab fruit is considered a superfood that can help prevent liver damage, aid in weight loss, regulate blood glucose levels, and improve skin health (2).

This article explores the health benefits of baobab, its nutrition content, how to use it, and its possible side effects. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Baobab

What Is It?
It is a large deciduous tree, parts of which are used for food, medicine, and shelter.

What Are Its Benefits?
The nutrient-rich baobab fruit can prevent liver damage, help lose weight, and control blood sugar. It also improves skin, digestive health, and immunity power.

Who Can Consume It?
It is safe for consumption for all in moderate quantities.

How Often?
Enough evidence is unavailable to recommend the intake quantity, but it can be used in moderation.

Caution
Enough research is not available on the side effects.

In This Article

What Is Baobab? Where Can You Find It?

The monkey-beard tree or the upside down-tree, a.k.a baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a characteristic of sub-Saharan Africa. It is widely distributed in Africa and north-western parts of Australia. The baobab tree (all species of Adansonia) bears large, oval-shaped fruits with woody outer shells.

The baobab fruit has a mushy pulp when ripe. This pulp turns chalky, tough, and crumbly when the fruit dries. Due to the hard capsule (outer shell), baobab fruit has heat-protective and water-resistant properties. This African fruit can survive extreme weather conditions, such as wildfire, high sea tides, etc. (1).

Fun Fact

As per African folklore, the baobab tree was proud of its height and considered itself better than other plants. This angered God and he uprooted the tree and planted it upside down!

While the outer capsule makes the fruit almost unaffected by nature, the inner pulp is quite the opposite. It is a reservoir of nature’s best gifts. Be it vitamins, proteins, or therapeutic phytochemicals – baobab has plenty of them. Scroll down to know more!

Wow-bab!

The baobab tree is considered to be one of the longest living. It has a lifespan of several thousands of years!

Since these trees do not produce growth rings like other species, experts say that it is difficult to date them.

But a tree in South Africa was found to be as old as 6,000 years!

Baobab fruit pulp is particularly rich in vitamin C. Consumption of 40 g covers 84%-100% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for pregnant women (19-30 years) (2).

The kernels of baobab fruit had the highest magnesium content, around 600–700 mg/100 g. This is higher than the magnesium content in other kernels or seeds.

The shells of the baobab fruits are so hard and tough that they can be used as vessels and pots.

Hollow baobab tree barks are used as natural water reservoirs. The hollow space is filled with water and tightly sealed. The capacity is 9,000-1,00,000 liters per tree. The water stays untouched and is potable for years and droughts together.

The baobab fruit has antipyreticⁱXMedicines or chemicals that help reduce the body temperature in case of fever, such as aspirin and paracetamol. and analgesicⁱXAny medication that selectively reduces pain without impairing consciousness or stopping the conduction of nerve impulses. This is why pregnant women are given juices made of the fruit pulp in water.

Pregnant women in parts of Africa used the barks of mature baobabs to enlarge their birth canals before parturition. In India, the pregnant woman bathes in water that has been boiled with the baobab bark.

Baobab improves the absorption of iron in your body. Since baobab has a high amount of vitamin C, the iron from plant and animal-based foods gets coupled with it and is absorbed better.

What’s In The Baobab Fruit? What Makes It Special?

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The edible parts of the baobab tree are its leaves, seeds, and fruit pulp. Dried fruit pulp has high levels of vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and dietary fiber. The fresh pulp is used to make local foods (snacks), fruit juices, sweets, brews (as a fermenting agent), and porridges.

The fruit pulp was found to contain macro and micronutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese, and zinc (3).

The seeds also find a lot of uses. Baobab seeds are roasted and eaten as a nutritious snack. Fermented seeds are made into a traditional recipe called ‘maari.’ The seeds are rich in essential lipids (about 11.6 – 33.3 g/100 g of dry weight) and amino acids (2).

With all these nutritional elements, the baobab fruit might be an excellent fortifier and supplement to your health, don’t you think?

Well, we can’t agree more. Read on to find out how it can improve your health.

How Can Baobab Improve Your Health? What Are Its Benefits?

1. Has Hepatoprotective Effects

The baobab fruit contains terpenoids, flavonoids, phytosteroids, amino acids, vitamins, lipids, beneficial carbohydrates. The dry fruit pulp possesses high amounts of vitamins C and B (2).

Irrespective of the form of the fruit you take, the antioxidants present in baobab make it an effective hepatoprotectant, i.e., it can prevent damage to the liver. The vitamins and phytochemicals in baobab scavenge the free radicals in your body.

In a rat study, baobab extract was found to prevent lipid peroxidation by scavenging the free radicals (4). Hence, baobab might prevent the inflammation of a healthy human liver too.

2. Might Help In Weight Management

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The baobab fruit is known for its high fiber and polyphenol content. It was proven that these elements help in promoting satiety in adults. The baobab fruit reduces the glycemic response of foods when added to them (5).

It delays the absorption of starch from certain foods, leaving you feeling full for a long time. Research points out that baobab can help in managing weight by stopping hedonic hunger pangs (6).

However, this aspect is not well-studied and needs extensive research to understand the underlying mechanism of baobab.

3. Controls Blood Sugar Levels

This benefit is an extension of the one listed above. As baobab can delay the digestion or breakdown of starches, it affects the glycemic index or response of a food it is mixed with.

This means that consumption of the baobab fruit doesn’t lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. The biochemical make-up and abundant dietary fiber of this fruit set up a slow and regulated release of glucose into the blood (7).

Baobab is, hence, a good food additive for those who have diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

4. May Give You Clear And Younger-looking Skin

Clear and younger looking skin benefits of baobab

Image: Shutterstock

Baobab fruit has one of the highest levels of antioxidants. It also has good amount of vitamin C, about six times that in oranges! The fruit pulp is rich in dietary pulp along with polyphenols.

Also, the seeds of this fruit contain essential fats, vitamin E (tocopherols), and several terpenoids. Baobab oil is a rich moisturizer. Young leaves of this plant are said to contain about 9-27 mg/kg of provitamin A (8).

The micronutrients in baobab can help in skin tightening by supporting collagen synthesis. The abundant antioxidants eliminate the accumulated free radicals that trigger the signs of skin aging like wrinkles, pigmentation, stretch marks, blemishes, skin infections, etc. (7).

Quick Tip

Apart from consuming the fruit, you can use Baobab powder, turmeric, and yogurt mask to soften and rejuvenate your skin.

5. Treats Digestive Ailments And Aids Digestion

African traditional medicine uses parts of baobab as a natural remedy to treat diarrhea, nausea, dysentery, and other chronic digestive disorders. Reason? The abundant dietary fiber in baobab fruits (9).

These fruits (dried or fresh) have both insoluble and soluble fibers. The water-soluble part of fiber eases digestion. It dissolves in water and brings down the dehydration in case of diarrhea.

The insoluble fiber stays undigested in your GI tract and acts as a bulking agent (laxative). It cures constipation and irritable bowel syndrome by preventing the hardening of stools in the colorectal passages.

Due to the high fiber content, the remnant baobab pulp and residue is acted upon by the intestinal microflora. This way, baobab is a prebiotic and aids digestion of complex starches, lipids, and proteins (7).

6. Boosts Your Immunity And Prevents Cancer

Baobab might be useful in the prevention of cancer

Image: Shutterstock

Owing to abundant antioxidant availability, the baobab fruit and its pulp are known to be effective immunostimulantsⁱXChemical compounds that help stimulate the immune system’s capacity to combat diseases and infections. . A study suggests that the plant-derived arabinogalactan proteins in baobab are effective in modulating skin innate immune responses (10).

Research has it that the fruit, leaf, and seed extracts have antimicrobial properties. The protective bioactive ingredients pose a threat to Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium leprosy, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (9).

The fruit extract restores the antioxidant to oxidant balance that is triggered by cancers. It also restores the activity of housekeeping and tumor suppressor genes (like p53 and BCL2). These genes are the common targets in various cancers and protect cells from apoptosis (cell death) (11).

7. May Promote Wound Healing

The baobab fruit contains vitamins C and E that may aid wound healing (12). Vitamin C aids collagen production, which is essential for skin repair (13). Vitamin E also plays a significant role in wound healing. It helps protect the skin cells from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. It can also enhance skin regeneration, reduce scarring, and promote the overall healing process (14). Baobab oil is also often applied topically on wounds for healing (15). However, detailed scientific research is warranted for a clear understanding of its wound healing mechanism. Also, it is recommended to consult your healthcare professional before using baobab for wound healing.

Baobab is called the “Tree of Life’ for its long lifespan and longer list of industrial, therapeutic, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications.

If you are eager to try this African wonder, see what the next section has in store for you.

How To Use Baobab

Image: Shutterstock

Baobab and its extracts are available in several forms on the market. Check these out:

Baobab extract capsules
Baobab superfruit powder
Baobab essential oil (for external use only)
Baobab leaf powder
Baobab fruit pulp body butter (for external use only)

Dried baobab bark is also available in local markets, which can be used to make teas and coffees. Dried fruit powder is added to meals to increase the absorption of certain nutrients and soothe the GI tract.

Unfortunately, there is not enough evidence to frame a recommended daily intake dose for baobab. There is no information on the upper limit of intake as well.

What we know is that baobab has high levels of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). It is not harmful or lethal, but just be aware.

That brings us to the next obvious question…

The baobab fruit sounds too good to be true because of its miraculous benefits. Does it have any side effects?

Well, read on!

Are There Any Adverse Effects Of Using Baobab?

We don’t know yet because there is not enough research bringing out the side effects of baobab fruit or other parts of the plant. This is the reason there is no fixed dose or toxicity limit for this gift of nature.

One hiccup could be excessive fiber intake. If you have too much of the fruit pulp or the supplement, you might have to run to the loo many times in a day!

Infographic: Unveiling The Health Benefits of Baobab

The baobab fruit, known for its many therapeutic uses, is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It is considered a superfood that helps treat many ailments. While there are many health benefits of baobab, we have listed the most important ones in the infographic below. Check it out to know more.

unveiling the health benefits of baobab (infographic)

Baobab is a tree with large fruits with a citrus-like flavor. They contain various vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and polyphenolic compounds. Baobab benefits your health in numerous ways. It may help prevent liver damage, aid in weight management, boost the immune system, control blood sugar levels, offer you clear and younger-looking skin, and aid in digestion. You can use baobab as capsules, powder, and oil. You can also find baobab bark, which can be used to make coffee and tea. However, there is limited data available on the side effects of baobab. Hence, consume it in moderation to reap its maximum benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is baobab good for hormones?

Baobab is believed to lower cortisol levels, which reduces stress hormone levels and may improve emotional wellness. However, there is limited data available in this regard.

Is baobab acidic or alkaline?

Baobab fruit is considered to be one of the most alkaline foods, with a potential renal acid load rating of -52.

What does baobab powder taste like?

Baobab powder has a tangy flavor. Its pleasant zingy flavor is an excellent addition to any drinks or food items.

Is baobab good for fertility?

Yes. The tubers of baobab have been used to enhance testosterone levels in males with fertility issues. A strong concentration of terpenoids in baobab root tubers improves testosterone levels (16).

Can I mix baobab with hot water?

Yes. You can mix baobab with hot water. In addition, you can add its powder to your favorite beverages, like smoothies or juices.

Key Takeaways

The baobab tree is also known as monkey-beard or upside-down tree, and its fruit has a mushy pulp when ripe.
The fruits of this longest-living tree possess analgesicⁱXAny medication that selectively reduces pain without impairing consciousness or stopping the conduction of nerve impulses. and antipyreticⁱXMedicines or chemicals that help reduce the body temperature in case of fever, such as aspirin and paracetamol. properties.
The dried fruit pulp is rich in vitamin C and other nutrients that help weight management, control blood sugar levels, and improve skin health.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Learn about the amazing health benefits of baobab fruit powder! Check out this video and discover how this superfood can help improve your overall health and well-being.

References

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