Baobab: Benefits, nutrition, dietary tips, and risks

Baobab fruit is edible, and baobab seed powder is used in foods because of its nutrients, possible health benefits, and as a natural preservative.

It is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, and phosphorus. The fruit is found inside hard pods that hang upside down from the tree. It has a citrus flavor.

Baobab is “wild-harvested.” It is taken from its natural environment and dried naturally. The seeds are removed and ground into a powder that can be added to food products.

This article looks at the nutritional content of baobab, the possible health benefits, how to incorporate baobab into the diet, and possible health risks.

• The baobab tree grows in Australia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.
• The baobab fruit and powder are rich in vitamin C and believed to have antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Baobab powder and other products can be incorporated into smoothies and salads.
• More research is needed to confirm the health benefits of baobab.

Benefits

Traditionally, baobab leaves, bark, and seeds have been used to treat “almost any disease,” including malaria, tuberculosis, fever, microbial infections, diarrhea, anemia, toothache, and dysentery.

The leaves and fruit pulp have been used to reduce fever and stimulate the immune system.

The health benefits of baobab are said to include:

• improving digestive health
• supporting the immune system
• general hydration and skin health

It is reported to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antidiarrheal, antiviral, and antioxidant properties, and to be useful in treating or preventing anemia and asthma.

However, there is very little research on the consumption and effects of baobab.

Gastrointestinal health

A study conducted by Oxford Brookes University found that polyphenol-rich baobab fruit extract, baked in bread, reduced starch digestion and glycemic response in humans.

Baobab has traditionally been used in African populations to relieve diarrhea, constipation, and dysentery. The soluble fibers found in baobab fruit may exert prebiotic effects, promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

The fruit pulp can be dissolved in water or milk and used as a drink, a sauce for food, as a fermenting agent in brewing, or in baking, similar to cream of tartar.

Baobab is most commonly available as a powder in regions where the fruit is not grown. It is hard to find fresh baobab fruit outside the regions where it grows.

Baobab powder may be used in bodybuilding and fitness supplements as well as in vitamins and mineral formulas.

It can also be incorporated into smoothies, fruit juices, cereals, granola bars, yogurts and dairy products.

Baobab fruit powder typically has a shelf life of 24 months, but researchers have called for more investigation into how storage and processing affects the nutrients.

Try this healthy and delicious recipe developed by a registered dietitian:

Tropical superfood smoothie bowl.

Baobab products are available to purchase online.

Risks

Baobab fruit was certified as “generally recognized as safe (GRAS)” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009.

However, it has not been studied extensively. Further studies are needed to support any health claims.

As with any “newly discovered” food, there could be health risks associated with it that have yet to be reported.

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