Our world is full of legends in different fields. But did you know that plants also have their own legends! The baobab tree is one of the legends of the African continent, which is widely used and utilized for its many benefits. Now, dear reader, let us enter through the portal of the world of plant legends to learn more about this tree.

What are baobab?

The baobab tree, baobab, or inverted tree are all names of a type of tree plant that belongs to the family called Malvaceae and has an acidic flavor and reaches a height of approximately 20 meters. This tree is spread in tropical Africa, including Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Australia, and the Arabian Peninsula; Its ideal environment is hot and dry.

Nutritional value

Baobab fruit is full of nutritional benefits, such as:
Baobab pulp contains: vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
The seeds contain: magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, thiamine, lysine, zinc, sodium and calcium.
While one teaspoon of baobab powder weighing about 4.4 grams contains:

• 10 calories.
• 2 grams of fiber.
• 3 grams of carbohydrates.
• 1 gram of sugar.
• 0.352 mg of thiamine
• 0.227 mg of vitamin B6.
• 10 mg of calcium.
• 136.4 mg of vitamin C. It is said that this level of vitamin C is 10 times higher than that found in oranges.

Baobab uses

The baobab tree has many different uses, whether in the form of powder or oil, such as:

• The leaves and bark of the baobab tree are used for many medicinal purposes in Africa, such as treating fever, diarrhea, asthma, malaria, and smallpox. It is also used to treat dandruff, varicose veins, muscle spasms, and wounds.
• Baobab fruit powder is added to some types of juices, energy drinks, and some types of nutritional supplements, because it contains high amounts of vitamin C.
• The baobab oil that is extracted from the seeds can also be used as a medicinal, cosmetic, and food source as well. This oil is used in the production of soap and personal care products.

The different ways to eat baobab

Let’s be clear first that the baobab flavor, whether in the form of powder or fresh fruit, is a sweet flavor with a mixture of tartness, like grapefruit mixed with vanilla. Since baobab powder will be easier to find than fresh fruit, here are the different ways to take it:

• In pancakes: Use your usual pancake ingredients but substitute half of the flour for the baobab powder. Eat delicious fibre-rich pancakes.
• In drinks: You can benefit from the amount of potassium present in baobab powder and provide good hydration to your body by adding one or two tablespoons of it in your juice or even alone in cold water and sweetening it with white honey.
• In baked goods: You can increase the nutrients in your baked goods, such as muffins, by adding a tablespoon of baobab powder to the ingredients.
• Add some food: You can add baobab powder to your oatmeal, fruit bowl, yogurt, or even ice cream.

Health benefits of baobab

Among the benefits of the fruits of Baobab are the following:

1. They help balance blood sugar

Baobab powder contains a high percentage of soluble fiber, which slows down the release of sugar into the blood, thus preventing a rapid increase in the level of sugar, and thus may help control glucose in the long term.

2. It reduces inflammation

Baobab is full of polyphenols and antioxidants, which are compounds that protect body cells from oxidative stress and thus reduce inflammation. And don’t underestimate the risk of inflammation. Some studies have indicated that chronic inflammation can contribute to serious health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Studies conducted on mice have shown that baobab extract reduces oxidative damage to body cells and reduces the level of inflammation, in addition to that the pulp of its fruits reduces multiple inflammatory markers and helps protect the heart from damage. But more research and studies in humans are definitely needed.

3. Promotes digestive health

The baobab tree and its fruit are a good source of fiber. 10 grams of dried and ground baobab can contain about 18% of the recommended daily value of fiber. Fiber acts as a prebiotic that feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut, improving the health of the gut microbiome. In addition, various studies show that a high fiber intake may protect against stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, and inflammation of the intestine.

4. It is a nutritious addition to the diet

It may be difficult to find fresh baobab fruit, but you can find it more easily as a ground powder in various stores. And whether you use it fresh or ground, it’s a great addition to drinks, baked goods, and yogurt too. This is due to its nutritional benefits.

5. It improves stamina

The nutrients in baobab help improve a person’s energy level and endurance, which helps him focus and be more active throughout the day.

Aesthetic benefits of baobab fruits

Among its aesthetic benefits are the following:

1. Reduce dark spots

Because of the vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals it contains, it helps soothe the skin and lighten the dark spots in it.

2. It fights aging

Baobab’s high antioxidant content, coupled with its ability to fight free radicals, makes it an ideal agent for anti-aging beauty products.

3. Treat dry skin

Adding oils and cosmetics made from baobab is one of the things that you should add to your skin care routine. Because baobab oil is rich in antioxidants and omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, it helps keep skin moisturized and prevent it from drying out.

4. It increases collagen production

In addition to antioxidants and omega fatty acids, baobab contains higher levels of vitamin C than other fruits. Which makes it a great factor for achieving youthful and radiant skin.

5. Nourish hair

Baobab contains vitamin E, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Thus, baobab oil is a great addition to your hair. It treats dry hair and scalp, and treats damaged hair.

6- Cleanses the skin

You can use a new type of soap for the skin, which is baobab soap. Massage its oil on moisturized skin, then rinse with warm water. It will help cleanse the skin and make it radiant and healthy.

Baobab damage

In absolute terms, the baobab fruit is safe. However, one must take into account the possibility of some side effects, such as:

• The seeds and pulp contain anti-nutrients, such as tannins and oxalic acid, which can reduce the body’s absorption of nutrients.
• Since there is not enough research and studies on the effect of baobab on pregnancy and lactation, these women should stay away from using it.