Tree of life’s fruit is nutrient-packed
KNOWN as the ‘tree of life’, the mighty baobab tree towers up to 30 meters over the landscapes of Africa and Australia — and carbon dating indicates it can live for 3,000 years or more.
The fruit, leaves and bark have been used medicinally for centuries in natural remedies to heal and repair the body, as well as to help relieve digestive disorders such as diarrhoea and constipation. And now sales of baobab are taking off here, as the world catches up on its potential. The fruit resembles a large mango or coconut, filled with pulp that dehydrates naturally as the fruit matures — and it’s increasingly considered a superfood, with a high content of nutrients and antioxidants. Firstly, the ground pulp contains 50 per cent fibre (both soluble and insoluble). So every time you consume baobab powder, you’re getting a large dose of fibre to help keep your digestive system regular. In fact, the people who regularly eat the rare fruit from this tree have almost no constipation, bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, pain, IBS or extra body fat. Ground baobab pulp also contains a powerhouse of nutrients including vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus — and more antioxidants than any other fruit. And, as researchers worldwide carry out studies to understand its full potential, it is thought to have antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Baobab’s vitamin C content is almost ten times that of an equivalent serving of fresh oranges. Vitamin C is beneficial for immune health and supports tissue growth and repair. It can help to increase collagen and elastin, the proteins that help keep your skin supple. Studies also show that this vitamin C content may help you burn more fat and lose more weight. And a study conducted by Oxford Brookes University found that polyphenol-rich baobab fruit extract, baked in bread, reduced starch digestion and glycaemic response in humans. In addition to being loaded with nutrients, this fruit has a nice citrus flavour, blending sweetness and tanginess. Whether you need a boost of vitamin C in your diet or you want to support your digestion, nutrient-rich baobab could be the way to go.