By Nicola Shubrook – Registered Nutritionist
A bowl filled with baobab fruit powder.
What is baobab powder, where does it come from and does it deserve the hype? Nicola Shubrook, Registered Nutritionist, takes a closer look at health claims.
What is baobab fruit?
Baobab is the name of a fruit belonging to the Adansonia tree genus. It is found inside tough pods that hang upside down from trees.
Baobab is generally consumed in the form of powder obtained from the harvested, dried and ground fruits. It has a pleasant, lemony flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
A 10g portion of baobab powder provides:
- 25Kcal / 105KJ
- 0.2g protein
- 0.1g fat
- 4.1g Carbohydrates
- 4,7 g Fibres
- 198mg Potassium
- 27mg Vitamin C
Top 5 Health Benefits
1. May Help Manage Blood Sugar Levels
Not much research has been done on the benefits of baobab on human health, but a 2013 study investigated whether baobab might reduce glycemic (blood sugar) response when incorporated into white bread or mixed with water.
The study found that not only is baobab rich in polyphenols – plant compounds with protective antioxidant properties – but it actually reduced starch digestion and glycemic responses in humans.
However, these results were later contradicted in a 2016 study by Nutrition Research; this study found that baobab-enriched bread did not affect glycemic response or hunger, but when the fruit extract was added to white bread, there was a reduction in the amount of insulin needed to manage the response glycemic.
More research is obviously needed in this area, but baobab appears to have positive attributes that might help people with diabetes or insulin sensitivity.
In Africa, a mash made from the dried bark of the baobab tree is used as a herbal remedy to help treat fever and high temperatures.
Baobab fruit, pulp, and seeds have been proven to actually have fever-reducing properties and can lower high body temperature.
3. It is antimicrobial and antiviral
A few articles have studied baobab for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, but more research is needed to confirm which part of the plant is most beneficial.
4. Rich in protective antioxidants
Baobab is packed with plant compounds, including polyphenols that protect cells from damage and help manage inflammation.
A number of animal studies suggest that the rind and pulp of the fruit may help reduce levels of inflammation.
However, further research needs to be conducted to assess the relevance, if any, of these findings for humans.
5. May Promote Satiety
Baobab is high in fiber, which makes it useful to help reduce appetite and possibly support weight management goals.
A small study has supported the use of baobab to reduce hunger and positively influence weight management.
Is baobab fruit safe for everyone?
Although the seeds and pulp of the fruit contain compounds such as phytates and tannins, which can prevent the absorption of important nutrients, levels are unlikely to be of concern when baobab is part of a balanced diet.
However, if you are considering consuming it as a supplement, it is best to check with your doctor if you are taking any prescribed medications, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.