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Understanding Lost Crops

Kaibae photo collage of global wild plants Baobab and Seaweed from Africa, and trees in South America from the rain forest
"Because wild plants concentrate their nutrients in order to thrive in the harshest environment, they bring a unique resilience, providing the most potent benefits for food and skincare. Wild plants are a source of more nutritional value than farmed plants as wild plants are rich in polyphenols and prebiotic fiber, essential nutrients for a resilient microbiome inside and out.  These exceptional qualities and the importance of wild plants for earth's biodiversity are what inspired me to start Kaibae".
—Dr. Luc Maes  
Lost Crops™ are plants that grow wild in abundance throughout the world, undervalued as a food source and untapped for their health and skincare benefits. Indigenous people use them in everyday life, sometimes only consuming a mere fraction of what’s available. Adding economic value to these Lost Crops™  creates a new sustainable source of income for local communities while also preserving biodiversity.
Wild plants are different from farmed plants. Wild plants have developed a “wild intelligence” to concentrate vital nutrients in order to thrive in some of the harshest environments. Wild plants grow deep roots systems which allow them to take advantage of the beneficial bacteria and draw nutrients from the soil. That makes them incredibly rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and minerals. 
They grow without human input,  pesticides or genetic engineering.  We travel to Africa and South America in search of these powerful plants, partner with the local communities - and bring these Lost Crops and all their exceptional benefits to you.
Baobab, Adansonia digitata from the Savanna
Inside Out
: Baobab fruit powder improves gut health and supports healthy blood sugar. It has 5 times the antioxidants of berries, 6 times the Vitamin C of an orange, and is a great source for calcium, magnesium and potassium. Baobab fruit powder is 50% fiber, 28% of which is prebiotic fiber that supports a balanced gut microbiome.
Outside In
: Baobab seed oil is rich in antioxidant Vitamin E and omega fatty acids to help soften lines and wrinkles. It Improves skin emollience, elasticity and resilience and protects against environmental stressors.
Cacay, Caryodendron orinocense from the Amazon
Inside Out
: Cacay nut powder is an excellent plant-based protein with twice the protein of an almond
and a delicious flavor. It’s great for efficient muscle repair.
Outside In
: Cacay oil contains 5 times the retinol of rosehip oil. Retinol (Vitamin A) is known for its
ability to help fade dark spots and speed up the turnover of skin cells for smoother, softer
skin. Most importantly, over time it reduces fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the
production of collagen. It also helps stimulate microcirculation for enhanced skin color.
Seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii from the Ocean
Inside Out
: This particular seaweed is a source of soluble fiber, antioxidants, minerals, potassium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. The regular consumption of this seaweed has been associated
with improved cardiovascular health, weight loss and a healthier gut microbiome.
Outside In
: Seaweed’s high content of healthy carotenoids help give skin a rosy glow. Prebiotic polysaccharides maintain a youthful skin moisture barrier and hydration level.
Allanblackia, Allanblackia floribundi from the tropical rainforests of Africa
Allanblackia butter is derived from the seeds of the Allanblackia tree found in tropical rainforest regions of Africa. The seeds are crushed and processed into a non-greasy dry vegetable butter. This region is experiencing extensive deforestation and environmental destruction due to illegal gold mining, and this tree was soon to become the next victim of deforestation.

Outside In
: Allanblackia's stearic and oleic acids protect the
skin’s natural barrier against water loss and support the skin’s protection in a similar
way as ceramides do, keeping skin moisturized and youthful. 
Shea Butter, Vitellaria paradoxa and Vitellaria nilotica from the Savanna
Shea trees grow wild in the African Savanna. Shea trees help to prevent desertification and provides a source for income in a region of the world where opportunities to improve livelihoods are limited.
Outside In

: The incredible moisturizing benefits make Shea Butter a staple in many cosmetic, hair, and body care products. Shea has been proven by modern research to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and skin barrier benefits.
Dr. Luc Maes holding a baobab fruit pod in his hands. The photograph was taken by well known photographer Brian Hodges

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