15 Amazing Benefits of Baobab Powder You'll Love
Updated July 30, 2022
What is Baobab Powder?
Baobab powder comes from the fruit of the baobab tree, which has been revered throughout Africa as “the Tree of Life” for centuries. Baobabs grow wild throughout Africa and despite this harsh environment can become massive—one of the largest known baobab trees is 98 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter! Baobab trees are resilient and magnificent living for up to 3,000 years, surviving in some of the world’s harshest climates by storing water in their trunks during the rainy season and concentrating essential nutrients for longevity in their leaves, bark, fruit, and seeds.
Baobab trees produce fruit pods that contain an incredibly nutrient dense powder and seeds. Baobab powder dries in the pod, is a peachy neutral color and requires minimal processing. Once the pulp is separated from the seeds it is milled and sieved. Baobab powder is considered a raw ingredient, it is as pure as it can get! Baobab powder has a mild tangy flavor and is packed with vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and fiber.
Baobab seeds are pressed and produce a rich golden oil used in skincare. Baobab oil provides a balance of omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids that have benefits from head to toe, it is a good all over moisturizer especially great on damaged hair and the driest skin.
The baobab tree is clearly remarkable, but what are the health benefits of baobab powder and why are they so potent? Keep reading for 15 amazing benefits of baobab powder you'll love.
Baobab Powder Benefits
1. Baobab powder is high in vitamin C
We all know how important vitamin C is! It is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, collagen production and improves iron absorption. Vitamin C is vital for maintaining healthy bones, skin, blood vessels and more. Baobab powder has 6 times the vitamin C of an orange by weight, and provides 33% of the recommended daily amount in just one tablespoon.
2. Baobab powder is rich in prebiotic fiber
You’ve probably heard of probiotics and taken them after a course of antibiotics. Probiotics are live microbiota that reside in the gut and support digestion and immune health. Baobab is a prebiotic food, meaning that it includes soluble fibers that are non-digestible and benefit the gut microbiome to produce beneficial microflora (probiotics) such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.
Baobab is rich in pectin and a great source of prebiotic fiber for people who experience digestive distress with inulin a prebiotic derived from chicory root. Baobab powder is 50% fiber, 30% of the fiber is prebiotic!
The benefits of prebiotic fiber extends beyond the gut and increases stress resilience, alleviating anxiety and even improving sleep according to research at the University of Colorado in Boulder. Research published in the Journal Microorganism showed that Baobab Fruit Powder boosts the production of health-promoting short chain fatty acids acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Low levels of short-chain fatty acids are linked to digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. Supplementation with foods that produce short-chain fatty acids also reduce the tendency to diabetes and heart disease. 1
3. Baobab powder is a vegan source of calcium
Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in our bodies and together with vitamin D makes for strong bones and healthy skin. Baobab powder has possibly the highest calcium content of any plant food—it provides 2 times the calcium of milk, making it an ideal calcium boost for those who don’t eat dairy (or anyone, really!). For the cardiovascular system consuming enough calcium lowers the risk of high blood pressure. Calcium also improves skin barrier function which helps retain hydration for plump youthful skin. People with dry, fragile skin in particular benefit from calcium-rich foods.
4. Baobab powder has 4 times the potassium of a banana
Baobab powder provides 4 times the potassium of a banana, making it an excellent source of this crucial nutrient . Along with sodium, potassium plays a role in maintaining the body’s fluid balance, muscle and kidney function. Every cell in the body needs potassium, for the cardiovascular system it regulates heartbeat, relaxes blood vessels and promotes normal blood pressure. Potassium prevents cramping and constipation and calms the mind.
5. Baobab powder is a source of magnesium
Fun fact: Magnesium is used in more than 600 reactions in the body! Magnesium regulates blood sugar, and is essential to heart health and brain function. For athletes magnesium improves leg strength and improves performance. Magnesium deficiency affects mood and is associated with increased depression, anxiety and sleep problems.
6. Baobab powder provides potent polyphenol antioxidants
Nutrient-dense baobab powder is an excellent source of polyphenol antioxidants. We’ve all heard about how great antioxidants are for your health, but what do they. do? Polyphenol antioxidants protect the body's tissues against oxidative stress associated with cancer, and coronary heart disease. It’s a good idea to consume antioxidants every day to reduce inflammation which. puts us at risk of chronic disease. Studies show that Baobab’s polyphenol antioxidants improve sugar handling and support a balanced gut microbiome. A single helping of nutrient-dense Baobab powder includes 6 times the amount of polyphenol antioxidants found in berries—so toss a tablespoon or two into your smoothie and keep those free radicals in check!
7. Baobab powder supports healthy weight management
Baobab rich in prebiotic fiber and polyphenols supports good gut health and helps with weight management. Baobab has been shown to promote the feeling of fullness. The use of prebiotic fiber has been shown to help with the absorption of intestinal fat. In addition, studies indicate that dysbiosis, a state of gut imbalance caused by the overpopulation of bad bacteria (like firmicutes), can contribute to obesity. Prebiotics have been proven to support good gut health to prevent dysbiosis.
Gut imbalance has also been connected to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which can affect your appetite, energy levels, and efficiency. All together, this shows that prebiotics can help you lose weight by regulating your appetite, improving mood and mental health, and increasing energy and efficiency.
8. Baobab powder is low glycemic
It’s a good idea to pay attention to your blood sugar even if you are not diabetic, Maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day helps keep your energy up, your brain healthy, and your mood balanced. Eating low glycemic foods that take longer to be digested (such as fiber-rich baobab powder) is a great way to support balanced blood sugar levels. Research shows that Baobab powder is a low glycemic food!
9. Baobab powder supports gut health
Your digestive system is home to trillions of microorganisms that, when in balance, work to digest food properly and support other bodily systems. Prebiotic fiber acts as food for the good bacteria in your gut, which helps keep the whole microbiome balanced. As baobab powder is an excellent source of prebiotic fiber, adding it to your daily routine is an easy way to boost your gut health.
10. Baobab powder promotes glowing skin
Not only is a balanced gut microbiome good for your digestion, it’s also great for your skin thanks to the gut-skin axis. Baobab powder’s high vitamin C content also helps increase collagen and elastin production, the proteins that keep your skin supple and youthful. Add in baobab powder’s incredible antioxidants that help fight oxidative damage, and you’ve got one of the best foods for glowing skin!
11. Baobab powder is an immune boosting powerhouse
Did you know that 70% of your immune system is housed in your gut? This means that gut microbiome balance is extremely important for maintaining a healthy immune system. Baobab powder, with its arsenal of potent nutrients, is an excellent immune booster; Its prebiotic fiber helps balance the gut microbiome while its high levels of vitamin C ensure your immune system can do its job.
12. Baobab powder for athletic performance
For athletes nutrition is important and studies show that optimizing gut microbiome balance with probiotics and prebiotic fiber can play a key role to improve performance. Baobab powder high in prebiotic fiber and minerals including magnesium, potassium and calcium, Baobab powder delivers a unique set of nutrients that support muscle strength, performance, and recovery.7
Using baobab powder is an easy way to get more nutrients in your diet. Include it every day for all around good health, weight management and to boost athletic performance and recovery.
13. Baobab powder is versatile and tastes delicious!
Baobab powder has a delightful, mild citrus flavor. Taking your baobab powder can be as simple as mixing it with water or blending it into a smoothie, or it can be included in recipes for pancakes, breads, sauces, desserts and more. Experiment in the kitchen and boost your nutrient intake at the same time!
Baobab is naturally sweet & tangy. KAIBAE co-founder Barbara Maes says it tastes like “a sweet tart meets a pixie stick” or “healthy fun dip”! Thanks to its delicious taste it’s easy to take advantage of the health benefits of baobab powder by adding it to any recipe. In fact mixing Baobab powder with honey makes a great healthy immune treat for children (and adults too). The KAIBAE Baobab + Honey Magic Immunity Elixir is a favorite recipe!
14. Baobab powder is wildcrafted and sustainable
The baobab tree is considered to be a Lost Crop™, a wild plant with powerful health and beauty benefits that has been undervalued until recently. By including baobab powder in your diet, you’re helping bring economic value to this magnificent tree and protecting biodiversity. Since baobab powder is harvested in the wild there are never pesticides, chemicals or harmful farming practices used. You might be wondering, Why is KAIBAE Baobab certified as Organic? To certify a wild-harvest organic ensures that these wild crops are collected in a manner that protects the trees and the environment and sustains the growth and regenerative practices around these the wild crops.
15. KAIBAE baobab powder is single origin, directly supports communities and preserves biodiversity
KAIBAE Organic Baobab Powder is wild harvested in the northern region of Ghana, where there are few opportunities for economic development and poverty is widespread. We’ve partnered with communities there to regeneratively and ethically harvest wild baobab fruit. The revenue from these harvests provides stable, year-round income for them and greatly improves their access to healthcare and education. Read our 2020 Impact Report to learn more.
How to Use Baobab Powder
How much baobab powder a day? Our recommended serving is 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons every day, morning or night (or both).
For a quick boost, mix superfood baobab powder into a glass of water or juice. It can also be stirred into yogurt and oatmeal, sprinkled on fruit or salads, and added to baked goods, soups, and desserts. For delicious baobab powder recipes, check out our recipes blog and download our recipe ebook here.
Now you know why Baobab is considered a “superfruit” and has been revered for centuries. Baobab powder is an incredibly nutrient dense, prebiotic food for glowing skin, immunity and optimal wellness inside and out. Cheers to good health!
References
1. Foltz M, Zahradnik AC, Van den Abbeele P, Ghyselinck J, Marzorati M. A Pectin-Rich, Baobab Fruit Pulp Powder Exerts Prebiotic Potential on the Human Gut Microbiome In Vitro. Microorganisms. 2021 Sep 17;9(9):1981. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms9091981. PMID: 34576876; PMCID: PMC8467054.
2. Thompson, R.S., Vargas, F., Dorrestein, P.C. et al. Dietary prebiotics alter novel microbial-dependent fecal metabolites that improve sleep. Sci Rep 10, 3848 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-60679-y
3. Lee SE, Lee SH. Skin Barrier and Calcium. Ann Dermatol. 2018 Jun;30(3):265-275. doi: 10.5021/ad.2018.30.3.265. Epub 2018 Apr 23. PMID: 29853739; PMCID: PMC5929942.
4.Wang R, Chen C, Liu W, Zhou T, Xun P, He K, Chen P. The effect of magnesium supplementation on muscle fitness: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Magnes Res. 2017 Nov 1;30(4):120-132. doi: 10.1684/mrh.2018.0430. PMID: 29637897.
5 Coe SA, Clegg M, Armengol M, Ryan L. The polyphenol-rich baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.) reduces starch digestion and glycemic response in humans. Nutr Res. 2013 Nov;33(11):888-96. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2013.08.002. Epub 2013 Sep 9. PMID: 24176228.
6. Rita K, Bernardo MA, Silva ML, Brito J, Mesquita MF, Pintão AM, Moncada M. Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab Fruit) Effect on Postprandial Glycemia in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 17;14(2):398. doi: 10.3390/nu14020398. PMID: 35057579; PMCID: PMC8778021.
7.Hughes RL, Holscher HD. Fueling Gut Microbes: A Review of the Interaction between Diet, Exercise, and the Gut Microbiota in Athletes. Adv Nutr. 2021 Dec 1;12(6):2190-2215. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmab077. PMID: 34229348; PMCID: PMC8634498.
