What is Baobab Powder?

The Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata) also known as the African Tree of Life grows wild throughout the Savanna and produces fruit pods with an incredibly nutrient-rich fruit powder. Baobab's health benefits have been recognized by communities throughout Africa for centuries using the fruit powder as food and medicine.

Despite their harsh and arid environment, Baobabs can become massive— one giant baobab tree grew 100 feet tall and 36 feet in diameter! According to One Earth, carbon dating has shown that Baobab trees can live to be 3000 years old! These majestic trees store water in their trunks during the rainy season and concentrate essential nutrients for survival which is reflected in their leaves, bark, fruit powder, and seeds.

Baobab powder requires minimal processing and is milled and sieved to produce a powder rich in prebiotic fiber, vitamin C, B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Baobab Powder tastes mildly sweet and tangy with endless applications.

Baobab Powder Benefits

1. Baobab powder is a great source of vitamin C

Baobab powder has 6 times more vitamin C than an orange and provides 33% of the recommended daily amount in just one tablespoon. Our body does not produce Vitamin C and therefore needs to be obtained from our food. Vitamin C is vital for a healthy immune system, iron absorption, and collagen strength.

2. Baobab powder is rich in prebiotic fiber

Baobab is a prebiotic super fiber, a great source of fiber that increases beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. Research shows that the benefits of Baobab powder extend beyond the gut increasing the production of health-promoting short-chain fatty acids acetate, propionate, and butyrate. 

SCFAs have wide-ranging health benefits reducing inflammation, preventing diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, and helping to protect the liver and nervous system. Prebiotic fiber can even help improve mood, help build resilience to stress, and help promote restful sleep. 

3. Baobab powder is a vegan source of calcium

Baobab powder has possibly the highest calcium content of any plant food—it provides 2 times the calcium of milk. Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals in our bodies, an essential mineral for strong bones, healthy teeth, muscle and nerve health, skin barrier integrity, and cardiovascular health.

4. Baobab contains more potassium than a banana

Baobab powder is an excellent source of potassium, 4 times the potassium of a banana. Along with sodium, potassium plays a role in maintaining the body's fluid balance and muscle and kidney function. Every cell needs potassium; it regulates heartbeat, relaxes blood vessels, and promotes normal blood pressure. Potassium also prevents muscle cramping, is vital in the nervous system, and calms the mind. 

5. Baobab powder is a source of magnesium

Magnesium is involved in more than 600 reactions in the body! Magnesium regulates blood sugar, heart health, and brain function. For athletes, magnesium improves leg strength and improves performance. Magnesium deficiency increases the tendency to depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. 

6. Baobab powder is a polyphenol powerhouse

Baobab powder is a polyphenol powerhouse. A single helping includes 6 times more polyphenols found in berries—these phytonutrients protect all our tissues from oxidative stress and help reduce chronic inflammation, which puts us at risk of chronic disease.

Studies show that the polyphenols in Baobab contribute to improving blood sugar balance and supporting gut microbiome health. A tablespoon daily in your smoothie will keep those free radicals in check!  Baobab has it all!

7. Baobab powder for weight management

Baobab powder promotes the feeling of fullness and normalizes gut health, reducing harmful bacteria that contribute to obesity. Gut dysbiosis is associated with appetite and energy levels, and changes in mood such as anxiety and depression. Prebiotic fiber such as Baobab can help you lose weight by regulating your appetite and improving mood and energy.

8. Baobab powder is low glycemic

It's a good idea to emphasize low-glycemic foods in your diet; maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day helps with energy, brain health, and mood. 

9. Baobab powder supports gut health

The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help digest food, absorb nutrients, and make vitamins. Prebiotic fiber helps increase the growth of good bacteria. The benefits of a healthy gut microbiome extend beyond the digestive system, strengthening the immune function and cardiovascular, hormonal, and nervous system health.

10. Baobab powder supports healthy cholesterol 

Baobab has hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects which help lower lipid levels. Consumption of Baobab powder lowers total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. The beneficial effects are attributed to its high contents of polyphenols, and flavonoids.

11. Baobab powder boosts immune function 

With 70% of your immune cells in your gut microbiome balance is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Baobab is a multi-nutrient powerhouse with prebiotic fiber to balance the gut microbiome and vitamin C, ensuring your defenses stay strong.

12. Baobab powder for athletic performance

For athletes, optimizing gut health improves performance. In addition to prebiotic fiber, baobab powder includes magnesium, potassium, and calcium for muscle strength, performance, and recovery. 

13. Baobab powder is versatile and tastes delicious!

Baobab powder can be mixed in water or blended in smoothies and added to pancakes, breads, sauces, desserts, and more. Our KAIBAE co-founder Barbara Maes says Baobab powder tastes so good, as if "a sweet-tart met a pixie stick" or "healthy fun dip"! One favorite mix of Baobab powder with honey makes a great healthy immune treat for children (and adults, too). The KAIBAE Baobab x Honey Magic Immunity Elixir is a delicious recipe!   

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 14. Baobab powder is wild-harvested and sustainable

Baobab's rediscovered health and beauty benefits have a far-reaching impact, helping to preserve biodiversity, and promote economic development in northern Ghana a region where poverty is widespread. 

KAIBAE has partnered with local communities to establish a regenerative and ethical harvest of baobab fruit. Our partnership now provides a stable, year-round income, improving access to healthcare and education. 

How to Use Baobab Powder

How much baobab powder a day? Our recommended serving is 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons daily, morning or night (or both).  

For an extra energy boost, mix superfood baobab powder into a glass of water or juice. Baobab powder is naturally sweet and tangy so it goes well in everything from water to desserts. 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 “superfood” and has been revered for centuries. Baobab powder is an incredibly nutrient-rich, prebiotic food that supports gut health, glowing skin, immune health, and optimal wellness inside and out. Cheers to good health!