The Benefits of Baobab
Benefits of Baobab: The ‘Queen of Superfruits’
That’s quite a title - Queen of Superfruits. But it’s for good reason.
The baobab tree is an enormous ancient tree native to Africa and Australia.
It is also known as the tree of life and produces fruit that naturally dries on the tree.
Baobab, (or adansonia digitata if you want to get technical), is quickly growing in popularity thanks to its rich profile of nutrients and health benefits.
But what are these benefits, and how can you make baobab a part of your daily routine? Let’s talk about it.
The Benefits of Baobab
1. Rich In Nutrients
The pulp of baobab (which is typically dried and ground into a fine powder) is a nutritional powerhouse. With a high vitamin C content, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, and a wide breadth of essential minerals, you get a lot of power in just a little powder.
The vitamin C content can help boost your immune system and act as an antioxidant, while the potassium, magnesium and calcium contribute to a range of bodily functions, from improving your blood pressure to supporting muscle and nerve function.
2. Antioxidant Properties
Packed with phenols and flavonoids, baobab contains antioxidants which can help protect our cells against damage by reducing oxidative stress.
This is very important for our bodies and can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. Blood Sugar Regulation
Whether you’re just looking to improve your diet or manage your weight, baobab can be a great help thanks to its impact on blood sugar regulation.
Studies have shown that those who (blindly) consumed baobab extract stayed fuller for longer and reported higher energy levels throughout the day.
4. Better Digestion
Did you know that only 9% of UK adults consume the recommended daily amount of fibre? This is a nutrient we’re all very much missing out on.
Thankfully, baobab can also help here. Containing both high levels of soluble and insoluble fibre (your body needs both), it feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut and improves digestion to promote better bowel health and keep things moving in the bathroom.
Interestingly, the hunter-gatherer Hadza tribe from Tanzania, are thought to have the world's most diverse and healthiest gut microbiome due to their high consumption of baobab.
It turns out that the Hadza have about twice the variety of microbes that are typical of the Western gut microbiome.
How To Consume Baobab
Baobab powder isn’t something you’d typically see in your supermarket spice aisle, so how can you work it into your diet?
Thanks to its high fibre content, baobab is mostly soluble in water, meaning you can add it to juices, smoothies or other drinks for a quick nutritional boost. You can also sprinkle it over yoghurts and oats, or mix it into healthy bakes like muffins or energy bars.
Our favourite way to enjoy it is in a convenient, delicious, ready-to-eat form. Ghuttie Snacks recently launched a new line of supercharged sunflower seeds, including a baobab-boosted option.
Just pop open a pack and dig in. No prep, no fuss - it can be that easy!
Baobab: Queen Indeed
Baobab is certainly one queen which has earned her title. From supporting healthy digestion and bowels to keeping you nourished and satisfied throughout the day, there are many reasons you should consider adding baobab to your daily routine.
Make it a no-brainer and try Ghuttie Snacks’ Baobab Sunflower Seeds for an instant hit of something delicious and nutritious.
Please share this blog post with someone you know so they can get the superfood feeling.
Thank you!
The Guttie Team
www.ghuttiesnacks.co.uk
