Baobab trees are
mighty trees that grow in Africa, Magadascar, Australia and parts of Asia. The baobab tree is a very important tree in the areas where it
grows because of its numerous benefits and
uses. It is also called the Tree of Life because all of its parts are useful
for food, medicine, shelter, water and other uses. There are different species
of Baobab tree (about 8), but the African baobab is called Adansonia digitata.
It is also called Monkey bread tree, upside down tree and bottle tree.
Baobab fruits are about 7-10 inches long, weighing about 2-3
pounds. The pulp is delicious, having a sweet tangy taste and a citrusy
flavour. They are highly nutritious and
contain important nutrients like the following:- Vitamins C and B complex
- Citric and tartaric acids
- Minerals like magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc and calcium
- Proteins
- Carbohydrates
- Soluble and insoluble fiber
The fruits dry on the tree, allowing the pulp to become a
powder. This powder is used in making powders, as thickening agents, fruit
juice. The fruit powder has the following properties:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Prebiotic
They boost health because of their nutritional health
benefits and have been used traditionally to:
- Aid digestion
- Relieve body pain
- Treat digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation and dysentery
- Boost immunity
- Treat scurvy and Vitamin C deficiency
- Boost energy level because of the potassium, magnesium and calcium content
- Help in regulating blood sugar levels
- Treat anaemia because of the high iron content
Baobab fruit is an example of using food as medicine with no
side effects. Unfortunately in my own part of the world (South West Nigeria),
the tree is revered spiritually and so, most people do not eat the fruits or
leaves but rather use them for medicinal purposes. In some other parts of Nigeria and
world, it is widely used for many purposes. In Burkina Faso, the fruits are
made into a drink called bisab together with hibiscus calyxes.
Share below what you know about baobab fruits. Also leave
your comment and questions. Follow on Twitter for updates @heal2bwell.
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