Baobab Leaves For Food And Medicine.

The baobab tree is a very important tree in the areas where it grows because of its numerous benefits

and uses. All the parts of the tree are useful for food, medicine, shelter, water and other uses. It is also called the Tree of Life and the African baobab is called Adansonia digitata.

Although baobab fruit pulp is more popular, baobab leaves are nutrient-rich and have the following nutrients which are beneficial for good health:

• Carbohydrates; sugars and soluble fiber (mucilage).
• Proteins
• Vitamins; carotenes, riboflavin and vitamin C.
• Minerals; potassium, iron, magnesium,manganese, phosphorus,zinc and calcium.

Medicinal uses of baobab leaves.

1. Baobab leaves have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which makes them ideal for preventing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation in the body. This results in a decrease in the risk of some chronic health conditions. They also boost the immune system.
2. Baobab leaves have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, making them useful in treating infections of the skin.
3. Baobab leaves contain mucilage, a form of soluble fiber with numerous health properties including lowering blood cholesterol levels, regulating blood sugar levels and boosting digestive health. Read more about fiber and mucilaginous foods here and here.
4. The leaf juice or extract can be used to treat skin disorders.
5. Mashed leaves can be used as a face mask to brighten the skin and treat acne, pimples, etc.
6. The leaves are astringent and so, can be used to relieve excessive perspiration and used to treat sores and wounds.

Baobab leaves are commonly used to prepare vegetable soups or to thicken soups in Nigeria because of their mucilaginous properties. Miyan kuka is a popular soup made with dried and powdered baobab leaves, spices, ground pepper, ginger, garlic, palm oil, fish and other protein sources. These are all raw ingredients with so many health promoting nutrients.

It doesn’t really matter what part of the world you live in or come from, the raw food products around you provide the best nutrition. Baobab leaves definitely boost nutrition and promote wellness at a cheap price or no cost to the people who live where they grow.

Please add to this article below if you know about other good uses of baobab leaves. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.