Baobab fruit powder

Baobab has become a hot superfood, but in its native Africa, the tree has been feeding and healing people for centuries.

- Dried baobab fruit powder is rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin C; it's high in potassium; and it contains good amounts of calcium, magnesium, and protein. It's also rich in fiber, which makes up about half of each serving. The fiber acts as a prebiotic, helping to maintain healthy bacteria in the gut.

- baobab fruit powder, mixed in water or baked into white bread, slowed the absorption of starchy food. This reduces spikes and crashes in blood sugar and energy. Researchers believe the fruit may block enzymes that break down starch and sugar, in addition to slowing absorption with its fiber content.

- Scientists around the world have been analyzing the properties of the baobab tree for more than 100 years. The seeds contain an oil that, when used topically, is beneficial for the skin. The edible fruit that is widely available as a powdered supplement has been shown to be rich in antioxidants, and boasts anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.

- It's also a potent pain reliever and has been used traditionally to treat diarrhea and reduce fever. In fact, baobab has historically been used to treat dysentery, a life-threatening form of diarrhea, and fever associated with malaria. More recently, an animal study found that a freeze-dried form of the fruit and seeds can protect the liver against damage from a toxic solvent used in fire extinguishers and dry cleaning.

Baobab oil, made by pressing seeds, is a moisturizer and skin soother. Nutritious baobab fruit powder works well in:

• Smoothies
• Mixed with cold or hot water and, optionally, lemon
• Stirred into coconut water
• Mixed into other drinks, cold or hot
• Sprinkled on oatmeal, cold cereal, pancakes, or waffles
• Sprinkled on fresh fruit
• Blended into salad dressings
• Baked into bread, muffins, brownies, cakes, or cookies
• Mixed into yogurt, ice cream, or other desserts
• Blended into sauces or soups
• Sprinkled on popcorn

Baobab fruit powder is available by itself, and as an ingredient in plant-based protein powders, nutritional or energy-enhancing powders, and fruit chews. It can also be found in nutrition bars or other foods. Baobab fruit is non-GMO and doesn't contain gluten.