Using Baobab Fruit Powder as a Prebiotic

baobab fruit tree

“All Disease Begins in The Gut.” – Hippocrates.

Fibre helps with digestion and gut health. Not only is Baobab over 50% dietary fibre, but it also acts as a prebiotic, keeping the good bacteria in your gut happy.

What is Baobab?

Known as the “Tree of Life”, the baobab tree has held important significance in Africa for centuries. The baobab tree is a symbol of sustenance and life due to its adaption to the harsh, arid climate. During the rainy season, the Baobab tree absorbs and stores water in its trunk, which then produces the nutrient-rich fruit in the dry season. Baobab trees can live up to 3,000 years and can grow to 25 metres high!

The oldest Baobab tree is 6,000 years old called the Sunland Baobab. It is also the oldest tree on earth.

How is the Baobab Fruit used?

Baobab is a fantastic fruit powder, partly because it requires so little processing. The fruit dries naturally on the branches and no preservatives or additives are required. The flavour is quite subtle; a bit like sherbert citrus.


Baobab fruit powder as a prebiotic

What is a prebiotic?

Insoluble fibre is important as well as soluble fibre. Prebiotics are a type of fibre that remain undigested as they are passed through the body to reach the colon. They feed the good bacteria in your gut, increasing levels to aid digestion, normalise bowel movements and improve gut health. Baobab contains 15-40g per 100g of soluble fibre and 5-20g per 100g of insoluble fibre.

What causes high levels of bacteria?

High levels of bad bacteria in the gut can be caused by several things, including eating too much sugar and unhealthy, processed foods, high levels of stress and taking medication.

What is the difference between a prebiotic and a probiotic?

Probiotics actually contain live bacteria, whereas prebiotics act as a fertiliser for bacteria. If something contains both prebiotics and probiotics, it is called a symbiotic. Taking prebiotics replenishes the numbers of good bacteria in your gut, which is particularly beneficial when suffering from illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhoea or after taking a course of antibiotics.

A visual explaining the difference between probiotics and prebiotics and the different foods related to both.

Why use Baobab as a prebiotic?

Supplementing with Baobab powder daily can help to maintain a healthy digestive system by keeping the good bacteria in your gut fed. You will also be benefiting from the high levels of vitamins, minerals, iron and antioxidants.


Baobab and fibre

Does Baobab have a high fibre content?

Baobab has over 50% fibre content and contains more fibre than prunes.

Baobab as a soluble fibre.

The soluble fibre in Baobab helps slow down the release of sugars, which reduces energy spikes. Particularly good for diabetics. Soluble fibre also binds to cholesterol and removes them from the body, reducing the risk of heart disease. It also absorbs water and helps you feel full without adding too many calories to your diet.

The BBC recently filmed a documentary series called Superfoods: The Real Story. Episode 7 features Baobab and how it may help with diabetes.


 Benefits of Baobab prebiotic

The Immune System

Maintaining a good balance of good bacteria with prebiotic and probiotics can be directly linked to maintaining a strong immune system. Baobab also contains high levels of Vitamin C, which can also boost the immune system.

Mental Health

Depression, anxiety and brain fog can deeply affect day to day life. Some research suggests that a hormonal imbalance can be attributed to, in part, high levels of bad bacteria in the body. Prebiotics can help to balance cortisol and hormone levels.

Inflammation

Inflammation is thought to be one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases. People who consume more fibre and prebiotics are more likely to have lower, healthier cholesterol levels reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Baobab can boost your fibre intake and provide much-needed prebiotics.

Skin

To maintain healthy, clear balance skin or to help to keep skin disorders such as eczema and acne in check a healthy gut is a must. The antioxidants and Vitamin C present in Baobab will also contribute to healthy skin.


 Final tips for a healthy gut

  • Take a good quality prebiotic and probiotic supplement
  • Eat fermented foods
  • Manage stress levels
  • Avoid too much sugar and processed foods