With an increasingly health conscious and aging population, consumer demand for vitamins and dietary supplements in the UK looks set to continue. According to the NHS nearly one third of all British people take some kind of vitamin, mineral or dietary supplement most days. Yet, these should never be regarded as a substitute for real food, as swallowing synthetic multivitamins is a far less effective way of obtaining your recommended daily allowance of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients, than by enjoying them direct from nature. American nutritionist, Karen Ansel, advises “food contains thousands of phytochemicals, fibre, and more that work together to promote good health that cannot be duplicated with a pill or a cocktail of supplements.” Adding a selection of pure, natural superfoods, such as delicious baobab powder, to an already varied and balanced diet on the other hand, will help to ensure that you obtain all of the nourishment that your body needs to keep it fit and healthy, without resorting to a long list of man-made supplements.

What is baobab powder?

Baobab powder is an incredibly versatile fruit extract made from the fruit of the baobab – one of the largest trees on our planet and native to the African island of Madagascar. Locally the baobab tree is often referred to as the ‘Tree of Life’, as it has such a myriad of uses (both the bark and fruit of the baobab are used to prepare jam, butter and a range of cosmetic products such as face cream, soap, skin oil, body lotion and shampoo) and the fruit that it produces is considered exceptionally nutritious. Many even believe the baobab tree to be scared and claim that its branches, which resemble roots, are pointing to the sky in order to receive heavenly wisdom and strength. Its fruit, which is around the size of a coconut, boasts a silky smooth skin and a delicious fruit flavour with delightful hints of grapefruit, vanilla and pear.

Why is baobab powder such an excellent natural alternative to multivitamins?

The fruit of the baobab features special antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why traditional African doctors have been prescribing it to treat stomach pain and diarrhoea for centuries. It’s also bursting with beneficial nutrients that boost energy and promote beautiful, radiant skin, including:

Vitamins:

Baobab powder contains vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and up to ten times more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is crucial for a strong immune, cardiovascular and endocrine system. It also helps to protect against degenerative diseases and promotes the absorption of calcium.

Minerals:

Baobab powder is an extremely valuable source of calcium (the fruit contains 2-4 as much calcium as a glass of milk), which is why many African women consume baobab fruit pulp throughout the term of their pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding. And Baobab fruit is rich in potassium, magnesium (baobab contains 4-6 times as much potassium as banana), iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and molybdenum. Molybdenum is an element that is believed to be involved in essential biological processes, such as the development of the nervous system, waste processing in the kidneys and energy production in our cells and although more research is required, it may have a role in preventing cancer and other diseases.

Dietary fibre:

Baobab is high in fibre, which helps to promote both a healthy digestion and weight and can help lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Protein and essential fatty acids:

The seeds of the baobab are packed with protein and essential fatty acids such as omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, which are particularly advantageous for our skin and can help combat psoriasis, eczema and other skin complaints.

Antioxidants:

Baobab contains up to four times as many antioxidants as blueberries – antioxidants can help to slow down the aging process and may help to prevent certain types of cancer.

How to enjoy the brilliant benefits of baobab

Deliciously fruity baobab powder can be stirred directly into water, juices, smoothies, shakes and protein drinks or used to enhance your favourite desserts, fruit salads, raw chocolate and other sweet treats.

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