Baobab – The New Kid on the Novel Foods Block as a Glycaemic Response Moderator
Baobab is the African super fruit that comes naturally as a dry powder, tastes fantastic, has an extraordinary backstory of positive social and environmental benefits in Africa, and a legendary reputation for its immune-boosting properties. But there’s much more to Baobab than just this. It also has a range of other functional attributes and health benefits that make it especially interesting to food and beverage manufacturers.
This month we tackle the health property that has sparked most interest in Baobab Fruit Powder from the manufacturers of baked goods, bakery ingredients and health beverages. This is the combination of high fibre and polyphenols in Baobab that collectively moderate the postprandial glycaemic response, lower the GI (glycaemic index) of high GI foods, and increase the feeling of satiety.
Glycaemic Response explained
“Postprandial glycaemic response” describes the changes that occur in blood glucose levels after consuming a carbohydrate-containing food. Persistent fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, when the body receives more glucose than it can use, it stores the excess sugar (which it is unable to metabolize) as fat. This is how the consumption of foods such as white bread, confectionery and white rice that elicit a strong glycaemic response (sometimes referred to as a blood sugar “spike”), can often lead to weight gain.
This has resulted in the development and adoption of the glycaemic index (GI), which is a way to rank carbohydrate-containing foods based on their potential to raise blood glucose. Carbohydrate foods are classified based on how they compare to reference food (either pure glucose or white bread). “Low GI” foods typically release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, leading to only moderate level increases in blood sugar levels. Higher GI foods will result in a more rapid rise in blood sugar levels.
Foods that contain fat and/or fibre affect the overall postprandial glycaemic response of a food by slowing down gastric emptying which, in turn, slows down the digestion of carbohydrates. If a high GI food (such as white bread) is combined with a low GI food (such as yogurt), there will be a more balanced fluctuation of blood glucose (source: American Diabetes Association).
Fat and fibre are not the only things in foods that can help to reduce the postprandial glycaemic response. Researchers have recently discovered that polyphenols have an effect on starch breakdown in foods. Tannic acid, catechins and phytic acid have all been found to reduce the digestibility of starch in vitro and in vivo. This has a significant effect in lowering the glycaemic response of a meal.
Baobab as a Blood Sugar (Glycaemic) Regulator
Baobab Fruit Powder is high in dietary fibre (over 50%) and polyphenols, both of which individually contribute to reducing glycaemic response. In Baobab they also appear to be working in synergy to further enhance the fruit’s potency as a glycaemic regulator. This was confirmed in a 2013 study, undertaken by researchers at Oxford Brookes University in the UK, who analysed the impacts on blood glucose levels of consuming Baobab Fruit Powder in conjunction with high GI white bread. Sure enough, adding the Baobab significantly slowed the rise of blood sugar levels 20-60 minutes after eating the bread.
Beverage Applications
Subjects were given drinks containing either (1) 18.5g of Baobab Fruit Powder in 250ml of water or (2) 37g of Baobab Fruit Powder in 250ml of water. Both groups recorded lower and slower blood sugar increases after eating high GI white bread compared to the group that was given just plain water. By slowing the glycaemic response of simple carbohydrates, the findings indicate that Baobab could potentially help in the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Bakery Applications
In the same study, subjects were fed either standard white bread or “Baobab” white bread (where Baobab Fruit Powder had been added to the dry mix prior to baking). Researchers found that adding just 2% Baobab to the baking mix of white bread caused a significant lowering of the glycaemic index of the bread. Baobab is roughly 50% fibre, but what is interesting is the relatively tiny amounts of Baobab needed to provoke a glycaemic response. This indicates potential wide-ranging commercial applications in the bakery industry in low GI bread, crackers, wafers, etc.
Baobab Increases Satiety & Reduces Hunger
In a 2017 clinical study, researchers at Oxford Brookes University found that Baobab may increase satiety. Subjects were given either a test smoothie consisting of 15g of Baobab Fruit Powder or a control smoothie without Baobab. Subjective ratings of satiety were taken on visual analogue scales immediately pre consumption and then post consumption, and energy intake at a post ad libitum meal was recorded. They discovered that subjective measures of hunger were reduced following the test smoothie compared to the control even though there was no significant difference in calorie intake. This research has positive implications for the use of Baobab for reducing hunger, possibly having a positive effect on weight maintenance.
What does this mean for you?
Baobab Fruit Powder is an amazing asset for food and beverage formulators looking to reduce the GI of their products. Most fruits have a very low fibre content, and are consequently high GI themselves. Baobab, on the other hand, is very high fibre and therefore comparatively low GI itself. It also, because of the potent combination of fibre and polyphenols, can reduce the GI of foods to which it is added. So, if you are in the space of low GI foods, blood sugar management and healthy eating, why not consider trying Baobab Fruit Powder to add in your next juice, smoothie or baking with it?
May Help in Weight Loss
* Baobab fruit may help reduce the absorption of sugar in the body. The reduced absorption of sugar may prevent obesity.
* The high content of fiber found in baobab fruit gives a feeling of satisfaction and fullness therefore eliminating unhealthy snacking habits.
* Obesity can also be caused by inflammatory problems that are prevalent in your body. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory properties of the baobab fruit may help reduce the abdominal fat and may reduce the inflammation in the body.
A study conducted by Oxford Brookes University found that polyphenol-rich baobab fruit extract, baked in bread, reduced starch digestion and glycaemic response in humans.
2. May Boosts Immune System
Because of the unique blend of essential minerals and vitamins, including high level of vitamin C, baobab fruit powder may improve the immune system in fighting infections.
3. May improve Brain Health and Nervous System Health
Stress is the dominant problem in our society. The presence of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in baobab fruit may be nourishing and relaxing to the nervous system and to the brain, preventing the development of neurological problems by improving sleep and reducing stress levels.
4. May Improve Heart Health
The high fiber content of the baobab is binding with the bad cholesterol and eliminating through the faeces, therefore may reduce the risks of developing serious heart problems.
The high level of potassium and magnesium may play a vital role in maintaining normal blood pressure
5. Powerful Anti-inflammatory
Many serious illnesses are caused by the excessive inflammation in the body. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties found in the baobab fruit may help keeping them at bay.
6. May Prevent Arthritis
Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, the baobab fruit is considered a useful addition to the diet and may prevent arthritis.
7. May Improve Digestion
There are two types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Baobab fruit has both soluble and insoluble. These fibers may improve the function of the digestive tract and may act as a prebiotic which is the food for the good gut bacteria
8. May Improve Skin Health
The rich content of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants may help the skin stay firm glowing and radiant. The Baobab fruit may prevent sagging and wrinkles from developing. The Baobab oil is just pure magic when added to the fruit powder for a mask, check out this recipe!
9. May Prevents Diabetes
As mentioned before, the baobab fruit has a special form of sugar that can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels and the rich soluble fibre may prevent the intestines from absorbing too much sugar.
10. May Improve Teeth and Bone Health
The high content of calcium found in baobab fruit is higher than in milk and may prevent developing osteoporosis as well as dental decay.
It is considered the most complete and nutritious food of our modern times to boost the nutritional status for the whole family.
Food Use: The pulp is directly used as an ingredient in various preparations for its binding, thickening and acidifying properties: cereal preparations such as porridge or couscous (for example, the “mutchoyan” in Benin or the “ngalakh” in Senegal), sauces or creams of accompaniment (for example, sweetened cream with grilled and crushed groundnuts in Senegal), sweet preparations cooked with local fruits (mango, orange, ditax, etc.).
It is also used for making smoothies, juices, cereal bars, jams and other similar products.
Traditional cosmetic Use: Because of its smoothing and emollient properties, the pulp of baobab can be used in the form of soap, creams or masks, but also for anti-aging care.
Traditional Use: Studies on its medicinal properties showed that the pulp had anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (reduces temperature), analgesic (relieves pain) properties, anti-diarrheal and anti-dysentery properties, and a potential hepatic-protective effect (protect the liver). Baobab has traditionally been used in African populations to relieve diarrhoea, constipation and dysentery. See these recipes!