(Note from Stephanie Lueras, Founder/CEO of Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness: This is a guest article, not authored by me. Facts and claims are the responsibility of the author, Baobab Foods, LLC. I can’t underscore the importance of fiber in a vast and varied diet–it’s beneficial to how we feel and how our body functions in so many ways, here’s just one perspective. Give your thoughts in the comments!)
Over 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates declared that all disease begins in the gut. Today, we understand that fiber plays a crucial role in maintaining human health, from supporting cardiovascular health to lowering cortisol levels, managing weight, and fostering a healthy gut microbiome. However, not all fibers are created equal, and the quality and structure of the fiber can have a significant impact on our health. Prebiotic fibers, in particular, help create a healthy and diverse microbiome. While all prebiotics are fibers, not all fibers are prebiotic.
Prebiotic fibers provide eight significant health benefits:
1. Increase levels of Lactobacilli Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium, beneficial bacteria essential for brain health, mood regulation, and reducing inflammation.
2. Decrease pathogenic bacteria, acting as both a probiotic and antibiotic.
3. Enhances gut barrier integrity, mitigating leaky gut syndrome and lowering the risk of autoimmune diseases – an essential health aid for those managing such conditions.
4. Strengthen immune defense, as 70% of our immune system resides in our gut.
5. Produce beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which protect against bacterial and viral infections.
6. Reduce allergy risks.
7. Decrease protein fermentation in the gut, preventing intestinal dysfunction.
8. Enhance calcium absorption, promoting cardiovascular health.
Inulin, found in chicory root, is a popular prebiotic fiber. Another powerful prebiotic fruit is baobab, which is as effective as inulin at half the dose. As the only fruit that dehydrates itself, baobab comes in a powdered form and is a flavor enhancer, making it a delicious addition to smoothies, yogurt, or health shakes.
The Hadza tribe, known for having the healthiest guts in the world, incorporates baobab as a staple in their diet. Baobab is unique as it contains 50% fiber and has a composition distinct from other sources. It is not only a potent prebiotic but also a very unique pectin profile that contains high amounts of homogalacturonan (HG), an essential dietary nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties, and immune system and intestinal flora modulation benefits.
In addition to being an exceptional prebiotic, baobab boasts one of the highest antioxidant ratings among super fruits like acai, maqui, goji, and chia seeds. It also has significantly more polyphenols.
CONCLUSION:
Baobab, though relatively unknown in the Western world, is a hidden gem from Africa with unique properties and is available in the USA via various outlets including MRM, Better Body and Terrasoul.. Addressing our fiber intake is crucial for combating a range of health concerns, from cardiovascular disease to maintaining a healthy gut, preventing autoimmune diseases, and enhancing our body’s ability to fight bacterial and viral infections. This, together with its potent antioxidant and polyphenol content, means baobab offers a unique and highly beneficial solution for overall human health.
Heart and Sole Fitness & Wellness 