INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT: BAOBAB
THE SUB-SAHARAN SUPERFRUIT
Baobab, one of the key ingredients in DANIELE de WINTER's BEAUTY SHOT firming, antioxidant beauty drink is a sub-Saharan melon-like fruit that has been used by Africans to enhance health and beauty for centuries.
Baobab pulp is a superb source of dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble. Baobab consists to 50% of dietary fiber, of which 75% is soluble dietary fiber and 25% is insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber feeds beneficial gut flora and can help reduce blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fiber is ‘calorie-free’ bulk that supports digestive processes, helps reduce your calorie intake and keeps you feeling full for longer.
Baobab contains twice as much calcium as a glass of milk (with none of the lactose), more magnesium than goji berries, more iron than a steak (without any of the hormones or saturated fat) and six times the potassium of a banana.
Baobab’s unique synergy of minerals and antioxidants is associated with increased energy, better endurance, enhanced recovery after exercise and a stronger immune system. Its bioavailable calcium content also makes Baobab very helpful for maintaining the strength and density of your bones and the PH balance of your blood. Your ideal blood PH is 7.4, ie slightly alkaline.
Maintaining an optimum 7.4 blood PH is important for a strong immune systemi, as any acidity will decrease your body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, reduce the ability of your cells to release energy and interfere with your ability to repair damaged cells. Acidity in your system also limit your ability to detoxify heavy metals and provides an environment which allows tumor cells to thrive – making you more susceptible to fatigue and illness.
Calcium is our body’s principal tool for maintaining the alkalinity of our blood. If we eat refined carbohydrates and processed foods, our need for Calcium and to a lesser extent for potassium and magnesium goes up, as sugar & processed foods are very acid-forming. If we do not eat enough calcium and other natural minerals to reduce this imbalance, our body takes calcium from our bones, contributing to osteoporosis. The Calcium in baobab is highly bioavailable, making Baobab a fruit of choice for anyone concerned about protecting their calcium levels.
Lastly, baobab contains a wealth of other Phytonutrients, Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals. The ORAC (antioxidant ability) of Baobab is 1400 per gram!ii ie Boabab contains three times as many antioxidants as blueberries and six times the Vitamin C of an orange!
Studies at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain. Eating plenty of foods with a high-ORAC activity, such as baobab, maqui, raspberry and acai (all of which are found in BEAUTY SHOT) has the power to reduce risk of both cancer and heart diseaseiii. Recent research also indicates that diminished brain function associated with aging and disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases may be due to low antioxidant levels, and that maintaining these levels through natural, antioxidant-rich foods is a safe strategy for reducing vulnerability to these diseases.
REFERENCES
i http://altered-states.net/barry/update178/
ii_ http://limitlessgood.com/pages/why-do-other-fruits-envy-the-baobab-fruit
iii_ http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/ar/archive/feb99/aging0299.htm?pf=1
