The Green Bioplaneet Dictonary: Baobab

The Upside-Down tree
The baobab tree, also known as the Upside Down tree, grows in Africa, Australia and Madagascar, among other places. This nickname is not surprising, since the tree looks like it has been planted upside down with its twisted branches spreading out in the air, when the branches are bare of leaves. Although baobab has a long history as an ingredient, it has not been known for very long as an addition to 'modern' hair and skin products. The pulp of the baobab fruit - which is extracted from the seeds and then processed into a raw powder - has become a favourite active ingredient. It is rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, but also in potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The oil pressed from the fruit seeds is also popular. It contains several antioxidants and nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D and E. Baobab oil is ideal for use on the skin and hair because of its lightweight and non-greasy texture that is quickly absorbed. Baobab extract from the leaves contains a lot of vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, iron and potassium. The seeds and pit of the fruit are also full of fibre, fat and other micronutrients such as thiamine, calcium and iron.

For beautiful hair
The hair needs moisture to stay strong and healthy and the moisturizing properties of baobab oil can help with this. Not only does baobab take care of your hair, but it also prevents your scalp from drying out or flaking. For example, apply the Detox Hair Mask from Innersense Organic Beauty to your scalp and massage it in gently. This gently cleanses your scalp and removes styling residue. The result? A fresh and nourished scalp and bright, shiny looking hair. Because baobab oil is rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids and vitamin E, it also nourishes the hair. Especially damaged hair or curly hair benefits from products which baobab has been added to. It makes the hair stronger, prevents frizz and adds moisture. The omega fatty acids have a smoothing effect on the hair cuticle that prevents dryness and fizziness. Chemically treated hair or hair that is often styled with a hair dryer or flat iron also benefits from baobab. You will therefore find it in the Serenity Smoothing Cream and the Hair Love Prep Spray, both from Innersense Organic Beauty.

For firm skin
A healthy skin barrier retains moisture, prevents your skin from drying out and makes your skin feel soft and smooth. The better you take care of your skin barrier, the longer your skin will stay healthy and elastic. Baobab oil can help you with that because it contains vitamin E that moisturizes your skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier. In addition, baobab oil is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C that stimulate the production of collagen so that lines, wrinkles and skin slackening become less visible. Here's how it works: Antioxidants neutralize harmful free radicals that attack the skin. Free radicals are unstable atoms in the body that can damage cells and cause aging by breaking down collagen. However, this damage can be prevented by molecules that neutralize free radicals; antioxidants. Baobab oil is packed with antioxidants that protect your skin from free radical damage, helping to prevent aging and drying out your skin. You will therefore find it in the Superfood Face Firming Serum from Made by Coopers.

For healthy intestines
As mentioned earlier, the baobab tree produces fruit and its pulp, the leaves and seeds have been associated with many health benefits. The pulp is a good source of important antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, iron and zinc. The pulp also contains a large amount of fibre. Fibre not only cleans the intestines, but also nourishes the intestinal flora. The beauty of baobab fibres is that they are both soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre absorbs water and acts like prebiotics by feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut. The insoluble fibre improves intestinal transit and can thus prevent digestive problems. You can find these healthy fibres in Zinergi's vegan Fiber Expert. The Fiber Expert is a powder supplement that you can easily add to a glass of water or smoothie.