Baobab powder has the same benefits as electrolyte drinks but with less sugar. Baobab is an African fruit which contains natural performance- boosting electrolytes such as magnesium (helps the body to produce energy and release muscle soreness), calcium (required for muscle contractions and support bone health) and potassium (maintains blood pressure and stores nitrogen in muscle proteins). Baobab can also be found in Arabia, Australia and Madagascar. The baobab tree produces a large fruit with a delicious citrus-like flavor. This type of fruit has many health benefits as well, for runners to have access to a natural source of electrolytes can be effective and more healthy. In most part of the world, we only have access to the Baobab powder version, which is a great Superfood.
We can use it especially pre-run fueling or for recovery after long runs or high-heat and humidity training sessions. To consume the water mixture should be half an hour pre-run, or the pre-run smoothie 1 1/2 hours before the run. For recovery, anytime within 30-60 mins post-run.
We can add 1 tablespoon of baobab powder and a pinch of salt into sparkling or regular water, or in a smoothie with berries, greens and protein.
Benefits of Baobab Powder for Runners
1. High source of Vitamins and Minerals
Baobab is a great source of the most important vitamins and minerals for runners. Powdered baobab contains many important nutrients, especially high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, niacin, iron, magnesium and potassium.
2 Tablespoons of powdered baobab provides:
Calories: 50
Protein: 1 gram
Carbs: 16 grams
Fat: 0 gram
Fiber: 9 grams
Vitamin C: 58% of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI)
Vitamin B6: 24% RDI
Niacin: 20% RDI
Iron: 9% RDI
Potassium: 9% RDI
Magnesium: 8% RDI
Calcium: 7% RDI
6x more Vitamin C than oranges
2x more Calcium than milk and maca powder
5x more Potassium than bananas
6x more Antioxidants than blueberries
20x more Fiber than apples and 2x more than chia seeds
5x more Iron than spinach
2. Promotes Feeling of Fullness
It can help curb cravings and promote feelings of fullness, to balance our hunger and food consumption. Studies have showed that drinking a smoothie with 15 grams of baobab powder really reduces the feelings of hunger. Baobab is also high in fiber, 2 tbsps. contain 9 grams of fiber, which can help with digestion, emptying our stomach gradually, and keeping us feeling full longer. A good source of fiber can also help with weight loss.
3. Helps Balance Blood Sugar Levels
For runners, we need to consume more carbs to sustain and refuel our energy levels. Adding baobab powder to our diet will benefit with blood sugar control so we don’t overconsume high sugar levels. We can also use baobab powder for baking, bread, muffins etc. which will help slow down the increase of blood sugar levels in our body when we eat those nice foods. With high-fiber content, baobab also helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which can help prevent spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
4. Antioxidant and Polyphenol Helps Reduce Inflammation
Baobab is full of antioxidants and polyphenols, which are compounds that protect our cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation in our body. For runners, high levels of inflammation can cause many health issues, it can also affect our heart. Runners need to consume good levels of antioxidants.
5. High-Fiber Will Support Digestive Health
As runners, especially long-distance runners, digestive issues are very common. Fiber moves through our gastrointestinal (GI) tract undigested and is essential to digestive health. Fiber also acts as a prebiotic and feeds the beneficial bacteria in our gut, optimizing the health of our gut microbiome. Runners need to have a healthy digestive system, we just have to make sure we don’t consume too much fiber the day before a race, or during a run.
6. A Superfood Powder Full of Nutrients
There are so many options to add this great baobab powder to different meal types, water, smoothies, soups, baked goods, yogurt, oatmeal. This will provide some extra antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Baobab powder is a great electrolyte powder as well for runners.
We Can Add Baobab Powder to Different Meals and Drinks:
Breakfast oatmeal.
Other breakfast- yogurt, cereals, smoothies.
Energy or protein bar recipes.
Popsicles or fruit ice cream recipes.
Baking recipes like bread, healthy muffins or cakes, or other baking recipes.
Salad dressing recipes, with balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil and fresh herbs.
Sparkling water or plain water for great rehydration.
Eat Baobab Superfood Powder, Get Lots of Electrolytes and Nutrients, Feel Great When you Run!
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