The African superfoods that pack a serious health punch

It seems like every other day you hear about a brand new superfood – but once in a while, one or two emerge that really are worth the hype. Step forward baobab and moringa – two of the most nutrient-dense whole foods on the planet, brought to UK shores by Africa-inspired health and beauty brand and social business, Aduna.

Energizing, beauty-boosting and detoxifying, these little known African superfoods pack a serious health punch. And as Aduna source their products directly from small-scale women farmers in rural Africa, they also support the creation of sustainable income flows. We spoke to Aduna to find out more about their super-charged superfoods.

Baobab Superfruit

Baobab is the fruit of the iconic African Baobab tree – commonly known as The Tree of Life. The only fruit in the world that dries naturally on the branch, baobab’s natural format is a powder that is rich in vitamin C and fibre. Baobab also has the highest antioxidant content of any fruit, giving you radiant, younger looking skin.

Unlike other animals, the human body cannot synthesize its own vitamin C. This means we must top up our vitamin C daily through the foods we eat. A single serving of baobab provides 33% of your daily requirement – and as it’s a natural source, it’s more bioavailable than manufactured vitamin C tablets, which means a greater uptake.  

Vitamin C creates and maintains collagen – important for healthy skin. It also pumps up your immune system to full capacity, which is particularly important at this time of year when cold and flu season is approaching. It is also essential for energy release, which is helpful during winter months when 40% of the UK population suffer from fatigue.

Baobab also contains almost 50% fibre, half of which is soluble – a key component to a healthy digestive system, helping control blood sugar levels and keeping you feeling fuller for longer.  

On top of that, unlike a lot of superfoods, baobab actually tastes good too! It has a unique sherbet-like citrussy flavour that makes it easy to blend into water or other liquids or to super-charge your favourite recipes! Think baobab smoothies, brownies, porridge and dressings. 

Moringa Superleaf

This green superleaf comes from the Moringa tree, known as the "Miracle Tree" in Africa and has been used for its medicinal properties in Africa and Asia for years. Regarded by nutritionists as one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, it's been somewhat neglected in the superfood world until now.

The health and beauty benefits of incorporating moringa in your diet are almost too many to count! A rich source of iron, protein, vitamins A and K and fibre and a source of calcium, magnesium and vitamin E, we like to think of it as a natural multivitamin that leaves us feeling restored, energised and able to function at our best.

Don’t we all want more energy? Well, moringa can help! It’s especially high in vitamin A (32.5% NRV/serving) and iron (46.8% NRV/serving) which both support the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. The high iron and protein content also makes moringa ideal for vegans, vegetarians and those more susceptible to iron deficiencies. Moringa contains almost 25% plant protein (including all nine essential amino acids), essential for consistent energy levels, skin and muscle repair.

Like baobab, moringa has tons of beauty benefits as well. It’s rich in antioxidants and skin-loving vitamins A, E and K, promoting healthy, radiant skin and helping to battle the signs of ageing.

As moringa is a leaf, it has a green, ‘spinachy’ taste that’s often found more palatable than other green superfoods like chlorella and spirulina, so it’s ideal for mixing into smoothies or juices, sprinkling onto salads, adding to soups and boosting both sweet and savoury dishes.

Aduna is an Africa-inspired health and beauty brand and social business whose products are made using exceptional and under-utilised natural ingredients sourced directly from small-scale producers in Africa. Their mission is to breathe the vibrancy of Africa into the daily lives of people all over the world, creating a virtuous circle that feeds significant positive impacts back to the source. For more information or to shop their range, visit www.aduna.com. Enter HEALINGHOLIDAYS at the checkout to receive 20% off.