Baobab Tree at Mannar – මන්නාරම් බයෝබැබ් ගස
- Tree with the largest trunk in Sri Lanka -
The baobab ( also refereed to as biobab boab, boaboa, bottle tree, upside-down tree, and monkey bread tree) is a native tree to Africa, Madagascar and Australia. There are 8 species of boabab, 6 in Madagascar, 1 each in Africa and Australia. The tree is also referred in Sri Lanka as the Ali-Gaha ( Elephant Tree) since the bark of the tree resembles a skin of a Elephant and the Tamils refer to it as ‘Perukka’.
The baobabs in Sri Lanka is believed to have been brought by Arabian Traders. According to a study done in 2003, there are about 40 Baobab Trees surviving in Sri Lanka, out of which 34 has been identified and measured in Mannar. Most of the trees were calculated to be 300-400 years old. The oldest and the largest baobab is at Pallimunei which is said to be about 800 years old. This tree was calculated 723 years old in the 2003 study. The circumference of the tree is is 19.5 meters and its 7.5 meters tall. This is most popular of the all ( see images taken in May 2008) due to its size and age.
Using Baobab for Health
Due to a lack of supporting research, it's too soon to recommend baobab for any health-related purpose. To increase your intake of antioxidants, try including antioxidant-rich foods like berries, dark, leafy greens and other vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.If you're considering baobab for a chronic condition, make sure to consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen. Self-treating a chronic condition with baobab and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
Sources
Chadare FJ, Linnemann AR, Hounhouigan JD, Nout MJ, Van Boekel MA. "Baobab food products: a review on their composition and nutritional value." Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2009 Mar;49(3):254-74.
Osman MA. "Chemical and nutrient analysis of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit and seed protein solubility." Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2004 Winter;59(1):29-33.
Tal-Dia A, Toure K, Sarr O, Sarr M, Cisse MF, Garnier P, Wone I. "A baobab solution for the prevention and treatment of acute dehydration in infantile diarrhea." Dakar Med. 1997;42(1):68-73.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.
Baobab Oil for Soft and Youthful Skin
The Oil From the Tree of Life Has Numerous Skin Care Benefits
Baobab oil (as well as
baobab leaf extract and baobab bark extract) is another exotic
ingredient showing up more and more in skin care products. It is
especially useful for treating dry and damaged skin. It’s found in the
formulas of anti-aging products because of antioxidants like vitamin E,
which helps rejuvenate and renew skin cells.
Baobab oil is extracted from the seeds of the baobab tree, also
called the “upside down” tree (the branches resemble roots) native to
Africa, Madagascar and Australia. The baobab tree (pronounced bau-bab, bā-ә-bab, bay-o-bab or bay-o-bob
depending on where it is located) is the subject of many
legends, folklore, myths, and superstitions. Some villagers believed
that spirits inhabited the sweet scented white flowers and anyone who
plucked a flower, would be eaten by a lion. Other beliefs were that
drinking the water in which the seeds were soaked, would offer
protection from crocodiles or that an infusion made from baobab bark
would give men strength.
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