In the mythology of many African nations, the baobab tree represents life, fertility and is a keeper of the earth. Unsurprising then that the baobab is also steeped in folklore. There is a belief that women living in huts where baobabs are plentiful have more children than those living outside the baobab zones –which is possibly true as the women eat soup made of baobab leaves which are rich in vitamins and EFA and compensate for any deficiency in their diet. Baobab fruit powder too, is rich in vitamin C, anti-oxidants, magnesium, potassium and dietary fibre all of which would contribute to good health,
The Venda believe that if you wash a baby in water infused with baobab bark, the child will become fat and healthy. 🙂
