Long before the term “microbiome” became a buzzword in mainstream medicine, I was researching the link between gut bacteria and your health. But, I had a different approach…
Instead of attending scientific conferences, I traveled almost 8,000 miles to visit a remarkable tribe in remote Tanzania.
The Hadza are one of the last surviving hunter-gatherer groups on the planet. They still live much as our ancestors did 10,000 years ago.
Hadza elders radiate health and vigor. Chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and dementia are virtually unheard of. Stanford researchers concluded that they’re the healthiest people on earth.
Today, a lot of researchers are interested in studying the Hadza. But, they continue to miss one of the most important foods that keep the microbiome of this indigenous group so diverse.1 Let me explain…
The Hadzas’ diet swings back and forth with the seasons.
During the dry season fresh game, especially organ meat, is plentiful and makes up most of their diet. But in the wet season, game animals are harder to hunt. So, their diet mainly consists of berries and honey.
However, there is something that they eat year-round — the fruit and tubers from the baobab tree.2
The fruit of the baobab tree is 50% non-digestible prebiotic fiber. These living microorganisms pass through your gut where they feed your probiotics so they can do their job.
The Hadza grind baobab into a powder that they add to drinks or soup. The raw food isn’t common in this country yet. But you can find certified-organic baobab powder online… Just make sure it’s sourced from Africa, Australia, India, or Madagascar. And check the label to avoid added sugars or preservatives.
Feed Your Probiotics With Baobab Drink
Baobab has a unique, sweet taste. I like to add it to a green smoothie for a refreshing drink. It’s an easy and fast way to improve gut health.
Ingredients:
- 2 tsp baobab fruit powder
- Handful of baby spinach Leaves
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tbsp raw, organic honey
- 1 cup chilled whole milk
- ¼ cup water
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
To Your Good Health,
Al Sears, MD, CNS
References:
1. Schnorr, Stephanie L., et al. “Gut Microbiome of the Hadza Hunter-Gatherers.” Nature Communications, vol. 5, no. 1, 15 Apr. 2014, NIH.gov.
2. Smits, Samuel A., et al. “Seasonal Cycling in the Gut Microbiome of the Hadza Hunter-Gatherers of Tanzania.” Science, vol. 357, no. 6353, 24 Aug. 2017, pp. 802–806, science.sciencemag.org/content/357/6353/802, 10.1126/science.aan4834. Accessed 6 Oct. 2019.