Baobab Oil Side Effects
Baobab oil does contain some potentially harmful compounds that can have negative health effects if consumed in large amounts:
- Baobab oil contains cyclopropenoid fatty acids, which may interfere with fatty acid synthesis in the body and lead to health issues.
- The seeds and pulp of baobab also contain antinutrients like phytates, tannins, and oxalic acid, which can reduce the absorption of nutrients.
- Consuming baobab oil has been linked to side effects like retarded growth, decreased egg production in animals, and disruption of enzyme function.
- Baobab oil may also lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate.
However, the search results indicate that these negative effects are primarily seen with high, medicinal doses of baobab oil, not normal food consumption. When processed properly to remove harmful compounds, baobab oil is generally considered safe for topical use and consumption in moderation.