## 4 Discussion  
### Nutritional Profile  
In this work, the centesimal composition of baobab fruit pulp was analyzed. Despite the high nutritional characterization of this fruit pulp [1; 7; 14; 23; 36], it is important to perform this analysis due to the fact that the nutritional content varies, depending on an assortment of factors, including geographic origin, soil and temperature conditions, and fruit maturation index, among other factors [23]. Until now, no research has been conducted on this fruit, as harvested in Luanda (Angola). Our results revealed high contents of total dietary fiber (52%) and total ash (8%) in baobab fruit pulp. Low protein and total fat contents were observed. The high quantity of total ash suggests that the fruit pulp is rich in inorganic matter, which is in accord with its high mineral content. Thus, the European Union has defined a range of 5.5-6.6% ash content for baobab pulp [15]. Our findings are consistent with the levels described in the literature, although slightly higher. According to several studies, baobab pulp contains substantial amounts of iron, zinc [36], magnesium, calcium, and potassium [23]. Considering geographical proximity, [PERSON] et al. [14] described lower ash contents (4.71-5.18%) in Angolan baobab fruits collected from the municipalities of Namibe (southern Angola). However, the same authors reported identical contents of dietary fiber, ranging from 51.38% to 56.62%. The inorganic composition variation may be due to the adjustments of plant root architecture and exudation, in response to nutritional needs and soil conditions, with several modifications acting as markers of the plant's and the soil's nutritional status. According to [PERSON] et al. [36], the baobab fruit pulp contains higher concentrations of all critical nutrients, compared to regularly consumed fruits including bananas, mangoes, and berries. Our results also showed that baobabs from the Luanda region possess an important economic value and are a good and low-cost source of total dietary fiber (52.0%). Regarding dietary fiber content, [PERSON] et al. [36] reported fiber levels ranging from 5.4% to 11.15% in several baobab fruits collected from distinct areas (Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, and Mali). Also, lower dietary fiber contents (20.62-24.19%) were described in baobab fruit pulp from two districts of Mozambique [37]. Other studies, however, report values ranging from 45.1% to 52%, values similar to those obtained in this study [9; 14; 24]. One possible reason justifying this variation may be the different evaluations: crude fiber or cellulose, rather than dietary fibers, which are not the same. Also, several analytical methods are used, like enzymatic gravimetric assay and the AOAC method, which can lead to differing assessments of the results. Despite everything, dietary fiber intake promotes favorable body weight and overall metabolic health. According to [PERSON] et al. [38], increased dietary fiber consumption has also been associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting further health benefits of a diet rich in fiber, such as a lower risk of cancer, and a better gastrointestinal health [36], increasing the interest in baobab fruit. Regarding carbohydrate content, our sample exhibited a value of 37.0%, which is higher than those obtained by [PERSON] et al. [14] in Angolan fruits. Higher values were reported in fruit pulp from Mozambique, ranging between 70.74-77.23% [37]. Since carbohydrates are usually determined by difference (indirect method), these variations in the amounts of carbohydrates come from the fact that the fiber content increases the apparent amount of digestible carbohydrates. Despite all of these differences, the baobab fruit pulp provides a balanced nutritional profile, which enhances its incorporation into food supplements, in addition to its other industrial applications.