Carob health Benefits

Carob is the fruit of the Ceratonia siliqua L. tree, which belongs to the legume family. The tree is native to the Mediterranean region. Portugal stands out as the largest producer of carob in the world. Carob may be a healthier alternative to chocolate with beneficial effects on blood sugar and cholesterol.

Carob has a nutty, chocolate-like flavor. Because of its sugar content, it is naturally sweeter than cocoa.

Carob is used for both human nutrition as well as animal feed. It is rich in protein, carbohydrates and low level of fat. It also has Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Iron, Manganese, Potassium, Copper, Barium, Nickel, Copper and Vitamins such as B, A, D, B3 and B2. Carob is free from caffeine, oxalic acid and bromine, tyramine and nylthylamine. Carob has antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. It’s natural thickening substance obtained from endosperm which is used as confectionery. It is also used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Studies show that carob extracts has high content of phenolic compounds which possess antioxidant activities by repairing cell damage caused by free radicals of the body and also counteract the cervical cancer cells.

Carob has low sugar, 1/3 of calories and fraction of fat content. It assists in prevention of spikes in blood sugar and considered as a safe dietary choice for diabetic patients. Carob has fiber which inhibits secretion of postprandial ghrelin which is a hormone that informs body that it is hungry, released occasionally after eating.

We have tablets and creams with carob at their base. Contact us for more information regarding these products.

The regular intake of food products rich in carob fiber has beneficial effects on human blood lipid profile by lowering bad cholesterol level and improves LDL to HDL cholesterol ratio.

Some consider carob to be a reasonable substitute for chocolate because it has some similar nutrients (calcium, phosphorus) and because it can – when combined with vegetable fat and sugar – be made to approximate the color and consistency of chocolate.

Carob powder, chips, and molasses have a sweet and rich flavor. Carob powder can be used as a straight substitute for cocoa or cacao powder.

You can try to use carob flour to cook something healthy, for example carob pancakes, that surely are delicious and very practical, and are also gluten-free!

Banana and carob pancakes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup of oat flakes ⠀
• 1 tablespoon carob powder
• 1/2 teaspoon yeast
• 1 ripe banana (small)
• 3/4 cup oat vegetable drink ⠀
• a pinch of fine salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all the ingredients and grind with the magic wand or in a blender.

For each pancake, put about 1/4 of a cup of the batter in a hot frying pan greased with coconut oil or other.

When you see that the top of the pancake batter begins to bubble, turn the pancakes and cook on the other side until nicely golden. ⠀

Serve with fresh strawberries or berries. Enjoy!

Carob contains chemicals and fiber. These compounds might cause weight loss, reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, and lower cholesterol levels.