Carob - health benefits and harms

Carob is a ready-made powder that is extracted from the beans of the Ceratonia siliculose (also called Carob). In the modern world, raw materials are just beginning to gain popularity; powder is considered an excellent alternative to more harmful chocolate and cocoa. Carob in confectionery completely replaces sugar. The product also has a number of positive qualities. Let's consider everything in order.

Carob sprouting

The birthplace of ceratonia is considered to be the Mediterranean. Initially, the tree grew exclusively in the wild. Then he was transported to Australia and began to cultivate as an ordinary culture.

Currently, the product is well established as an additional cough suppressant. If you delve into history, you can find records that the tree in traditional medicine was used more than 5000 years ago.

In terms of taste, carob is similar to cocoa. The aftertaste largely depends on the method and degree of frying. Externally, the fruits have a not very bright pink color. In terms of usefulness, carob is superior to natural cocoa powder.

In Australia, carob has taken root due to its unique qualities. The tree easily lives in arid conditions for a long time. Moreover, the quality of the fruit does not change. Currently, the following countries remain leaders in the cultivation of ceratonia: Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal and Australia.

Carob Benefits

1. Since ancient times, carob has become famous as a means that prolongs youth. Raw materials are rich in antioxidants. Substances entering the body begin to interact with free radicals. Malignant cells are destroyed as a result of a complex chemical process. Thus, skin particles are not adversely affected.
2. The product is famous for the fact that it contains no caffeine. Such a substance is found in cocoa. Drink from carob can be drunk to hypertensives without harm to health. In addition, the product has no contraindications for children and the fair sex who bear the fetus. Carob is not addictive due to the unique substance salsolinol. Such an enzyme is found in chocolate.
3. There is also theobromine in cocoa beans, the substance is responsible for the psycho-emotional background of a person. There are no such enzymes in carob, so the use of the product will not affect you in any way. Your mood will not suddenly disappear. On the contrary, a drink based on such raw materials will help calm the psyche and control various thoughts.
4. The main difference between carob and cocoa can be considered that in the first case, the raw material has 10-11 times less fat than in the second. The sweetness of the Carob tree is achieved due to fructose and sucrose. From here, experts attributed carob to the category of diet products. Some components contain fats, they are replaced with gum, which is available in the Carob raw materials. Hence, carob extract products can be stored more than cocoa-added formulations.
5. Another undoubted advantage of ceratonia can be considered that the abundance of useful enzymes is completely absorbed by the human body. The same cannot be said for cocoa. Carob's benefits are visible to the naked eye. A small amount of fiber also predominates in raw materials. Enzyme is enough to fully regulate the digestive processes. Antioxidants in conjunction with dietary fiber well cleanse the body of slagging and toxins.
6. Historical information has it that in ancient times, carob was used by local healers as an effective antiseptic. The composition in a short time helped a person improve his condition in case of poisoning and diarrhea. The powder was very popular with parents who gave raw materials to children. Useful qualities of carob can be listed for a very long time. A product-based drink thoroughly cleanses the blood of cholesterol. Regular use prevents cardiovascular disease.
7. Cocoa lovers should rethink their tastes. Carob is sweeter than bean powder. If you make a drink based on the Carob tree, you don’t need to add sugar in addition. In carob, there are natural components that practically do not harm the body. The only condition remains that the raw materials are recommended with particular care to consume diabetics. Consult a specialist in advance. Fried carob has a small amount of saccharides.
8. Carob is actively used in nutrition. Regular consumption of the drink significantly dulls hunger. Raw materials block the production of the hormone grenaline, which is responsible for appetite. Anyone trying to say goodbye to unwanted pounds is advised to replace unnatural sweeteners with carob powder. Raw materials are hypoallergenic products. However, you should not flatter yourself, a preliminary consultation with a doctor is still worthwhile. Sometimes there is an individual intolerance to the components.

Carob in Oncology

Studies have shown that the presence of polyphenolic compounds in carob can prevent the development of cancer. To some extent, the product is toxic, only cancer cells are harmed. Raw materials are especially recommended for women. Carob prevents the development of cervical cancer.

Carob for diabetes

If we compare carob and cocoa beans, then in the first case, the raw material has a significantly lower amount of sugar. Also in the fruits of the Carob tree there is a minimal amount of fat. Carob has 3 times less calories than chocolate. If you consume the product wisely with diabetes, you can avoid surges in glucose in the blood. In parallel, raw materials will provide the body with fiber and protein.

Carob for digestion

As mentioned earlier, carob contains fiber. The enzyme has a positive effect on the metabolism and peristalsis of the intestine. Soon, appetite and secretion of gastric juice are normalized. Raw materials have insoluble dietary fiber, which absorb excess fluid in the body.

The benefits and harms of carob for children

Experts do not recommend including carob in the diet of children who are under 2 years old. Consuming large quantities of the product may not have the best effect on the psyche of the child. A similar effect is achieved due to the content of tannin (tannin). Entering the body, the enzyme reduces protein synthesis in tissues, thereby slowing the growth and development of the baby. In any case, carob will bring much greater benefits unlike chocolate or cocoa.

Carob Benefits for Men

Some sources of ancient times say that carob has a positive effect on men's health. The product stimulates potency and eliminates diseases of the genitals. Regular intake of the composition increases sperm activity.

How to choose a carob

1. It is important to know that you will not be able to purchase Carob powder everywhere. Bulk composition or syrup is usually sold in health and sports nutrition stores. Often, raw materials are found in professional tea points. At the moment, the product can be easily ordered via the Internet.
2. If you decide to use the services of online stores, you should reread all the reviews about the quality of products and services. When purchasing carob in a professional store, carefully study the packaging.Pay attention to the quality of packaging, expiration date and production date.
3. In appearance, the loose composition has a delicate pink tint. Raw material has a pleasant smell with nutty notes. If you decide to purchase a low-fry product, it has a darker color. The product will give a taste of barely noticeable acidity with a caramel flavor.
4. If carob was subject to medium roasting, then its color may resemble cocoa. The smell will be more astringent, and the taste with a slight bitterness. Please note that the more fried the raw materials, the less sugar will be contained in the composition.

Carob storage rules

1. Connoisseurs recommend storing raw materials directly in pods. Such a product must be placed in a glass container or a paper bag. After this, the contents tank must be kept in a cool place with minimal humidity.
2. If you follow simple rules, carob is thus stored for up to 3 years without loss of useful properties. If you decide to use the product, it is enough to break it and pass through a coffee grinder.
3. In most cases, carob is sold as a loose composition. Such raw materials are packaged in packages processed by aluminum (foil). Also, the bag is placed in a cardboard box. Carob in this form is stored for up to 1.5 years.

Carob Harm

1. Specialists have not found significant harm to carob, excessive consumption of the product can cause some problems with well-being. Therefore, if you have not tried raw materials before, it should be introduced gradually into the diet. In rare cases, individual intolerance is manifested.
2. As for contraindications, carob should be consumed with extreme caution in diabetes. Depending on the processing method, the drink may stimulate an increase in blood glucose. The recommended daily allowance for a disease should not exceed 20 g.

Carob can be attributed to the number of unique products that have an extensive scope. In this case, the fruits of the Carob tree practically do not have a side effect. Children should enter the composition in the diet no earlier than 2 years.

Video: a healthy drink from carob