This plant is native to the Mediterranean area and northern Africa, much like peas it comes in a pod and is a member the Fabaceae family, while it has many uses, it is often used as a substitute for chocolate.
While it cannot be denied that the food industry has forever sealed the love of chocolate in our minds, from chocolate cakes to chocolate covered pretzels, if you are looking for a healthy alternative, then carob is it.
Unlike chocolate, carob does not contain the stimulates caffeine and theobromine, which make chocolate so addicting. While chocolate contains oxalates, which contribute to kidney stones, carob contains no harsh ingredients that can cause harm to your body’s system.
It is also interesting to know that carob does not contain tyramine which triggers many migraine headaches, and if you happen to drop a few pieces on the floor and your dog gets ahold of it, you need not worry because it is safe for your furry friend.
Carob also has many health benefits they include:
- Polyphenols: Is a powerful antioxidant that acts as a scavenger of free radicals thus help protect the body from injury and disease.
- Fiber: Helps to bulk up waste to prepare for elimination, helps with keeping you regular and helps lower cholesterol.
- Postprandial Ghrelin: This is the hormone that informs you that you are hungry, carob decreases its secretion, therefore making it difficult to overeat.
- Cytotoxic: Carob has properties that exhibit anti-cancer benefits.
Carob contains calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin K, vitamin E, riboflavin and many natural oxidants, all the things you find in fruits and vegetables, with very little fat and moderate sugar content.
Enjoying this treat will not leave you feeling guilty; however, as always keeping all things in moderation.
