Organic Carob powder, roasted
Carob (Ceratonia siliqua) is a small, drought-tolerant tree species that thrives in the arid climates of Africa, Asia and southern Europe. The term ‘carob’ refers to the fruit of the tree, which are flat, bean-like pods containing many small seeds.
In the ancient East, the seeds of the charrub (the seeds of the locust tree) were used to measure the weight and value of precious metals and stones. Eventually, this became known throughout Europe as the “carat”, and 24 kerobes were the exact weight of a pure gold Roman solid coin. This is how it became known that “24 carats” refers to pure gold and has remained the modern classification for all precious metals and gems.
Carob pod powder, also known as sweet pods, is used as a healthy and tasty alternative to chocolate. They have been favoured throughout history for their sweet taste and are an excellent substitute for chocolate for those allergic to the theobromine in cocoa. It can also be used as a chocolate substitute in desserts and makes a great addition to smoothies.
Use in baking and cooking as a healthy alternative sweetener. A great addition to baked goods, ice cream, baked apples.
Although carob is naturally sweet, it does not raise blood sugar levels as much as chocolate. Carob has a very low glycaemic index (GI), making it a great chocolate alternative for diabetics.
A study has been published which found that the fibre content of kerobes can help control blood sugar levels.
The study also showed that carob controls the secretion of the hormone ghrelin. Ghrelin, also known as the hunger hormone, is produced mainly in the gut, but also in the brain, pancreas and small intestine. The fibre content of carob has been shown to reduce ghrelin production, which leads to greater satiety at mealtimes, which in turn prevents overeating.
Carob are rich in tannins, which help fight toxins in the digestive tract and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. Instead of dissolving in liquid, these tannins have a drying effect, making them a useful remedy for diarrhoea.
They are also rich in insoluble fibre – fibre that is not broken down by the intestines and absorbed into the bloodstream. This increases the amount of waste in the digestive system, which helps maintain regularity and prevent constipation.
In Ayurveda, carob powder is used to treat diarrhoea, digestive problems.
1989 m. Studies in Belgium have shown that babies suffering from diarrhoea recovered more quickly when given preparations containing powdered carob pods, possibly due to the tannins, which not only bind to the toxins and thus deactivate them, but also inhibit the bacterial growth.
Preparation:
Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the powder over hot vegetable milk and stir. A healthy and tasty drink for children.
Sources:
Healthline.com
ScienceDirect.com
NOTE. The information contained herein should not be construed as a recommendation for treatment or other health issues. We encourage you to make personal decisions about your personal health, taking into account a wide range of sources of information.