Buy dried carob pods

Description

Carob pods are the fruits of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), which is pod-shaped and contains 8 to 12 seeds inside.

This fruit is rich in antioxidants, mainly polyphenols, and can be used as an alternative to cocoa powder or chocolate, as it has a similar flavor. In addition, carob is low in calories and is a good source of fiber and B vitamins, calcium and magnesium.

Applications
In addition to being used as a substitute for chocolate and cocoa powder, carob pods provide the body with the following benefits:

1. For the health of the gastrointestinal tract.
Locust beans in pod contain fiber (pectins) and tannins that help reduce diarrhea, improve digestion, prevent excessive acidification, reduce vomiting and maintain a healthy intestinal flora. It also has anti-reflux effects, making it a good ingredient in baby formula.

2. Helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
Locust beans in pods are rich in antioxidants, which helps reduce “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides, thus helping to prevent heart diseases such as: B. It promotes atherosclerosis since antioxidants prevent fat from being deposited in arteries and reduce fat absorption by the body.

3. Helps control diabetes
Because pods are rich in fiber such as pectin, it is possible to avoid glycemic peaks and reduce the amount of sugar circulating in the body. When foods are fortified with carob, its glycemic index can also decrease, which also helps regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Promotes bone health
The carob is rich in calcium and magnesium, which help improve bone density and thus strengthen bones and teeth and thus prevent bone fractures and osteoporosis, for example.

5. Promote weight loss
Since carob is low in calories, high in fiber and low in fat, it can help, as part of a healthy and balanced diet, to increase the feeling of fullness, which in turn contributes to weight loss.

6. It does not affect the quality of sleep.
Since it does not contain caffeine and has a sweet taste, carob can be used as a substitute for chocolate and cocoa and can be consumed at night without affecting the quality of sleep if you are sensitive to caffeine.

7. May have anticancer properties.
Since carob is high in antioxidants, it could protect cells from free radical damage and also have anti-inflammatory effects, which could help prevent cancer. However, more studies are needed before these effects of carob can be confirmed.

How to use carob
Carob powder or in flour form can be used in the preparation of foods such as cakes, puddings, cookies, pancakes, and sweets as a substitute for cocoa powder or chocolate itself.

Locust bean gum, better known as locust bean gum, can also be extracted from the seeds and is used as a thickener, emulsifier and gelling agent in various industrial products. In addition, it is also used in some infant formulas to thicken food and reduce reflux and vomiting.

Locust bean gum or locust bean gum for vomiting or reflux
Mix 1 tablespoon of gum with 1 glass of water and drink it. For babies, the amount should be between 1.2 and 2.4 g of gum per 120 ml of milk.

Carob flour for diarrhea
Mix 25 g of flour in 1 glass of water or warm milk. Drink after each diarrhea. When this carob flour recipe is mixed with sunflower seed flour and rice flour, it can also be used for diarrhea in babies and pregnant women.