Carob is also known as St. John's bread, because it is said to be the food of the evangelist during periods of meditation in the desert.
This food is indeed native to areas of Syria, looks like a long dark pod, pulpy and full of seeds, heavy enough to take the name of carat, as the unit of measurement of gold. In reality, this epithet is mainly due to the translation from the Greek of the name of the carob.
The active ingredients useful for our body are contained in all its parts:
> the pulp of the pod is rich in mineral salts and trace elements such as potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and silicon;
> il the cover as such it contains fibers and tannins;
> the seeds provide a contribution in polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins E and K with antioxidant action and riboflavin.
Carob and nutrition
We need to know that carob is quite caloric, about 210 calories per 100 grams and is part of those ancient fruits a little forgotten and even the price does not favor its consumption on a large scale.
The parts used are the seeds or fruits, from which the carob gum, and the pulpy pods that through drying and crushing processes provide the carob flour.
The latter can also be called dust main ingredient for the preparation of sweets such as puddings, creams, because it can be considered a substitute for cocoa. In addition to milk and smoothies, it is an excellent fiber supplement.
Some weight control diets introduce carob because it is rich in nutrients, which compensate for the lack of temporarily suspended nutrients and because once introjected it is able to increase in volume and instill a sense of satiety..
Carob seed flour has a thickening function and it is also used in the food industry as a gelatin for the preservation of canned meats, ice creams and baked goods. It is indicated with the code E410.
Read also Pumpkin seed flour, characteristics and properties >>
Property of the Carob
> Carob powder plays a gastro-protective function for its gelatinous transformation in contact with liquids. Carob gum controls gastric reflux, as it has an anti-inflammatory action.
> The powder promotes the intestinal peristalsis, through a chemical-mechanical action of absorption of liquids and transformation into a voluminous gel capable of relaxing the intestinal walls. By the same principle it is also useful in case of diarrheal discharges.
> The polyphenol component acts on control of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing its values, also assisted by the gelling process which reduces the absorption of fats and sugars.
Read also
> Raw desserts, 4 tasty and natural recipes
> Carob flour instead of cocoa
> Carob, an alternative to classic chocolate
