Algarroba: properties, nutritional benefits and recipe
If you follow a healthy diet, whether vegetarian or not, it is quite possible that at some point you have found a recipe that has this food as the main ingredient: carob. Basically we could say that it is the fruit of the carob tree, an aromatic tree that can reach up to 10 meters high and known scientifically with the name of Ceratonia siliqua, originally from the Mediterranean Basin and belonging to the family of the Fabáceas.
It is more specifically a dark brown or white pod that contains inside a sweet tasting gummy pulp, which surrounds the seeds. That yes, depending on the type of carob before which we find their culinary uses will be diverse. Thus, for example, while the white pod is used above all in the kitchen to obtain flour or as a thickener and gelling agent, the black pod is very popular for its use as a substitute for chocolate with a clear difference, and that is that actually it has a lot less fat compared to cocoa, it does not contain theobromine and it is tremendously low in sugar.
And how do you get your pods so that they become an excellent alternative to chocolate? Very simple: when the pods are ripe they acquire a characteristic dark brown color. Then its fruits are dried, roasted and pulverized, which gives them that appearance so characteristic and similar to that of cocoa when it is served in powder form. Moreover, depending on the degree of toasting, different tonalities and flavors can be obtained, in the same way that we can enjoy different cocoas depending on their purity.
As far as the white sheath of it is concerned, the locust bean flour, which as indicated briefly in the previous lines is used in the food industry for its quality as a thickener or gelling agent. In case of buying a food product that has this flour as an additive we will identify it under the key E410. The carob flour is notable for being sweet, barely fat and very nutritious.
The wonderful benefits of the carob
Incredible content and nutritional contribution
Carob is very rich in essential nutrients, among which we can mention both vitamins and minerals. In addition, it stands out for being very low in fat and for providing an interesting satiating effect very useful for weight loss diets. Among its nutritional content we can mention the presence of:
- Vitamins: vitamin D and vitamins of group B, among which B1, B2 and B3 stand out.
- Minerals and oligoelements: as is the case of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, silicon and calcium.
It also contains other essential nutrients, such as, for example, provitamin A and beta-carotene and a good amount of fiber. In addition, although it does not have fats yes it is tremendously energetic, given that 50% of its composition are sugars and 10% proteins.
Beneficial for intestinal transit
The carob tree stands out for its high fiber content, which means that its regular consumption is extremely beneficial for our intestinal transit, since it improves and regulates it.
Therefore it is very useful for those who suffer from constipation, whether occasional or chronic. Moreover, it is very beneficial for the intestinal mucosa by increasing the lactobacillus flora and acting as a mild laxative. On the other hand, its mucilage content makes it a natural remedy against diarrhea and mucosal inflammation.
Very rich in natural antioxidants
Natural antioxidants are compounds that help prevent the premature aging of our cells, protecting them in addition to the negative action of free radicals.
The carob brings interesting amounts of tannins, a tremendously powerful natural antioxidant.
Useful in weight loss diets
If you follow a diet of weight loss with the aim of losing weight and you are passionate about chocolate, there is no doubt that you will find in the carob tree an ally. Why? Not only because it has 40% less fat compared to chocolate, but also brings an interesting satiating effect, which will help you to have less appetite.
In addition, it provides a greater amount of calcium compared to milk chocolate.
Ideal for children
If your children tend to be very sweet and passionate about chocolate it is quite possible that at some point you have thought about what to do so that they do not eat so much candy. In this sense the carob tree can be of great help, especially to replace the drink of soluble cocoa (so unhealthy and full of sugars).
How to make a carob drink
The preparation of the carob drink, either as a substitute for chocolate or simply because we like it or want to try it, is very simple. In fact, 3 teaspoons of carob mixed with 2 teaspoons of water equals almost 30 grams of chocolate.Here we indicate what ingredients you need and the steps to follow.
Ingredients:
- 3 teaspoons of carob powder
- Milk or vegetable drink (almond, rice or oat)
Elaboration:
You just have to heat a little milk or your favorite vegetable drink, once hot add the carob powder. If you wish, you can add a little more carob so that the color of the drink is a little darker. To finish sweeten if you want with panela or honey. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Nutritionist. We advise you to consult your trusted Nutritionist.
