Carob powder, also called carob flour, is an alternative to cocoa powder. The flour is made from dried, baked locust beans, which are grinded into a fine powder.
This flour is sweet and has an unique taste. It is often used as a natural sweetener for various pastries and desserts.
Nutritional information for 2 tbsp. of carob flour:
Sugar 6 g
Sodium 0 g
Calcium 42 mg
Fiber 5 g
Iron 0.35 g
Magnesium 6 mg
Potassium 99 mg
Riboflavin 0, 055 mg
Niacin 0.228 mg
Features and benefits of carob powder
The health benefits of carob have been proven. Including it in your daily menu can only bring benefits to your health. Among the advantages of consuming carob are:
- Natural low content of fat
Carob powder contains no fat. If you are on a low fat diet, this flour is a good option for you. Just keep in mind, that it has a higher sugar and carbohydrate content than cocoa powder.
- Low sodium content
Carob powder does not contain sodium. This is a great option for people who follow a low sodium diet.
- Contains calcium, but no oxalates
Calcium is a mineral, which is important for bone health. It also helps the heart, nerves and muscles to function properly. Two tablespoons of carob powder contain 42 mg of calcium. Cocoa contains oxalates, compounds, which reduce your body's ability to absorb calcium. In contrast, carob beans do not contain oxalates.
- High fiber content
Two tablespoons of carob powder have almost 5 grams of fiber and this amount is over 20% of the recommended daily intake.
Keep you fuller for longer
Prevent constipation
To maintain healthy intestines
Control the blood sugar
Lower cholesterol
- Gluten free
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and others. For some people, gluten triggers their immune system to attack the small intestine. This condition is called celiac disease. If you have celiac disease or you are gluten sensitive, you should avoid foods with gluten content. Carob powder is gluten-free and it is a great alternative for people who are intolerant to it.
- Helps relieve diarrhea
Due to its tannin content, carob powder is used as a natural remedy for diarrhea.
- Decaffeinated
Carob powder does not contain caffeine. This is good news for caffeine-sensitive people, who are looking for a chocolate substitute. Caffeine has a great invigorating effect, but too much can cause unpleasant side effects such as:
insomnia
fast heartbeat
nervousness
irritability
upset stomach
muscle tremor
- A good source of antioxidants
Carob fiber is a rich source of polyphenolic antioxidants - mainly gallic acid and flavonoids. Both gallic acid and flavonoids have been shown to reduce oxidative stress.
- No tyramine
Carob does not contain tyramine and is considered safe to eat if you often have migraine.
Ways to use carob powder:
- add carob powder to smoothies;
- sprinkle carob powder on yogurt or ice cream;
- add carob powder to your favorite bread dough or pancake batter;
- prepare a hot carob drink instead of hot chocolate;
- make a creamy carob pudding;
- make carob brownies.
