Carob powder is low in sodium, high in fiber, relieves diarrhea, caffeine-free, lowers cholesterol, good for flu and cold, free of tyramine and helps digestion.
An alternative to cocoa powder, carob powder is used as a natural sweetener in baked goods. Carob powder looks a lot like cocoa powder. Seeds of this plant have been used as food products for centuries. Carob leaves usually reach up to a length of 15 centimeters. In this article, we have listed 11 health benefits of carob powder. Read below to find more:
Nutritional facts of carob powder is as listed below: (2 tablespoons)
| Sugar: 6g |
| Calcium: 42 mg |
| Fiber: 5 g |
| Magnesium: 6 mg |
| Potassium: 99 mg |
| Sodium: 0 g |
| Iron: 0.35 g |
| Riboflavin: 0.055 mg |
| Niacin: 0.228 mg |
11 Must Know Health Benefits of Carob Powder
Low in Sodium
Carob powder consists of absolutely no sodium. It is recommended to have 1500 mg or even less sodium per day, as per the American Heart Association. With too much sodium in the diet, there is an increased risk of stroke, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, kidney issues and heart attack.
High in Fiber
Fiber can help lower your cholesterol, control your blood sugar, prevent constipation, make you stay fuller thus making you eat less and maintain healthy bowels. Two tablespoons of carob powder consist of 5 grams of fiber which is 20 percent of the RDA.
| Iron: 0.35 mg |
| Potassium: 99 mg |
| Magnesium:6 mg |
| Riboflavin: 0.055 mg |
| Niacin: 0.228 mg |
Relieves Diarrhea
It is due to the tannin content of the carob powder that helps to treat diarrhea. Tannins are basically polyphenols found in some plants. As per the research, administering tannin-rich carob powder with an oral rehydration fluid is considered to be effective for treating acute-onset diarrhea in the case of infants who are aged 3 to 21 months.
Caffeine-Free
Too much caffeine can lead to muscle terror, upset stomach, nervousness, fast heart rate, insomnia, and irritability. Carob powder can thus be a good choice for caffeine-sensitive people as it consists of no caffeine.
Lowers Cholesterol
Up to 4 weeks consumption of carob can decrease cholesterol in blood, As per a study. It is thus found that high fiber content in carob is associated with low cholesterol levels.
Free of Tyramine
Foods consisting of tyramine may trigger migraine headaches, as per the National Headache Foundation. Chocolate is not recommended for people who get migraines as it consists of tyramine. However, carob does not consist of tyramine and is thus considered to be safe for people who get migraines.
Good Source of Antioxidants
Carob fiber is a good source of polyphenol antioxidants. As per a 2003 study, 24 polyphenol compounds were identified in carob fiber, mainly gallic acid and flavonoids both of which have been shown to reduce oxidative stress. Also, flavonoids have anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective abilities, as per the research.
Helps Digestion
Carob powder can be effective in preventing severe gastrointestinal conditions. this rich dietary fiber helps with body’s digestive activities that regulates bowel movement also helps with the stimulation of gastric juice secretion and peristaltic movement.
Good for Flu and Cold
Carrot acid found in carob has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It is thus effective for treating conditions like cough and anemia. There are exceptional cases as well when it can help in the treatment of liver cancer.
Gluten-Free
Celiac disease is a condition in which gluten triggers the immune system to attack the small intestines. If you have this condition, you must avoid gluten-containing foods. and the good news is, that carob powder is gluten-free.
Contains Calcium, but no Oxalates
Two tablespoons of carob powder consist of 42 mg of calcium, or 4 percent of the RDA. Calcium is important for bone health and helps your nerves, heart, and muscles to function well.
Carob powder consists of no oxalates. A diet high in oxalates that can increase your risk of developing kidney stones, cocoa consists of oxalates, that reduce the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
You can add carob powder in your diet in the following ways:
- Make carob brownies.
- Make creamy carob pudding
- Add it to smoothies
- Make a hot carob drink
- Have carob bars made of carob powder and almond milk
- Add it to your favorite bread dough and pancake batter
- Sprinkle it on yogurt or ice cream
Conclusion
Carob makes the best alternative to chocolate with fewer calories, fat, and sugar. Also, it is considered to be safe with a low risk of side effects. In case, you go through any of the side effects like rashes or fever, make sure to consult your doctor at the earliest.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6261171/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321533435_CAROB_Ceratonia_siliqua
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133875/
