Carob – Everything You Need to Know About the Superfood – Benefits, Nutrition, Risks
You may have heard of a ton of superfood options, from acai to quinoa, but wait until you learn about carob. This is an amazing chocolate alternative that is packed with the necessary vitamins and minerals to support health and wellness.
Check out this article to learn everything you need to know about this superfood, including its benefits, risks, how to eat it, recipes, and how it comes to chocolate. This is your complete science-based carob guide.
What is Carob?
Carob is a powder often considered a cocoa powder alternative. It comes from the Mediterranean evergreen tree and has a naturally sweet flavor. It is harvested by roasting the tree pods and
This superfood can be used as a chocolate substitute due to its slight cocoa-like flavors and properties.
Properties
Carob has been called a superfood because it is high in hydroxyproline, an amino acid that is vital to collagen production. People who are on a vegan or vegetarian diet are usually deficient in this compound. This superfood is also very sustainable, meaning it doesn’t have a high environmental impact. It is high in minerals and nutrients, as well as high in fiber and low in fat.
Benefits
Some claim that this nutrient is good for weight loss, and blood sugar control, and can help lower cholesterol.
This superfood is low in fat and sodium, making it a healthy option when compared to other high-sugar superfoods like chocolate. It is also very high in fiber, which can contribute to its impact on stabilizing blood sugar. The fiber content may also help raise good cholesterol and reduce insulin resistance.
Overall, carob has potassium, magnesium, niacin, calcium, fiber, and iron, all of which contribute to health. The polyphenol components of this superfood can also help to reduce oxidative stress.
Is Carob Better than Chocolate?
Carob is often used as a cocoa powder alternative. It looks like cocoa powder and is made similarly from roasting tree pods. However, carob has a unique taste that is not exactly the same as chocolate.
In terms of a direct nutritional comparison, carob and chocolate are pretty similar. The main difference is that this superfood does not have theobromine or caffeine, components in chocolate that are stimulants. Carob is higher in carbs, calcium, and fiber, and lower in fat than cacao though, so it can be considered a bit better
Risks
There are very few risks in consuming carob. In fact, unlike chocolate, carob is pet-friendly. Make sure to try it in small amounts first though to make sure you are not allergic to it!
How to Add Carob to Your Diet
There are many ways to use carob in your daily life. It is primarily sold as a powder, so make sure you get it from a company you trust to ensure it is of high quality.
With the powder, you can add it to smoothies, make it into pudding, add it to bread doughs, mix it into yogurt, top ice cream with it, or make desserts.
The Takeaway
Carob is an underrated superfood with many health benefits. It has no caffeine, but is high in fiber and calcium, making it a good option for people who want help in controlling blood sugar, raising good cholesterol, and stabilizing weight.
Remember that health comes from within. Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet to ensure the body can repair and reset, physically and mentally. Make sure to get enough sleep and move daily to ensure your wellbeing improves. What we eat and do become components of emotional, mental, and physical wellness.
Take care of gut health as well! The gut microbiome can affect muscle growth, mental health, immune system response, digestion, metabolism, and more. Learn everything you need to know about gut microbiota today for free here!
