Carob is often used as a substitute for chocolate for people who have chocolate allergies, but aside from being a suitable chocolate substitute there are some great health benefits of carob. Carob is a pod that was originally cultivated in the Eastern Mediterranean. It has a sweet flavor that is very tasty and is similar to chocolate, which makes it a great chocolate substitute. While it is a chocolate substitute, there are many health benefits of carob that make it a great treat to eat even if you don’t have a chocolate allergy.
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High in Calcium
One of the great health benefits of carob is that it is high in calcium. Just one ounce of carob has 10 percent of your daily value of calcium, which is three times as much as cacao! Calcium is the most abundant nutrient in your body, and it is needed for bone health. Carob’s high calcium content makes getting enough calcium for healthy bones easy and sweet!
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Stimulant Free
When I drink a smoothie with cacao in it or eat chocolate, I become so buzzed that I literally can’t sleep. This is due to the stimulants in cacao, which include caffeine and theobromine. Both of these stimulants can cause sleeplessness, anxiety, and jitteriness. The stimulants can also overtax your adrenal glands and cause adrenal fatigue, which leaves people feeling excessively tired. Thankfully, carob does not have caffeine or theobromine, so there are not any worries about consuming stimulants that can cause problems.
Carob is a great alternative to cacao for those who are sensitive to stimulants. It is a naturally sweet Mediterranean pod that has been used as a chocolate substitute for centuries. Carob is naturally caffeine-free, and unlike cacao, it does not contain theobromine, which is a stimulant that can contribute to sleeplessness, anxiety, and jitteriness.
Carob is not just a great alternative for those who are sensitive to stimulants, it also has a number of amazing health benefits. Carob is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which can help with digestion and weight management. Carob is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Carob can also help to reduce cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that carob powder can help to reduce total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Carob is also a good source of pectin, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids in the intestinal tract.
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Regulates Blood Sugar
Due to its high fiber content, carob is excellent at regulating blood sugar. One ounce of carob has 11 grams of fiber, which is 45 percent of your daily value. All of that fiber slows down the rate at which sugar enters that blood stream, which is great for people who struggle with regulating their blood sugar.
Carob's impact on glycemic control is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those following low-glycemic diets. By preventing rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, carob can be an ally in managing prediabetic conditions as well. Moreover, its sweet taste naturally curbs sugary cravings, making it easier to avoid less healthy options. Integrating carob into snacks and meals ensures a steady, gentle release of energy, keeping you satiated and focused. It's a multitasking food hero that not only keeps your sweet tooth in check but also assists in maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
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Digestive Health
Carob has high levels of tannins, which are compounds that help keep the digestive system healthy. Tannins are known for relieving diarrhea, and the tannins in carob seem to be especially helpful. A double blind trial found that carob was very helpful for relieving diarrhea in infants. Carob is also useful for promoting regularity because it has a high fiber content. As you can see, carob is great for total digestive health.
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Antimicrobial
Most people don’t think of eating a tasty treat for its antimicrobial properties, but carob is a food that has antiviral and antibacterial properties. The tannins and gallic acid found in carob can help fight off viruses and bacteria, especially those in the stomach or intestines.
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Cardiovascular Health
LDL cholesterol is a bad cholesterol that can lead to heart attacks and strokes, and studies have found that carob consumption significantly reduces LDL cholesterol. The lignins, polyphenols, and fiber are what make carob so effective at fighting high cholesterol, and why you should try adding it to your smoothies or baked goods.
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Healthy Skin and Hair
You might be happy to know that eating carob can actually help improve the health of your skin and hair. The vitamin E in carob prevents skin damage that can lead to wrinkles. It also helps keep your hair healthy and strong. Don't you love that you can eat something as tasty as carob for healthy skin and hair?
Because cacao does make me wired, I had to find an alternative. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty carob is, and I was even happier to discover all of the health benefits. Did you know carob has so many health benefits?
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