6 Properties And Benefits Of Carob Flour
Carob flour is a type of flour that is obtained from a legume. The carob is nutritious and healthy. For this reason, it is used as a substitute for cocoa in the preparation of multiple recipes, such as cakes, cookies, cakes or drinks. Do you know its interesting properties? We invite you to discover them in this article.
What is carob?
The carob is the fruit of the carob tree , Ceratonia siliqua. It is a tree native to the Mediterranean basin and belongs to the Fabaceae family. Therefore, it comes in the form of a pod with seeds inside.
The carob is a pod about 10-20 centimeters long. When it reaches maturity, at the end of summer, it acquires a brown color and its interesting sweet taste.
To make carob flour, you have to remove the seeds and then dehydrate them. They are then roasted and ground to obtain a very fine powder. This powder is now ready to be used in the kitchen or to add to smoothies, yogurts or any other food.
Nutritional composition of carob flour
Carob flour is rich in carbohydrates, according to an article published in the journal Food Science & Nutrtition . It contains approximately 40-50% sugars, mainly sucrose, glucose, maltose and fructose.
Despite being rich in sugars, due to their fiber content, these sugars are absorbed more slowly. In addition, its carbohydrate content is still much lower than that of cocoa.
In its composition there is also a percentage of proteins. In addition, carob flour is low in fat and these are of quality, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. Also present are vitamins of group B, iron, calcium and potassium.
This product has an intense brown color, is naturally sweet and has a very peculiar flavor. The preparations made with carob flour combined with cinnamon, vanilla essence or citrus zest, are delicious and healthy.
Healthy properties of carob flour
The fat content of carob flour is very low, while cocoa is rich in saturated fat. In addition, many of the benefits associated with the consumption of carob flour are due to the presence of soluble fiber, capable of stimulating the selective growth of the microbiota, as stated in a study published in 2015.
This type of fiber contributes to regulating intestinal function and reducing blood cholesterol levels. It is gluten-free, so it is suitable for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
The main benefits of carob flour
1. Weight control
Carob flour is practically zero fat and, therefore, the preparations made with it provide fewer calories than if they had cocoa as an ingredient. This favors the achievement and maintenance of a healthy weight.
On the other hand, this legume is also very rich in soluble fiber, which remains in the stomach for a long time, prolongs the feeling of fullness and reduces appetite.
2. Iron source
Iron is an essential mineral to maintain immune function, have a good physical and mental performance and produce red blood cells, as stated in an article published in the American Family Physician magazine . To better assimilate the iron present in carob, it is necessary to combine it with foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits.
3. Calcium intake
The calcium present in carob flour is used better than that of other vegetable sources. This is because carob does not contain oxalates, compounds that inhibit intestinal absorption of this mineral.
4. Reduction of blood cholesterol levels
The soluble fiber in this legume captures cholesterol and partially inhibits its absorption. As a consequence, cholesterol does not pass into the blood and is eliminated. Also, it does not contain tyramine. This substance, which does contain cocoa, is related to the appearance of headaches and the worsening of migraines.
5. Prebiotic effect
Its fibers help to improve the fermentative intestinal flora. It has been used as an antidiarrheal, but it is also a laxative, and promotes correct peristalsis. In addition, it favors the healing of infections and gastrointestinal problems.
The dietary fiber present in carob forms gels in the intestine, which favors evacuation. In turn , it also has an astringent effect due to its tannin content.
6. Source of antioxidants
Carob flour contains polyphenols that help reduce oxidative damage and keep cells healthy. For this reason, among other things, it helps prevent the effects of premature aging.
Include carob flour in your diet
Did you know all these properties of carob flour? Now that you know how good it is for your health, do not stop using it in the preparation of your favorite recipes.
Anyway remember that this food does not have miraculous properties. It must be used within the framework of a varied and balanced diet.
