10 Amazing health benefits of carob powder
Carob powder is made from the bean shaped pods that grow on the carob tree which originates in the Eastern Mediterranean. The pods are sometimes used to make syrup that is used in foods, but more commonly, they are used to make carob powder, which is often utilized as a chocolate substitute in baking and making candy. Carob is high in nutrients and antioxidants and here are ten of the health benefits of carob powder:
1. It is a good source of selenium
We need selenium to maintain a healthy thyroid function and to help in the building of DNA. A single cup of carob powder contains approximately 10% of the recommended daily amount of selenium that we need.
2. It reduces cholesterol
Eating carob powder can help to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. The powder contains polyphenols, which bind to cholesterol in the stomach and help it pass through your system.
3. It makes a very healthy alternative to chocolate
As a substitute for chocolate, carob makes a much healthier alternative. It’s dairy free, low in calories and contains no caffeine. This makes it perfect for people who have lactose intolerance and for people who love their chocolate, but are trying to lose weight.
4. It helps ward off cancer
Carob powder contains a whopping over 20 different polyphenol compounds. These consist of antioxidants and flavonoids, all of which have cancer fighting properties. Of particular benefit are the antioxidants, quercetin and myricetin, which are especially good at fighting cancer.
5. It is great for digestive health
Health benefits of carob powder also include better digestion. Carob powder contains high levels of tannins, which are great for keeping your digestive system in good working order. Tannins help to make you regular, and in tests, it was found to be very effective at curing diarrhoea in young children.
6. It builds strong bones
Stronger bones is another one of wonderful health benefits of carob powder. One cup of carob powder contains around 35% of your daily requirement for calcium. As well as being and essential mineral for the development of healthy bones, calcium also helps maintain a healthy nervous system.
7. It doesn’t contain any stimulants
Unlike chocolate, which contains theobromine and caffeine, carob powder contains no stimulants at all. This means that carob powder won’t cause the jittery feeling and the sleepless nights that eating too much chocolate can cause.
8. It stabilises blood sugar levels
And here is another one of important health benefits of carob powder: eating carob powder helps to stabilise blood sugar levels. It contains a substance called pinitol, which regulates glucose levels as well as promotes a healthy digestive system.
9. It is good for your skin and hair
The Vitamin E that is found in carob powder is good for both your skin and your hair. Vitamin E helps to keep skin healthy and it fights wrinkles. It is also an essential ingredient for strong and healthy hair.
10. It helps fight infection
Another one of great health benefits of carob powder is that this powder is also a tasty way of fighting disease and infection. The powder has both antiviral and antibacterial properties, because it contains gallic acid and tannins. It is especially useful in fighting stomach complaints.
Do you know some other health benefits of carob powder?
Stay happy and healthy!