Health Benefits Of Carob

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Carob is an evergreen flowering shrub, belonging to the pea family. Native to the Mediterranean region especially in the eastern and southern area of Spain, carob is cultivated for its edible seeds. It is found in its natural form in Southern Anatolia, Cyprus, Syria, Greece, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Israel. Consumed since ancient times, it is also known as Saint John’s Bread or locust bean. The dried carob fruit is traditionally consumed on Jewish holidays and the juice is taken by Muslims, during the Islamic month of Ramadan. It is used as a substitute in making various products such as baked goods, bars, snacks, cereal, dairy products, cocoa-containing products and beverages. Read on further to know the different health and nutrition benefits of eating carob and also find its nutritional value.

Digestive Health


Eating carob regularly provides the body with various health benefits, according to DietiHub.com. One of the benefits of carob in the diet is its effects on digestive health. Carob helps to regulate the digestion process, while serving as a natural anti-allergic, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial agent. It contains tannins that are rich in gallic acid, which give it its beneficial effects. Additionally, carob provides powerful anti-viral benefits that supply the body with essential antioxidants. This is especially beneficial for people who are suffering from diarrhea, as it reduces acid production and combats related ailments.

Regulates Blood Glucose


In addition to providing health benefits for digestion, carob is an effective agent for regulating blood glucose levels, according to the Prepared Foods Network website. Carob contains fiber that naturally helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which is especially beneficial for people with diabetes. Carob is primarily comprised of insoluble dietary fiber; however, it has similar health benefits to those of soluble fibers. As an insoluble fiber product, carob helps water bind in the digestive tract, which enhances the health of the intestinal tract and regulates blood glucose levels. The effects of carob on the glycemic index may also be powerful, but this is still being studied.
Nutritional Value of Carob

Nutrients
Amount
Basic Components

Protein
4.8 g
Water
3.7 g
Ash
2.3 g
Calories

Total Calories
229
Calories From Carbohydrate
204
Calories From Fat
6
Calories From Protein
19
Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrate
91.6 g
Dietary Fiber
41 g
Sugars
50.5 g
Fats & Fatty Acids

Total Fat
0.7 g
Saturated Fat
0.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2 g
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
4.1 mg
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids
218 mg
Vitamins

Vitamin A
14.4 IU
Vitamin C
0.2 mg
Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
0.6 mg
Thiamin
0.1 mg
Riboflavin
0.5 mg
Niacin
2 mg
Vitamin B6
0.4 mg
Folate
29.9 mcg
Choline
12.3 mg
Minerals

Calcium
358 mg
Iron
3 mg
Magnesium
55.6 mg
Phosphorus
81.4 mg
Potassium
852 mg
Sodium
36.1 mg
Zinc
0.9 mg
Copper
0.6 mg
Manganese
0.5 mg
Selenium
5.5 mcg

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