Living a Healthy Lifestyle

The word “carob” is derived from an Arab word “kharrub,” meaning “bean pod.” The trees grow well in harsh climates and poor soil, and are also resistant to drought (that’s why they grow abundantly in the Arizona desert). Since carob beans are also known as locust beans, biblical scholars believe that they are the true locusts that St. John the Baptist lived on.

Carob is full of nutrients such as vitamins A, B, B1, B2, B3, B6, & D; minerals calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese; and about 8 percent protein. Carob is also very rich in fiber and pectin, and low in sodium.

In comparison to chocolate, carob does not contain theobromine, caffeine, phenylethylamine or fromamide, which are all stimulants in commercial chocolate that can cause migraines and allergic reactions in some people and are toxic to dogs and cats. It also does not contain oxalic acid, which hinders absorption of calcium and zinc. What’s more, carob has a natural, mild, sweet taste of its own and doesn’t need much sweetening, so carob powder is a great substitute for cocoa powder in any recipe.

Carob also has many health benefits:
• Carob tannins contain Gallic acid that works as an analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, and is also anti-allergic.
• The Gallic acid in carob also helps in preventing and treating polio in children.
• Carob improves digestion and lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.
• It is used for treating diarrhea in children and adults alike.
• Since it does not contain caffeine, carob benefits people with high blood pressure.
• Regular use of carob helps in preventing lung cancer.
• The vitamin E content in carob helps treat anemia, cough, and flu.
• Carob fights against osteoporosis, due to its richness in phosphorus and calcium.

Carob is a good food that you actually can feel good about eating. It is not chocolate and will not taste like chocolate, but its unique flavor and use nicely replaces it. And because carob is void of stimulants, it is not addicting like chocolate is. You can feel like you are benefiting from eating carob.

Here is one of our favorite ways to eat carob at this time of year – Carob Fudge! This recipe is found in 31 Favorite Holiday Recipes which you can purchase at http://livingahealthylifestyle.com/store.htm

CAROB FUDGE

1 C. honey
½ C. non-hydrogenated spread (Earth Balance brand) or butter
1 C. carob powder (medium roasted or raw powder)
¾ C. tofu milk powder (Better Than Milk brand), dairy milk powder, or protein powder
1½ C. chopped walnuts, pecans, cashews, or almonds

• In mixing bowl, cream honey and spread or butter together
• Stir in remaining ingredients
• Press in an 8″x 8″ pan. Chill and cut into squares.

Enjoy carob and it’s benefits, the fudge – and how wonderfully it really can replace chocolate!