Carob syrup: beneficial properties and contraindications, how to take it and for what? Carob syrup - beneficial properties, application.

IN Western countries Carob products have long been widely used in cooking, for the manufacture of various medicines and as food additives. A special place is occupied by carob syrup, which has many beneficial properties. This product has gained particular popularity among healthy eating enthusiasts.

Benefit

The syrup has found application in medicine and cooking, and vegetarians are happy to include it in their food ration as a natural sweetener. Carob syrup (or carob) is included in the menu of people who want to maintain their health without giving up sweets. This product is used for the production of confectionery products.

This syrup can be used by people with heart and vascular diseases, it will not harm those who have frequent migraines, and is suitable for use with vegetative-vascular dystonia and urolithiasis.

Due to its low calorie content, this product is considered dietary and is suitable for use in cases of obesity and illness nervous system. It is also a welcome addition to the menu of people who want to lose weight.

Rich chemical composition made this syrup important means in the fight against diseases of teeth and gums.

Other beneficial properties of this syrup include:

• antitumor effect;
• prevention of lung diseases;
• stimulation of immunity;
• acceleration of metabolism and loss of appetite;
• prevention of overeating;
• reducing the likelihood of developing problems with potency;
• rejuvenation of the body.

Due to the presence of tannins, pectin, vitamins, and organic acids in carob, this product is effective in the prevention of respiratory diseases and infectious diseases. IN folk medicine Carob syrup is used to treat nervous disorders.

The antioxidants found in carob syrup relieve frequent colds, reduce the risk of premature skin aging, and have a general strengthening effect on the entire body.

It is especially important to use carob syrup for people with weakened bronchi and smokers. This product is also used for the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and sore throats, and is included in cosmetics for the care of face and body skin. With its help you can prolong youth, get rid of fine wrinkles, and improve complexion.

Harm

Carob syrup is not an allergen, and therefore can be included in the diet of people with frequent skin rashes. This product does not contain toxic, harmful substances or carcinogens.

Losing weight with this syrup will be effective. But you should not replace a full meal with this sweet syrup. Otherwise, problems may arise in the body's metabolic processes, which will slow down metabolism and complicate the process of getting rid of inches of excess fat.

Carob syrup should not be consumed by people who are sensitive to high levels of fructose in their diet. This product may also be accompanied by side effects, if it is consumed by people with individual intolerance to the components of carob syrup.

In case of exceeding daily norm Taking carob syrup may cause an increase in blood sugar levels. This syrup contains many simple carbohydrates, but almost no saturated fatty acids.

Calorie content

100 grams of carob syrup contains 320 kcal (16% of the daily value).

The nutritional value

Contraindications

The syrup has no contraindications, therefore it is used in baby food. This product is suitable for introduction into the diet of people with diabetes mellitus, but in small doses (up to 0.5 tsp per day). It is better not to mix syrup with drinking milk, otherwise unpleasant symptoms in the form of diarrhea, flatulence, increased gas formation.

Carob syrup can be consumed by children, but it is better not to give this product to infants until the 10th month of life. If you are not sure about the advisability and necessity of using this syrup, you should consult your doctor.

Vitamins and minerals

Carob syrup contains many valuable minerals.

This syrup is an important component of a healthy diet. Moderate and reasonable consumption of carob syrup will saturate the body cells with energy and give the body health.

Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua, Carob tree) is a deciduous tree or shrub. It is a very slow growing species belonging to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae). Lives and bears fruit for up to 100 years. In the past it was an important source of sugar before the advent of sugar cane and sugar beets. It is grown mainly for its medicinal and nutritional value its pods. Historically, the tree has been cultivated in the Middle East for at least 4,000 years. From there, due to its exceptional value for food and medicine, it spread to Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal and North Africa.

Device

The carob tree is about 15 meters tall, with a round or hemispherical crown and a stem covered with a thin brown, rough crust that cracks with age. Develops healthy clones. Its leaves are simple, with a rounded bud shape and a rich, dark green upper side and a grayish side below. In autumn the leaves turn color yellow. They have a length of 10 to 20 cm and are located opposite the branches.

The plant is dioecious and male trees do not bear fruit. Flowers are multiple in a spiral inflorescence. They bloom for about a month in the fall. Typical of the carob tree is cauliflory - flowers and then fruits are located directly on the old branches and trunk of the tree. It is believed that they become more available for pollination.

The fruit is flat, reddish-brown, and is a bean pod about 10 centimeters long and about 2 centimeters wide. It has 8 to 10 elliptical, dark brown, hard shells. The fruit takes a year to ripen. The carob tree begins to form after reaching the age of six. At the age of two, the plant can produce 50 kilograms of fruit. As the tree grows, the amount of fruit it produces increases and can reach 120 kilograms. After ripening, the pods fall out of the trees, which are already used to feed livestock (goats, sheep, cows).

Spreading

The carob tree is characteristic of the Mediterranean region - the Mediterranean and South-West Asia. It is distributed in southern Portugal, southern Spain and Cyprus, the Middle East. There it grows at an altitude of 1000 meters. It blooms in early spring - April, before the leaves appear. Grows in different climatic conditions- warm, moderate, subtropical climate, moisture and heat, as well as drought. Carob can also grow on rich nutrients soil. It does not provide full shade. It is often planted to protect banks from soil erosion,

Useful part of the carob tree. The useful parts of the plant are its fruits (seed pods) and bark.

Chemical composition

The pods contain 70% inositol, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chromium, nickel, copper, manganese, iron, flavonoids, fats, starch, protein, vitamins, tannins, vitamin B2. They have 3 times more calcium than cocoa, more vitamin B1 than strawberries, and more vitamin A than asparagus. The extract contains three main carbohydrates - sucrose, fructose and glucose.


The composition of the pulp is as follows: high content sugar (48-56%), sucrose (32-38%), glucose (5-6%), fructose (5-7%) and maltose. In addition, it contains about 18% cellulose and hemicellulose. Its mineral composition includes potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc. Maintains the same amount of lipids - saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. Five amino acids are found in the extracts (alanine, glycine, leucine, praline and valine), as well as tyrosine and phenylalanine. Unprocessed wood pods contain a large number of condensed tannins (16-20% dry weight).

Carob seeds are rich in proteins and antioxidants. Nutrient gum is also extracted from it and used as a stabilizer and thickener. The galactomannan they contain is composed of mannose and galactose, which is very viscous in water over a wide range of temperatures and pH. Carob oil contains many fatty acids.

Medicinal properties and uses of carob

Due to the high pectin and tannin content of the pods, they are used to make herbal medicines against diarrhea. Carotene gums help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels to help diabetic patients. The raw fiber helps in the loosening process and the powder from its pods in non-inflammatory and inflammatory prostate diseases.

Properties:

• astringent;
• relief and calming of abdominal discomfort;
• laxative.

Effects of carob

• Antitumor effects - In an in vitro study using a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (T1) cell line, two locust bean extracts show a marked change in T1 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, reaching maximum effect at a concentration of 1 mg/ml. In addition, the extracts were able to induce apoptosis in T1 cell lines after 24 hours of treatment through appropriate mediator effects. These effects can be attributed to gallic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, and epicatechin-3-gallate in the pod and leaf extract. Highly proliferating cells are more prone to growth inhibitory properties than cells with lower growth and division rates, which may be due to mechanisms of stress-responsive enzyme induction. Evidence suggests induction of cellular defense systems. The pods and leaves, especially the young leaves, contain substances that may act on peripheral benzodiazepine receptors in an in vitro study suggesting the possible use of leaf extracts as chemotherapeutic agents.
• antidiabetic effects. In one study, supplementation with an oral solution for a glucose tolerance test significantly reduced hypoglycemia dependence. In a clinical trial, carob gum significantly reduced the glycemic index in patients with type 2 diabetes when consuming foods with high glycemic index. The resin slightly reduces insulin levels in patients;
• antidiarrheal effects - in laboratory research 20 of 36 bacterial strains isolated from duodenum infants with diarrhea respond to carrot soup to which carob extract has been added;
• Antioxidant effects - An in vitro study of antioxidant properties, the urea fraction of polyphenols shows a stronger inhibitory effect against free radicals than other polyphenolic compounds such as catechins and procyanidins. In an in vitro study using ultraviolet lipid peroxidation, carob gum demonstrated antioxidant effects.
• antiviral effects - in an in vitro study, carob polysaccharides appear to block the replication stage of the rubella virus followed by attachment to the virus;
  gastroesophageal reflux effect in infants - research data is not rich, but it has been found that carob gum can reduce reflux (vomiting and regurgitation of breast milk).
• effects on digestion - the resin has been found to affect the viscosity and structure of nutrient masses in the stomach and, therefore, the degree of digestion of starch during digestion. This does not particularly affect the transit time of food through intestinal tract, although there is an increase in the total dry weight of feces. This finding was confirmed by another clinical trial in children. In a subsequent clinical study, adding carob gum to semi-solid foods greatly slowed the rate of bowel movements in healthy people. The resin significantly reduces serum uric acid concentrations and, to a lesser extent, iron absorption;
• Hyperlipidemic effect - The lipid-lowering effect of insoluble dietary fiber from the pulp has been investigated in various clinical trials. Alone or with other dietary fibers, it is believed to be an effective and safe approach to controlling hyperlipidemia and a useful adjunct to dietary management high cholesterol in plasma in adults and LDL cholesterol in children and adolescents with increased level plasma LDL cholesterol. These results are also supported by animal studies.

Carob helps and is used mainly for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a number of stomach disorders. It looks contradictory, but it works both against diarrhea and as a laxative, depending on how it is prepared - the decoction is used to cleanse and relieve irritation in the intestines, and the bark, which is a strong astringent (fastening action), is used to treat diarrhea .

The pulp in the seeds is very nutritious, as its high sugar content has sweet taste and weak laxative properties. However, the pulp in the pods has a strengthening property and is used in a decoction to treat diarrhea, and also helps cleanse the intestinal tract and relieve irritation in the intestines. These effects of carob seem contradictory, but it is an example of how the body reacts to different herbal remedies, depending on how it is prepared and the specific medical problem. Its seeds are also used to treat cough. Flour from ripe seeds is a moisturizing and softening agent. Used to treat diarrhea.


Carob is used as food additives for acute eating disorders, diarrhea, dyspepsia, enterocolitis, celiac disease (gluten), as well as normal infant vomiting or cough with nausea.

Seed flour is used in the production of gluten-free bread and to control vomiting during pregnancy, celiac disease and obesity. Research shows that carob help control diarrhea in infants.

Carob fruits are also high in inositol, which has a positive effect on people with insulin resistance and polycystic ovaries.

The ligands, estrogen-like substances, also called phytoestrogens, found in the plant are thought to have antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. They may be useful in fighting some estrogen-related cancers. At the same time, they can also be used as an estrogen replacement during and after menopause.

Carob is traditionally used to remove warts, treat constipation, heartburn and cough.

Early research in France suggests that carob may be beneficial in stimulating kidney function, including chronic kidney disease, but more research is needed to confirm this benefit.

The powder obtained from the pods is widely used in herbal cosmetics to cleanse and tone the facial skin.

The plant's seeds are a popular cocoa substitute. They contain fewer calories, are caffeine-free and are non-addictive. Additionally, they do not prevent the absorption of calcium from the body, unlike cocoa and chocolate.

How to use carob

Carob is taken in the form of tea, extract or capsules, available in pharmacies. When used as a medicine for diarrhea, the usual adult dose is about 20 grams per day, and for children, 15 grams per day. It should always be taken with big amount water.

Culinary use

In many Mediterranean countries, its fruits are used in popular drinks and confectionery. The dried pods are ground and the resulting powder is often available as a cocoa substitute, especially in health food stores. Carob powder is used to make chocolate, cakes and pastries. In Western countries this is natural sweetener with aroma and chocolate appearance.


In Cyprus, Crete and Malta, popular drinks are made from it. In Cyprus the drink is called “black gold”. In Turkey, Sicily, Portugal, Spain and Malta, the pods are used to make syrups and liqueurs.

The protein-rich seeds can be baked and used as a juice substitute. They are used as flour for baking various confectionery products. In this case, the seeds are peeled off to remove their dark and hard shell using chemical and thermal methods. Processed by one of these methods, the seeds are used to produce a white powder (flour) after grinding.

Resin

The resin is extracted from the core of the seeds. It is a white powder and contains galactomannan. It is used as a low-cost thickener stabilizer in the culinary and, more specifically, confectionery industries. An excellent stabilizer is made for ice cream because it has the ability to absorb water and swell. Provides smoothness of the product and is resistant to heat treatment. This inexpensive stabilizer does not affect the lactic acid and calcium salts in the product it contains, without changing its taste. It also acts as a binder and stabilizer in sausages. This gives them a thicker texture, better homogeneity and prevents weight loss during storage. In production soft cheeses The resin accelerates coagulation, increases the yield of hard cheese by approximately 10% and promotes the formation and separation of curds. The resulting curd has a good structure and the separated whey is purple.


Thus, the resin is used as a stabilizer, thickener and binder in many prepared foods, soups, sauces and vegetable and fish dishes. It is used to stabilize cream, mayonnaise, ketchup and salad sauces.

• IN ancient Egypt mixed carob pods with oatmeal, honey and wax to treat diarrhea. Carob was included in recipes for worms and to treat eye infections and poor vision.
• In the 1st century, Discoridis wrote that carob was good for relieving stomach pain and digestive disorders.
• Carob is also known in the rituals of the early Christian church.
• Carob has become better known as a chocolate substitute, although the flavors are not exactly similar.
• The carob tree was valued in the past for its edible pods, which were an important source of sugar before the spread of sugar beets and sugar cane.
• The dried, unopened pods can be used as a musical percussion instrument similar to the Maracas. The sound is produced by the beans inside them when shaken.
• On Jewish holiday- Dry pods are eaten on Tu Bi Shvat, and during Turkish Ramadan it is customary to drink juice.
• Today, the seeds are added to cosmetic products, tobacco processing and paper production.
• The seeds are identical, so they were used in the past as a unit of weight - the carat.

Attention!

Carob is considered safe. There is a possibility of developing an allergic reaction to it, but such cases are very rare. At the same time, there are no known interactions between medicinal herbs and other medications and carob at the same time.

Use by children is also considered safe, but must be dosed, monitored and constantly consulted with a doctor or herbalist.

In studies of diabetic rats, it was found that when treated with a hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the seeds, their blood sugar levels were significantly reduced. However, other clinical studies have shown that the carob component does not have a significant effect on glycemic status in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Carob seeds can be consumed by patients with diabetes, but should be consulted and justified with a doctor first.

Various concentrates are made from carob fruits - syrup, carob powder, gum. These products are useful for women, men, small children, and are used in medicine. Carob syrup is not only medicinal, but also tasty; it is added to sweets and other confectionery products.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Pekmez or carob syrup is a product better known in Turkey and Cyprus, where this plant grows. For Russians, this is an exotic thing that attracts, but also causes concern. The syrup is made from the juice of carob fruits. It is slowly simmered over a fire, boiling until the excess moisture evaporates. In Turkey they love it very much; they use it to treat young children above all other medicines.

The healing properties of the syrup are explained by its composition:

• fibrin and lignin – have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, increasing the number of lactobacilli;
• pectin – reduces the level of “harmful” cholesterol in the blood, plays the role of a coagulant and antioxidant, removes harmful substances from the body;
• tannins – help cure diarrhea and helminthic infestations;
• galactomannans - reduce the content of the peptide ghrelin, which is responsible for the feeling of hunger;
• vitamins (A, B1, B2, B9, D);
• minerals (Ca, K, Cu, Na, Zn, Mg, Mn, Fe, P).

A large amount of vitamin D makes the syrup useful for the prevention of rickets in children. Among the minerals, the product contains a lot of calcium, which is necessary for both children and adults. With brittle bones, frequent fractures and osteoporosis, during intensive growth, calcium is needed in large quantities.

Interestingly, during the growing process, carob is not subjected to chemical treatment against pests, according to manufacturers. Therefore, the syrup does not contain toxic substances hazardous to health.

The high level of antioxidants in its composition slows down the aging process, removes free radicals, and strengthens the immune system.

What diseases does carob syrup help with?

The syrup cleanses and soothes well. For insomnia or problems with constipation, drink it at night. This helps solve two problems at once - restores sleep and improves digestion. The syrup is drunk in pure form (1 tsp per dose) or diluted in water. The amount of water depends on taste preferences– you can take 100 or 200 ml, it doesn’t play a special role.

The syrup is effective for shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, anemia. It is recommended to use it to prevent the development of cancer tumors.

The use of syrup is beneficial for a large number of ailments:

• with impaired metabolism;
• chronic constipation;
• during menopause;
• colds and viral diseases;
• for kidney and bladder stones;
• depression;
• for lung diseases;
• oncology;
• with dysbacteriosis;
• impotence;
• with inflammation of the oral mucosa;
• migraine;
• with vegetative-vascular dystonia.

Carob syrup will help smokers cure chronic bronchitis. Thanks to the antioxidants included in the product, it prolongs youth.

Detailed instructions for use

How to take the syrup depends on the ailment that needs to be eliminated. To cleanse the body of toxins, improve diarrhea and nausea, drink 1 tbsp. l. before meals, 3 or 4 times a day. Small children from 2 to 6 years old are given 1 tsp., from 6 to 12 years old 1 tsp. 3 times a day.

For colds, coughs, sore throats, acute respiratory viral diseases syrup is diluted in 1 tbsp. hot water(50 °C), and consume up to 6 times a day before meals.

Strong headache, increased excitability, anxiety and bad dream Treat by consuming 5–6 tbsp. l. syrup per day for 2 or 3 months. Then take a break for 3 weeks, and if necessary, repeat the course. Instructions for use are not strict guidelines; a slight excess of the dose will not cause negative consequences, if there are no contraindications for use.

Use in folk medicine

In countries where carob grows, syrup from the pods is used in folk medicine. It is even given to infants under one year old for stomach upsets and colic. The syrup is drunk to relieve headaches, increase immunity, in case of poisoning, problems with the gastrointestinal tract, and disorders of the nervous system.

It speeds up recovery from colds and viral diseases and helps effectively lose weight. Carob syrup is valued for its sweet taste and the ability to be used for diabetes. With its help, you can remove toxins from the body and get rid of allergies.

Use in cooking

Carob syrup is popular in the cooking of Mediterranean countries. This product is added to various dishes instead of sugar. They prepare baked goods with it and use it as a sweet sauce for pancakes and ice cream.

It is not advisable to mix carob syrup with milk, as this can cause flatulence, diarrhea and nausea.

Chocolate recipe

Components:

• cocoa butter – 50 g;
• cashews – 5 g;
• hazelnuts – 5 g;
• carob – 50 g;
• carob syrup – 1.5 tbsp. l.;
• pecans – 5 g.

Step by step description:

1. Cocoa butter is heated in a water bath.
2. Carob and syrup are added to it.
3. Pour into molds.
4. Add roasted nuts and chopped dried fruits.
5. Leave to freeze for 1 hour in the refrigerator.

This chocolate is good for restless babies who cannot sit still. Unlike cocoa, carob does not have a stimulating effect; on the contrary, it has a calming effect.

Beneficial properties of carob syrup for obesity

The syrup is high-calorie (250 kcal per 100 g), so drink no more than 5 teaspoons per day, adding 1 teaspoon to a glass of water. Exceeding the norm can lead to increased insulin production and the opposite effect - weight gain.

Recipe for a drink that is good for weight loss

Components:

• syrup – 5 ml;
• water – 200 ml;
• lemon – 1 slice.

Use:

1. The water is heated to 50 °C.
2. Dissolve the syrup in it.
3. Add lemon juice.
4. Drink 15 minutes before meals.

This drink is useful in the evening; after it, sleep becomes more restful and sound.

Shelf life of carob syrup

Carob syrup is best stored in the refrigerator. But if you use it within 2-3 months, you can put it in a kitchen cabinet, on a shelf. At low temperature, the syrup will remain liquid longer.

The manufacturer indicates the shelf life on the label. Typically, it is 5 years from the date of production.

Contraindications

Carob pods contain many natural sugars that are easily absorbed by the body. For diabetes, syrup should be consumed with caution, no more than 1 tsp. 2 times a day.

If you are allergic to fructose, you should drink the syrup with great caution, not exceeding the recommended dosage (1 tsp per dose). People who are obese should not overuse syrup; this can slow down metabolic processes and make it more difficult to lose weight.

Typically, carob does not cause allergies, so it is recommended for everyone - children, the elderly, diabetics, and allergy sufferers. A few teaspoons of this natural sweetness a day will help overcome the obsessive feeling of hunger.

You will need

• - ready-made carob syrup;
• - teaspoon, tablespoon or dessert spoon;
• - cup;
• - hot water.

Instructions

The syrup is produced mainly in Cyprus and exported to all countries of the world, although carob syrup is ubiquitous throughout the Mediterranean. The syrup contains tannins, a number of organic acids, pectin, mucus, protein, all B vitamins, minerals, trace elements, sugar.

In countries where carob grows, it is used as a delicacy, in particular, it is poured over pancakes, pancakes, confectionery, and added to tea, coffee, and water. The syrup has no contraindications and can be used by everyone without restrictions.

To treat diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, to remove waste and toxins, take 1 tablespoon of syrup 4-5 times a day 30 minutes before meals, in case of diarrhea, instead of meals. Children from two to five years old – 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. From five to 12 years – 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day. The syrup is not recommended for children under two years of age.

For the treatment of sore throat, colds, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, the above doses of syrup are diluted in a glass of hot water (60 degrees) and used 5-6 times a day.

For nervous disorders, sleep disorders, and neurological headaches, you should take 1 tablespoon of syrup 5-6 times a day for three months. Then you need to take a break for 14 days and continue taking the syrup.

In the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, gum is mainly used to stabilize drugs. In particular, carob gum is included in the composition of curds from almost all manufacturers, as well as anti-wrinkle creams, gels, and serums.

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Today it is impossible to imagine the food industry without additives. They help extend the shelf life of products, enhance their taste and smell, change consistency and much more. One popular additive is locust bean gum, a substance needed to thicken various types of liquid.

Where does locust bean gum come from?

This substance is obtained from the fruits of the Mediterranean acacia, which is also called carob. The plant has dense leaves, small flowers and a wide crown, and can reach 10 meters in height. The fruits of the tree are brown beans, 20-25 cm long, containing not only seeds, but also juicy, slightly sweet pulp. It is extracted from the juice secreted by the beans. main component– gum, which is a high molecular weight carbon.

Carob grows in Spain, Greece, Italy, Cyprus and other Mediterranean countries.

Chemical properties and application

Carob gum, called additive E410, is a polymer that consists of molecules presented in the form of residues of simple and complex monosaccharides. Externally, this is a yellowish-white powder. It is practically odorless and retains its properties perfectly when heated, as well as in salty and acidic environments. Carob gum has a high viscosity and dissolves exclusively in water at a temperature of 85°C.

The main property of the E410 additive is to turn it into jelly different kinds liquids. When it cools, the formation of ice crystals slows down and, thereby, a structured gel is created. This is why locust bean gum is often used in production processed cheeses, ice cream and other dairy products, which are not only tastier, but also retain their shape well. In addition, this stabilizer is used for the production of baked goods, sauces and frozen desserts, and for canning mushrooms, vegetables and fish.

The advantage of the E410 food additive in food production is the ability of the compound to influence other chemicals.

The effect of locust bean gum on the body

Additive E410 refers to substances natural origin. It is not broken down in the body and is excreted from it in an unprocessed form. It is considered to be completely safe for humans, so it is

Carob is called evergreen a family of legumes, the fruits of which are enclosed in long pods, each of which contains from 5 to 17 grains, covered with juicy pulp.

The plant, reaching 10–15 meters in height, is widespread in Mediterranean countries, particularly in Cyprus, where it occurs wild and is also cultivated in gardens and park areas. Botanical name of the species Ceratoniasiliqua or ceratoniaCapsicum.

Carob syrup - 10 beneficial properties

1. Great alternative to coffee and chocolate

   The taste of carob syrup is very close to cocoa, on the basis of which chocolate, beloved by those with a sweet tooth, is made. But unlike this delicacy, ceratonia fruits do not contain caffeine and theobromine, which negatively affect the functioning of the heart. There are no oxalates here, the ability of which to bind calcium leads to the formation kidney stones. Besides, carob syrup from Cyprus is quite sweet, contains about 50% sucrose, fructose and glucose, which eliminates the need to add sugar to dishes.

   Drinking drinks based on carob syrup allows you to completely give up coffee, which will undoubtedly benefit people suffering from kidney disease, heart disease, nervous disorders and allergic reactions. The product is completely free of salsolinol, which, according to doctors, causes an increased addiction to coffee and chocolate, similar to drug or alcohol addiction.

2. Restores blood composition

   Sweet beans contain a high iron content, which improves blood composition in case of anemia. Therefore, carob syrup can be successfully used in the nutrition of patients after infections and surgical interventions, for the rehabilitation of patients who have lost a lot of blood as a result of injuries or operations. Carob syrup is useful for women who experience heavy blood loss during menstruation and people suffering from anemia.

3. Improves the functioning of the heart and blood vessels

   Potassium and magnesium – active substances, the content of which in ceratonia fruits is very high, supports normal heart function and has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels and the nervous system. In clinical studies, the ability of carob syrup components to reduce blood cholesterol levels and normalize blood pressure was noted.

4. Has a mild diuretic effect

   Carob syrup can be used as a diuretic. The potassium contained here helps remove excess fluid from the body, which allows you to relieve increased load on the heart and kidneys, eliminate swelling, improve water and electrolyte metabolism in the body.

5. Regulates the functioning of the digestive system

   The effectiveness of carob syrup for disorders of the stomach and intestines is explained by the presence of tannins in its composition - residual elements of the breakdown of gallic acid. The beneficial properties of the product are expressed in the rapid relief of symptoms of diarrhea, nausea, gas formation, and elimination of the consequences of food poisoning.

   Sometimes carob syrup from Cyprus is used in pediatrics to normalize stool and eliminate regurgitation in infants.

6. Treats throat diseases

   In ancient times, sweet pods were recommended for singers to chew before performing on stage in order to strengthen vocal cords. Traditional healers use carob syrup as a remedy to relieve inflammation of the upper respiratory tract for sore throats and colds accompanied by cough. IN medicinal purposes The syrup can not only be taken orally, but also used to gargle a sore throat. For asthmatic manifestations of allergies, the use of syrup helps to significantly ease breathing.

7. Positively affects eye health

   Carob syrup, due to the presence of vitamin B2 in it, helps relieve eye fatigue during strain, and serves to prevent cataracts and hemeralopia - a disease characterized by a decrease in visual acuity at dusk, the so-called “night blindness”.

8. Helps with weight loss

   Despite the fact that carob syrup from Cyprus contains a large amount of sugars, nutritionists recommend its use for people who want to get rid of extra pounds. The thing is that an increase in blood glucose levels gives the brain a signal of satiety, which means that a small amount of syrup drunk dulls the feeling of hunger and allows you to reduce the amount of food you eat. The beneficial properties of syrup for weight loss also lie in the fact that plant fibers, swelling in the stomach, create a feeling of fullness.

9. Increases male libido

   Carob fruits have a high zinc content. It is known that this trace element is involved in the synthesis of testosterone in male body. With insufficient zinc intake, in addition to decreased erectile function, the functioning of the prostate gland is inhibited, which can provoke diseases such as prostatitis or adenoma. The use of carob syrup helps prevent the loss of potency and maintain male strength for many years.

10. Strengthens immunity

    In addition to the beneficial properties listed above, carob syrup can be used as an immunostimulant. The fruit contains a wide range of minerals (potassium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron, calcium) and vitamins (B1, B2, B4, B6, E, C, PP). These substances are indispensable helpers for strengthening our immunity.

    The calcium content is so high (100 mg per 100 g of product) that doctors recommend introducing carob syrup into the diet of young children to prevent rickets and strengthen bones and teeth. The sweet pods also contain natural antioxidants, which gives specialists hope to develop drugs based on ceratonia fruits that can cure cancer.

Carob syrup – contraindications

No harmful substances, including allergens and toxins, were found in carob syrup. Therefore, this product, supplied from Cyprus, can be used in the diet of people of any gender and age. Women during pregnancy and breastfeeding are allowed to consume syrup in moderation.

There are no contraindications to the use of carob syrup, but several warnings are still worth heeding:

• It is really possible to lose weight with carob syrup, but you should not give up a full breakfast, lunch and dinner. The purpose of using this remedy is not to refuse food, but to reduce portions. Otherwise, as a result of constant high level glucose in the blood there will be a failure in the mechanism of natural metabolism and fast weight loss you won't have to count.
• Although carob syrup can be consumed by children early age, without prior consultation with a doctor, you should not introduce it into the menu of babies under one year old. Conditions of the current environmental situation are such that children may experience undesirable reactions to absolutely harmless products. The same applies to people with hypersensitivity to certain elements of carob syrup.
• Patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes should exercise caution when consuming sweet foods. The simple carbohydrates included in its composition can trigger insulin spikes in the blood. Therefore, diabetics need to strictly adhere to the recommended doses of syrup, and if their health worsens, consult a doctor.

Interesting facts about carob syrup

Since ancient times, the fruits of the tree have been exported to various countries, including to the Russian lands. Here, a pleasant-tasting overseas delicacy was called a sweet horn or Tsaregrad pod.

The fleshy fruit, which acquires a persistent smell of yeast after drying, is mentioned in the Bible and other ancient sources. Because of these aromatic properties, ceratonia is often called John's breadfruit.

Dry carob beans always have a stable weight of about 0.2 g. Therefore, they were used as a measure of weight in jewelry and pharmacy. Hence the name of the unit of mass measurement precious stones“karat”, since the Greek sound of ceratonia is κέρατος, which means horn, horn.

Powder from dried beans (carob) is used as a cocoa substitute, as well as an aromatic seasoning for various Mediterranean dishes. When fresh, sweet pods are consumed as a delicacy; tinctures, liqueurs and soft drinks are prepared from them. On the domestic market you can most often find carob syrup exported from Cyprus.

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