Low in Fats/Sugars
Carob is naturally low in fat. To put into perspective, one cup of carob powder has no fat in comparison to 50g of fat in one cup of chocolate chips. Carob fruits are characterised by the natural high sugar content (48%–56%) (mainly sucrose, glucose, and fructose). To put into perspective one cup of carob powder has 51g of sugar compared to 92g in one cup of chocolate chips.
High Fiber
Carob contains a staggering amount of mainly insoluble dietary fibre obtained from the deseeded husk of the carob fruit. Carob fibre also contains significant amounts of both insoluble and water-soluble polyphenols which set it apart from traditional sources of insoluble dietary fibre such as wheat bran and soy. 100g of Carob has 40g of fibre, equivalent to 20 slices of whole-grain bread! This astonishingly exceeds the Recommended Daily intake Amount by 160%.
Caffeine Free
Carob is caffeine free. This is great news for caffeine-sensitive folks looking for a chocolate alternative. Caffeine, just like refined sugar, can be addictive and highly disruptive to your body and mind. Studies have shown that caffeine increases the stress hormone cortisol and adrenaline in one's body, and puts it in a fight or flight mode, similar to that experienced during acute stress.
Rich in Antioxidants
Carob fibre has a high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants. Studies identified 24 polyphenol compounds in Carob fibre, mainly gallic acid and flavonoids, both proven to reduce oxidative stress. Unlike dark chocolate which has recently been hailed as being so ‘good for you’, it provides these health-promoting, bug-fighting compounds without the negative effects of caffeine and theobromine.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Carob contains a variety of vitamins and minerals and is particularly rich in calcium – containing 3 times more calcium weight-for-weight than milk. 100g of Carob contains 34% of the Recommended Daily Value of calcium whereas chocolate only contains 5%. It also contains many other essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B1 and B2, niacin (B3), magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese and chromium. Unlike cocoa, carob does not contain oxalates, a compound that reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium.
