A treasure trove of useful elements - carob
The incredible variety of green plants leaves many people in awe, because each of them contains many useful properties. Especially striking in its extraordinary simplicity is the carob tree, which has been known for a long time.
In the 1st century AD, the fruits of this plant were fed to domestic animals. And several centuries later, enterprising merchants sold the pods as an expensive delicacy. During the war, they were used to make flour and baked bread, which helped many survive hunger. In addition, people learned how to make chocolate, coffee and even cocoa from the carob, which indicates the uniqueness of the mysterious fruit.
Interestingly, the fruits contain about 50% sugar, therefore they are used as a delicious treat. And drinks derived from carob are decaffeinated, therefore available to everyone.
Read also about breadfruit!
Brief description and photo of the plant
Among the large fleshy leaves in the sixth year of life, nondescript male and female inflorescences appear. Then pods grow in their place, inside of which are hidden sweetish-tasting beans. They are harvested unripe, then laid out on a cloth and dried in the sun until a brown crust appears. Photos and descriptions of the carob give a complete picture of the plant for nature lovers.
The plant bears fruit for almost 100 years and can produce up to 10 kg of pods in one season.
The tree grows in dry, rocky soil thanks to its powerful root system. Cultivated in the Mediterranean countries, northern Africa, South America, Asia and the Middle East. Wherever carob grows, the climate is often warm and subtropical.
Read also about plant coffee tree.
Valuable properties of the southern heat-loving fruit
The pods of an exotic plant are usually deep brown in color and reach a length of 25 cm. Outside they are covered with a hard base, which protects the seeds from damage. Tender pulp is located next to them.
It is she who contains the following useful elements:
- sucrose;
- fructose;
- glucose.
Because of this, it is used to prepare a sugar substitute.
The seeds of the plant are rich in dietary fiber, starch, protein, acids and tannins.
In addition, they contain various types of vitamins, in particular of group B. As well as a complex of trace elements, such as:
- iron;
- iodine;
- calcium;
- magnesium
- zinc.
As a result, the beneficial properties of carob are manifested in various areas of human life.
Cooking
It is interesting that culinary experts make useful products from the beans of an exotic plant. Carob - crushed carob seeds, taste like cocoa. Therefore, it is used in the baking of confectionery and drinks.
An equally well-known product is carob syrup, which is used as a natural sweetener for people with diabetes. Each of them has amazing properties that help to cope with ailments. Culinary experts create even chocolate from carob - an original sweetness for diabetics. Indeed, it contains up to 50% of natural sugars.
The medicine
What people do not use to strengthen the body and get sick less. The carob tree is considered especially popular with its unique properties. The high levels of iron in the plant's beans affect the complex blood production system. Therefore, it is important to eat the fruits with anemia, after injury and chronic ailments associated with blood loss.
Magnesium and potassium molecules found in fruits affect blood vessels and heart muscle. As a result, blood pressure normalizes and the person feels much more comfortable. The presence of potassium in beans promotes the elimination of harmful toxins and fluids from the body.
The fruits have a huge effect on digestion and intestines. Frequent diarrhea, gas formation, and nausea often make people restless. But amazing seeds will help solve this problem in the most pleasant way. This sweet and fragrant potion is to the liking of not only adults, but also children.
Since carob contains a huge number of useful elements, nutritionists prescribe them as a cleanser for the body. In case of problems, it is better to seek help from a specialist.
Sore throat and colds are considered one of the unpleasant ailments. If you make a decoction from the fruits of a heat-loving tree and gargle with it, it is easy to get rid of the unpleasant pain.
The presence of B vitamins in fruits helps to solve vision problems. Zinc trace elements included in the beans of the heat-loving tree take part in the synthesis of the male hormone testosterone. This means that eating its fruits can prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant male disease - prostatitis. Finally, the seeds of the plant strengthen the immune system of people of all ages, for which they have gained such popularity.
A unique drink for all occasions
Carob syrup never causes side effects. Therefore, both adults and children can drink it. Only in rare cases does it cause individual intolerance.
The medicinal solution is sold in pharmacies, specialized retail outlets, or on the Internet. It is a brown liquid. In consistency, it is similar to ordinary sugar syrup and has a wide range of valuable properties.
Like any medicinal drug, carob syrup has instructions for use, so it is important to adhere to it.
People with intestinal disorders are advised to drink the syrup 3 or 4 times a day. Single dose - 1 tablespoon. It is best to do this before meals.
For colds, 1 tablespoon is diluted in a cup of water. The drink is drunk every hour during the day. Depending on the general condition, continue to take until the symptoms of the disease disappear.
Frequent headache and migraine attacks can recede if you consume 1 tablespoon 6 times a day. The course of treatment is at least 3 months.
To achieve the best result, you can take a break for 14 days and then take the syrup again.
People who want to get rid of extra pounds dilute a spoonful of syrup in a glass of water at room temperature. Drink the mixture on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before the start of a meal. This gives them a feeling of fullness, allowing them to eat smaller portions.
As you can see, the application options are quite simple, the main thing is to follow the instructions, monitor the diet and trust the healing power of the green plants of planet Earth.