Carob seeds to accompany weight loss
Properties of carob seeds
Carob seeds come from the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), a tree mainly growing around the Mediterranean. When the pods, called “carobs,” reach maturity, it is the right time to harvest and process them.
The bark is used to make powder or carob flour. The seeds, on the other hand, are extracted and ground to make carob seed flour or carob gum. While the bark is interesting from a nutritional standpoint, it is especially the seeds that offer the most properties.
Carob seeds offer an exceptional composition beneficial for the body. Each of them contains fibers, proteins, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and trace elements…
Thanks to their content of antioxidant polyphenols, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and iron, carob seeds actively contribute to defending the body. But that’s not all! The fibers they contain also help to lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and aid weight loss.
Fibers to reduce fat absorption
Carob seeds are among the superfoods richest in fibers. Thanks to this high content, they are very interesting slimming allies. From a nutritional perspective, carob seed flour provides 74 g of fiber per 100 g! This is much more than whole wheat flour (9 g per 100 g), oat bran (15 g per 100 g), or cocoa (33 g per 100 g). But how can fibers help you lose weight?
A large part of the fibers in carob seeds are soluble fibers. Unlike insoluble fibers, they disperse easily in water and form a kind of viscous gel in the stomach. In this sense, carob seeds work in the same way as psyllium or chia seeds, superfoods also recommended for losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition to improving transit, soluble fibers reduce the absorption of fats and glucose by the body. By taking on a gelatinous texture, they can also absorb a large amount of water (10 to 25 times their weight), thereby preventing water retention. Finally, the gel formed in the stomach acts as a natural appetite suppressant: it promotes and prolongs the feeling of fullness to limit the desire to snack.
In the context of a diet, carob seed flour is also interesting for its protein content (4.5 g per 100 g) which promotes the feeling of fullness. It also has the advantage of being less caloric (208 kcal per 100 g) than other flours like chestnut flour (340 kcal per 100 g) or wheat flour (355 kcal per 100 g).
How to choose your carob seeds?
Flour, powder, carob gum, syrup…: what are the differences?
Carob is used in many ways. Generally, we distinguish 3 different products:
- Carob flour or carob powder, from grinding the pod;
- Carob seed flour or carob gum, from grinding the seeds only;
- Carob syrup or molasses, extracted from the pulp of the pod.
In the context of a diet, favor carob seed flour for its thickening and natural appetite suppressant effects.
Which carob seed flour to choose?
To ensure the best possible quality, we advise you to choose certified organic carob seed flour. This way, you’ll avoid residues of pesticides and chemicals used during cultivation or harvest.
You can also find flour from the fair trade, which guarantees the producer a fair remuneration for their work and the maintenance of local jobs.
How to consume carob seeds for weight loss?
In the food industry, carob seed flour or carob gum is known as additive E410. It is used as a thickener and stabilizer because it contains galactomannan, a soluble fiber that improves the texture of preparations. Galactomannan is also found in guar gum and fenugreek, also used in food.
In cooking, carob seed flour is ideal for giving a creamy texture or thickening certain hot or cold, sweet or savory preparations.
Weight Loss Vegetable and Carob Soup
Light and low in calories, this soup will delight anyone looking to lose weight or simply maintain their figure. Here, carob seed flour is combined with turmeric, which has detoxifying properties, and fennel seeds, which are high in fiber and aid digestion.
To make this recipe, you will need:
- carob seed flour
- zucchini
- spinach
- parsnips
- turmeric
- olive oil
- pepper and fennel seeds.
After washing your vegetables, peel the parsnips and remove the central rib of the spinach leaves. Then, cut the zucchini and parsnips into small cubes. In a pot, pour a dash of olive oil and sauté all your vegetables for 10 minutes. Season by adding a pinch of turmeric, pepper, and a few fennel seeds.
Meanwhile, blend the carob seed flour into cold water (use 1 to 2 teaspoons for ½ liter of water). Mix well and pour into the pot. Add water to cover the vegetables and let cook, covered, for about twenty minutes. Once cooked, serve your soup hot or cold, as you prefer!
Banana, Carob, and Oat Smoothie
There’s nothing like a good smoothie to enjoy yourself, even while on a diet! This banana/carob/oat smoothie is ideal as a snack when you feel a little hungry during the day.
To make your smoothie, blend 2 ripe bananas with 2 glasses of almond milk and 1 teaspoon of carob seed flour. Blend everything and adjust the amount of milk (or flour) according to the desired texture. Sprinkle with some oats and enjoy chilled!
Homemade Vegan and Light Ice Cream
Ice creams are often considered enemies when you’re on a diet. However, it is possible to enjoy yourself by making your own homemade ice cream, vegan and light version. Below we offer a recipe for a strawberry/banana ice cream, refreshing and creamy.
The ingredients for this recipe are as follows:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 250 g of strawberries
- 1 tablespoon of agave syrup
- 1 teaspoon of carob seed flour
- almond milk
- vanilla
Start by slicing the bananas into rounds and halving the strawberries. Place them in a freezer bag, then put them in the freezer overnight.
The next day, pour your frozen fruits into the blender and blend. Mix the flour into a little almond milk. Add the liquid mixture to the blender, then blend again until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Add the agave syrup, vanilla, and blend one last time. Enjoy right away!
