Carob seeds to support weight loss
Properties of carob seeds
Carob seeds come from the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), a tree that grows mainly around the Mediterranean basin. When the pods, called “carobs”, reach maturity, it is the right time to harvest and process them.
The pod pulp is used to make powder or carob flour. The seeds, meanwhile, are extracted and then ground to produce carob seed flour or carob gum. While the pulp is interesting from a nutritional standpoint, it is above all the seeds that offer the most benefits.
Carob seeds offer an exceptional composition that is beneficial to the body. Each one contains fiber, protein, 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 the body’s defenses. But that’s not all! The fibers they contain also help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and aid in weight loss.
Fiber to reduce fat absorption
Carob seeds are among the superfoods highest in fiber. It is thanks to this high content that they are very interesting allies for weight loss. From a nutritional point of view, carob seed flour provides 74 g of fiber per 100 g ! That 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 fiber help you lose weight ?
A large portion of the fibers in carob seeds are soluble fibers. Unlike insoluble fibers, they disperse easily in water and form a sort of viscous gel in the stomach. In this way, carob seeds work similarly to psyllium or chia seeds, superfoods also recommended for losing weight or staying in shape.
In addition to improving intestinal 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), thus preventing water retention. Finally, the gel formed in the stomach acts as a natural appetite suppressant : it promotes and prolongs the feeling of satiety to help limit the urge to snack.
As part of a diet, carob seed flour is also interesting for its content of protein (4.5 g per 100 g), which promotes a feeling of satiety. It also has the advantage of being lower in calories (208 kcal per 100 g) than other flours such as 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 has many uses. We generally distinguish 3 different products:
- la farine de caroube ou poudre de caroube, issue du broyage de la gousse ;
- la farine de graines de caroube ou gomme de caroube, issue du broyage des graines uniquement ;
- le sirop ou la mélasse de caroube, extrait de la pulpe de la gousse.
As part of a diet, opt for carob seed flour because of its natural thickening and appetite-suppressing effect.
Which carob seed flour should you choose ?
To get the best possible quality, we recommend choosing a carob seed flour certified organic. This will help you avoid residues of pesticides and chemicals used during cultivation or at the time of harvest.
You can also find flour from fair trade sources, which guarantees the producer fair compensation for their work and helps maintain local jobs.
How to consume carob seeds to lose weight?
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, which are also used in food products.
In cooking, carob seed flour is therefore ideal for providing a creamy texture or thickening certain hot or cold preparations, sweet or savory.
Vegetable and carob slimming soup
Light and low in calories, this soup will delight anyone looking to lose weight or simply stay in shape. Here, carob seed flour is combined with turmeric, known for its detoxifying properties, and with fennel seeds, rich in fiber and that help digestion.
To make this recipe, you will need:
- farine de graines de caroube
- courgettes
- épinards
- panais
- curcuma
- huile d’olive
- poivre et graines de fenouil.
After washing your vegetables, peel the parsnips and remove the central rib from the spinach leaves. Then dice the zucchini and parsnips into small cubes. In a pot, pour a drizzle of olive oil then sauté all your vegetables for 10 minutes. Season by adding a pinch of turmeric, some pepper, and a few fennel seeds.
Meanwhile, dissolve the carob seed flour in cold water (allow 1 to 2 teaspoons for ½ liter of water). Mix well, then pour into the pot. Add water to cover the vegetables and cook, covered, for about twenty minutes. Once cooked, serve your soup hot or cold, according to your preference!
Banana, carob, and rolled oats smoothie
There’s nothing like a good smoothie to treat yourself, even on a diet! This banana/carob/rolled oats smoothie is ideal as a snack when a little hunger strikes 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) depending on the desired texture. Sprinkle a few oat flakes on top and enjoy chilled!
Homemade vegan and light ice cream
Ice cream is often an enemy when you’re on a diet. However, it’s possible to treat yourself by making your own homemade ice cream, a vegan, lighter version. Below we offer a refreshing and creamy strawberry/banana ice cream recipe.
The ingredients to make this recipe are as follows :
- 2 bananes mûres
- 250 g de fraises
- 1 cuillère à soupe de sirop d’agave
- 1 cuillère à café de farine de graines de caroube
- du lait d’amande
- de la vanille
Start by slicing the bananas and halving the strawberries. Put them in a freezer bag, then put them in the freezer overnight.
The next day, pour your frozen fruit into the blender and blend. Dissolve the flour in a little almond milk. Add the liquid mixture to the blender, then blend again until you obtain a smooth, creamy texture. Add the agave syrup and vanilla and blend one last time. Enjoy immediately !
