Scary From The Horns

Locust bean flour is  made from dried and roasted locust bean pods and is very similar to cocoa powder. It is often used as a natural sweetener in pastries and as a healthy substitute for chocolate. It is sweet and has a unique taste.

The carob tree (or Ceratonia siliqua) bears fruits resembling dark brown pea pods that contain cellulose and seeds. Chewing these pods helps singers maintain healthy vocal cords and soothe and clear their throats.

Rozhkov is available in the form of flour, chips, syrup, extract and diet pills.

Nutritional value

In 2 tablespoons of locust bean flour contain:

• 6 grams of sugar
• 0 grams of sodium
• 42 milligrams of calcium
• 5 grams of fiber
• 0.35 grams of iron
• 6 milligrams of magnesium
• 99 milligrams of potassium
• 0.055 milligrams of riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• 0.228 milligrams of niacin (vitamin B3)

Rozhkov is an excellent source of vitamins A, B2, B3, B6 and the minerals copper, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, zinc and selenium. It also contains fiber, pectin and protein.

Health benefits

Locust bean flour contains virtually no fat. If you are on a low fat diet, you can include this product in your menu. Keep in mind that it contains more sugar and carbohydrates than cocoa powder.

Two tablespoons of locust bean deliver 6 grams of sugar, which is about 1 and 1/2 teaspoons. If a cookie recipe requires up to 1 cup of locust bean flour, this increases the amount of sugar to 51 grams and the fat remains less than 1 gram. On the other hand, a cup of sweetened chocolate chips contains 92 grams of sugar and 50 grams of fat.

According to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, the average American consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day. This is much more than the recommended daily allowance of 2,300 milligrams. The American Heart Association recommends even lower sodium intake - 1500 milligrams per day.

Too much sodium in the diet can increase the risk of:

• high blood pressure;
• heart attack;
• hits;
• osteoporosis;
• kidney problems.

Locust bean flour does not contain sodium, which makes it very suitable for people who need to limit the intake of this mineral.

Calcium is a mineral important for bone health. It also helps the heart, nerves and muscles to function well. Two tablespoons of locust bean flour contain 42 milligrams of calcium or 4% of the required daily dose.

Cocoa contains oxalates. These are compounds that reduce the body's ability to absorb calcium. A diet high in oxalates increases the risk of kidney stones. Locust bean flour does not contain oxalates.

In 2 tablespoons of locust bean flour has 5 grams of fiber, which is over 20% of the daily norm. Fiber is useful because:

• keep a person full for a long time;
• support the intake of less food;
• prevent constipation;
• keep the intestines healthy;
• control blood sugar;
• lower cholesterol.

A 2010 study found that antioxidants, polyphenols in insoluble locust bean fiber, lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a hybrid between wheat and rye). In some people, gluten triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine. This condition is called celiac disease. If you suffer from the disease or are sensitive to this protein, you should avoid foods that contain it. Locust bean flour does not contain gluten.

Due to its tannin content, locust bean flour is used as a natural remedy for diarrhea. Tannins are polyphenols found in some plants. Studies have shown that the use of locust bean flour with oral rehydration fluid is safe and effective in treating acute initial diarrhea in infants.

Caffeine is an invigorating drink, but too much of it can cause unpleasant side effects, such as:

• insomnia;
• fast heart rate;
• irritability;
• upset stomach;
• muscle tremor (shaking).

Locust bean flour can be used as a substitute for chocolate in people who are sensitive to caffeine because it does not contain this ingredient.

According to a 2003 study, locust bean fiber is a rich source of polyphenolic antioxidants. The study identified 24 polyphenolic compounds in carob fibers, mainly gallic acid and flavonoids. These compounds have been shown to reduce oxidative stress.

Gallic acid has also been found to remove free radicals and kill cancer cells. Studies show that flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antidiabetic and neuroprotective properties.

Tyramine is a by-product of the amino acid tyrosine. Foods that contain this substance may cause migraine headaches. In chocolate there is this by-product, while in the composition of locust bean it is not present, which makes the product suitable for people who suffer from migraines.

Add locust bean flour to smoothies, yoghurt, ice cream, pastries, bread dough or pancakes. Make a warm carob drink instead of hot chocolate. Make pudding or brownies. Replace the candies with desserts made from locust bean and almond milk.

Contraindications

Rozhkov is considered safe and carries a small risk of allergies. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the product for use in food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Although allergies to it are rare, a Spanish study found that people with allergies to nuts and legumes may also have allergies to locust beans. These reactions include rash, asthma and hay fever. But the study also reports that those who are specifically allergic to peanuts can take boiled locust bean seeds and chewing gum without any problems.

Consuming very large amounts of this product may not be safe, especially for pregnant women. It can cause unwanted weight loss and lower insulin and blood sugar levels.