Highlights
1. Carob is a healthier alternative to chocolate as it does not contain caffeine, has less fat and calories, and contains more vitamins and minerals.
2. Carob has three times more calcium than chocolate, making it beneficial for teeth and bones.
3. Carob does not have the bitter taste of chocolate, so it requires less sugar and fat to be added in recipes.
Introduction
December 26, 2011 Posted by Olivia
Carob vs Chocolate
Carob is emerging as a healthier alternative to chocolate in many parts of the world. While some people may not be familiar with carob, it is a tropical plant that is roasted and ground to produce a powder that looks and tastes similar to cocoa powder. This article will highlight the differences between chocolate and carob.
Chocolate
Chocolate is consumed in various forms such as candies, cakes, ice-creams, and hot chocolate drinks. However, chocolate contains caffeine, specifically a chemical called theobromine. This substance is linked to various negative effects such as insomnia, obesity, irritation, anxiety, acne, and sleep disturbances. Overconsumption of chocolate can even worsen depression in individuals.
Chocolate also has a distinct bitter taste, which often requires the addition of sugar and fat to mask. While these ingredients provide a smooth texture, they also lower immunity and cause indigestion. Additionally, there are many additives present in the final chocolate product.
Carob
The above-mentioned problems with chocolate make it necessary to seek alternatives. Carob is one such product obtained from the carob tree or shrub. Carob powder, produced from the tree’s pods, is naturally sweet and requires less sugar in recipes such as cake, pudding, candy, muffins, and beverages. This makes carob a suitable substitute for chocolate powder with less sugar.
Carob does not contain caffeine, which gives chocolate a bad reputation. However, carob contains several nutritious substances that make it a healthier alternative. It contains vitamins B, B2, A, magnesium, calcium, and trace metals like chromium, copper, nickel, and iron. Carob also has therapeutic uses and can be used to treat diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.
What is the difference between Carob and Chocolate?
– Carob has three times more calcium compared to chocolate, making it beneficial for teeth and bones. Chocolate is considered harmful for children’s teeth.
– Chocolate has three times more calories than carob, leading to weight gain. Carob, on the other hand, is popular among health-conscious individuals and contains 17 times less fat than chocolate.
– Carob does not contain caffeine, which gives chocolate a bad name.
– Carob contains more vitamins and minerals than chocolate.
– Chocolate functions as a better stimulant due to its caffeine content, while carob contains no caffeine.
