carob tree

The carob trees are those trees that belong to the genus Prosopis, from the Fabaceae family. Is about species that usually measure about ten meters and that have the carob as fruit.

The white carob, whose scientific name is Prosopis alba, is found in Argentina, chili, Paraguay, Bolivia Y Peru. This tree is often used for ornamental purposes, while its wood allows the production of coatings for the I usually, doors, barrels and other items.

The Prosopis pallida is known as pale carob. Due to the hardness of its wood, it is used for the manufacture of parquet and pieces of furniture. The same goes for the Prosopis nigra or black carob.

Is named european carob to the Ceratonia siliqua, a tree from the region of Mediterranean which is resistant to drought and whose wood is used in the field of carpentry. The carob from this tree, on the other hand, is used as food, while its leaves are intended for livestock.

The crazy carob (Cercis siliquastrum), meanwhile, can exceed 15 meters in height. Resists drought and cold, although not the frosts that extend in time. The wood of this tree, unlike what happens with other carob trees, is not valued for its quality.

Regarding the fruit of the carob trees, it should be noted that the seeds They are found in pods, which can be dark or white according to the species. These seeds contain phosphorus, iron, calcium, sugars and other components. They are often used to replace cocoa, making them healthier.

Medicinal properties of carob

The fruit of the carob tree offers a long list of Benefits, both to the human being and to the rest of the animals. Although in this case we will focus on those that directly affect us, it is worth mentioning that various species of mammals are very attracted to the taste of carob, and eat it as if it were her favorite dessert.

Among the medicinal properties of carob is its high content in mucilages, a type of soluble fiber that acts on the treatments against inflammation of the mucous membranes. This fruit is very beneficial for cases of irritation in the respiratory tract, digestive problems, diarrhea and any pain or discomfort in the stomach.

On the other hand, carob is an energy food, which only has 10% protein compared to 50% sugar natural. It also has a high content of tannins, a powerful natural antioxidant, and various vitamins, among which those of group B, B1 (also known as thiamine), B2 (or riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and pro vitamin A.

The asthma is a disease characterized by swelling of the respiratory tract to the point of making it dangerously difficult to breathe. It is an evil that affects many people and prevents them from leading a completely normal life. While carob does not offer a cure for this disorder, its resin It is highly recommended to complement the treatments, since one of its most outstanding characteristics is its expectorant capacity, which helps to clean the airways naturally.

Other problems of Health or conditions that can improve thanks to the carob fruit are cystitis, gonorrhea, laryngitis, constipation, irritation of the eyes and inflammation of the throat. In addition, since it does not contain gluten, it is a very suitable food for celiac individuals.

The carob is marketed in different forms, such as being in powder (which must be diluted in water before use), in tablets, in seeds, in cookies or in flour, among others. It is important to alternate it with other foods, to avoid inhibiting the digestion of certain nutrients.