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Carob Today's subject is the humble CAROB In countries which border the Mediterranean, an evergreen tree called Ceratonia Siliqua grows long fleshy pods which have been used as a nutritious food since biblical times. These pods are also called St John's bread because St John the Baptist is reputed to have been sustained by them in the wilderness. The seeds which are remarkably uniform in size and weight , are thought to have been the original standard CARAT weight used by jewelers and goldsmiths. Carob is an excellent, well-balanced food, rich in vitamin A and B complex. It also contains valuable minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and bones, iron and copper for good red blood, and magnesium. It also is a good source of proteins and carbohydrates. The ground carob can be used instead of cacao or chocolate. Like many fruits, it is naturally sweet, containing 46% natural sugars. COMPARISON LIST CAROB COCOA Does not contain caffeine contains caffeine Naturally sweet very bitter (5.5% natural sugars) Very low in fat (less than 1%) very high in fat ( 23%) 177 calories per 100 gm 295 calories per 100 gm high in iron low in iron no alkaloids alkaloids Carob can be used by people who are allergic to chocolate and suffer unpleasant skin eruption or migraines every time they indulge. Because of the absence of caffeine, people who suffer from nervous complaints or heart and kidney diseases can quite safely use carob as a flavoring for drinks, baking and sweets. Carob can be used in any recipe, which calls for cocoa or chocolate. 3 level tablespoons of carob powder mixed with tablespoons of milk/soya milk or water equals 1 average square of chocolate. ----------------------------------------------------- I came across a novel approach to convince people to stop smoking. If you know anyone who is trying to give up the habit, please pass this article on; WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR BODY AFTER YOUR LAST CIGARETTE ? Within 20 minutes; Blood pressure drops to normal. Pulse rate returns to normal. Body temperature of hands and feet increase to normal. Within 8 hours; Carbon Monoxide level in the blood drops to normal. Oxygen level in blood increases to normal. Smokers breath disappears. Within 24 hours; Your chance of a heart attack decreases already. Within 48 hours; Nerve endings start to re-grow. Your ability to smell and taste is enhanced. Within 72 hours; Bronchial tubes relax, making it easier to breath. Lung capacity increases making it easier to do physical activities. Within 2 weeks to 3 months; Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung function increases up to 30% Within 1 to 9 months; Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease. Overall energy level increases. Cilia re-grow in lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean lungs, reduce infection. Within 1 year; Risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. Within 2 years; Heart attack risk drops to that of a non smoker. Within 5 years; Lung cancer death rate for average pack a day smoker decreases by almost half. Stroke risk is reduced. Risk of mouth, throat and esophageal cancer is half that of a smoker. Within 10 years; ung cancer death rate is similar to that of a person who does not smoke. The pre-cancerous cells are replaced. Within 15 years; Risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a person who has never smoked. TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT YOU ARE ACCOMPLASHING: GOOD LUCK!