Carob

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), which is one of the oldest trees in the world, is the most typical example of maquis that grows in Meditarranean climate influence area.

Carob (% on the basis of dry matter) contain 52-62% total sugar; of which 34-35 sucrose, 7.8-9.6% glucose, 10.1-12.2% fructose.

Individuals with high intakes of dietary fiber appear to be at significantly lower risk for developing obesity, cardiovascular and certain gastrointestinal diseases.

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. Regularly eating fiber may reduce the risk of heart disease and circulatory conditions, by lowering cholesterol levels.

Carobs can be characterized as functional foods with low‐fat content, high content in dietary fibers, and high content and/or source of minerals. Minerals: Potassium (827 mg/100g), Calcium (348 mg/100 g), Magnesium (54 mg/100g), Phosphorus (79 mg/ 100 g), Sodium (35 mg/100g), Selenium(5 mg/100 g), Iron (2.9 mg/100g) ve Copper (0.6 mg/100g).

It has been detected that carob fruit has 24 different phenolic compounds

Some of the phenolic substances are myricetin rhamnosit (9.8%), quercetin rhamnosit (10.23%), methyl gallate (1.03%), cinnamic acid (1.5%), myricetin glycoside (1.58%) and gallic acid (41.7%). Gallic acid constitutes the vast majority of the total phenolic content (at 3944.7 mg / kg dry matter).

The antioxidant properties and total phenolic compounds of carob leaves have been examined and it has been reported that the leaves are also the source of phenolic material.

Carob fruit is known as a source of a bioactive component called ‘D-Pinitol’. A number of studies investigating the presence of D-pinitol have been carried out. (10.2-11 % on the basis of dry matter)

Gallic acid is the most abundant phenolic acid in carob. It is found in a number of plants and particularly effective in controlling the oxidation of short-chain fatty acids.

Studies show that carob has strong antioxidant property, it has been reported that carob and its leaves has a possible positive effects on kidney cells.