Carob can work as a low-fat substitute for cocoa
Q. Could you please give me some information on carob? I understand it contains calcium, is low in calories and has no cholesterol.
A.M., San Mateo, Calif.
A. Carob, a relative of the pea, comes from the seeds of the carob tree, originally found in Mediterranean regions. Carob is also called locust or St. John's bread for its fabled role as John the Baptist's source of sustenance as he wandered in the wilderness.
The powder from the carob bean is similar in color and fragrance to cocoa. Compared to cocoa, carob flour is lower in fat and higher in carbohydrate and calcium. One ounce of carob flour contains about 100 milligrams of calcium, about 2.5 times more than the same amount of cocoa powder.
Cocoa, on the other hand, is higher in niacin, vitamin E, iron, zinc, selenium and phosphorous. Neither carob nor chocolate, being vegetable foods, contains any cholesterol.
Many people have experimented with carob flour as a low-fat cocoa substitute. Because it has a milder taste, count on using about 3 parts carob to replace 1 part cocoa.
Although carob candies, chips and coatings may start with a low-fat carob powder, the final food usually combines the powder with a fat source resulting in a fat content comparable to chocolate. Check the label.
Q. Thank you for your article citing the lack of science regarding a connection between milk and mucus production. It is confusing when "experts" state that milk is bad for everyone and was not meant to be consumed by humans. I read an article online today, and this nutritional "expert" stated that milk actually leaches calcium from the bones.
Anyway, I have a question. I've read many, many articles and chapters of so many fasting, juicing and detox books, and they insist that most of us have pounds upon pounds of impacted fecal matter and other putrified matter in our colons. They say many colonic treatments and colon cleansers are crucial. On the other hand, I cannot find any real science to support that claim. Can this "matter" be seen during a colonoscopy? Do coroners see all this matter during autopsies? I don't have a lot of money, and these "cleansers" can be expensive. Can you tell me your opinion? I sure would appreciate your advice.
D., New York
A. I like your observations and skepticism. We can't see what is going on inside our bodies, and this makes people vulnerable to suggestions of dark intrigue about malfunctions inside their digestive system. Couple this with the ideals of "cleansing" and "detox," and it makes for an easy sell.
There's no question that good bowel habits are important, but the best way to accomplish this is through a whole-foods diet rich in dietary fiber. A daily bowl of high-fiber cereal with fresh or dried fruit is great strategy.
Regarding the questionable claims, the idea that milk leaches calcium from our bones is bizarre and unfounded. As for the cleansing stuff, the one thing you can count on being "cleansed" is the money in your pocket.