Carob Cinnamon Delight instead of coffee – a calming hot beverage
Carob is a delicious alternative to coffee or hot chocolate as it doesn’t contain caffeine. It has a definite chocolate-like flavor and is something I recommend to my clients who may be looking for a healthier alternative or who can’t tolerate coffee or chocolate. Carob is originally from the eastern Mediterranean region, Northern Africa and the western part of Asia. Ceratonia siliqua or carob is also known as locust bean gum.
Consider trying carob if you are anxious and stressed. There are a subset of those with anxiety who are more prone to the anxiety-provoking effects of coffee and some very sensitive people may even find the caffeine in chocolate to be too stimulating.
In fact a 2002 study found that carob may actually have calming effects. It is also antioxidant rich, contains the polyphenol gallic acid which has been shown to help metabolic syndrome, it has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol, it has chemoprotective properties and helps with digestion.
Here is a recipe for a delicious beverage you can make using carob powder:
Carob Cinnamon Delight al la Trudy
¾ cup of boiling water
1 Tablespoon carob powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Coconut milk (full-fat) or fresh raw cream (if you can tolerate dairy)
Boil the water, add carob and cinnamon and top up with coconut milk (or cream), stir and enjoy! The carob tends to settle a bit so you’ll probably need to stir it again when you’re half way through drinking it.
If you are going to give up coffee it’s good to have some alternative beverages on hand You could try delicious herbal teas (such as licorice, lemon-ginger, and mint), coffee substitutes such as Dandy Blend, rooibos or green rooibos (herbal teas from South Africa that appears to have health benefits similar to those of green tea), or one of my favorites – carob!
I’d love to get your feedback on how you enjoyed this and any variations you’ve tried.
Enjoy!
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Trudy Scott (CN), Certified Nutritionist is the founder of www.everywomanover29.com, a thriving nutrition practice with a focus on food, mood and women’s health. Trudy educates women about the amazing healing powers of food and nutrients and helps them find natural solutions for anxiety and other mood problems. Trudy’s goal for all her clients (and all women): ”You can be your healthiest, look your best and feel on-top-of-the-world emotionally!”
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I’m glad to know about this option as I’m not a coffee drinker away. Sounds delicious.
everywomanover29 Reply:
December 28th, 2011 at 11:13 am
Sue
Please let me know what you think of it….
Trudy,
As you know (since you don’t want me drinking coffee) – I tried this recipe and it is DELICIOUS! I have a new morning drink… And one I can also have late in the day with no negative impact.
Thanks so much!
Terry
everywomanover29 Reply:
December 28th, 2011 at 11:12 am
Terry
I’m SO glad you are enjoying this! the cinnamon is also great for blood sugar control and coconut has antimicrobial properties so you get even more benefits other than just quitting the coffee
Trudy
Trudy – I just printed this and will be trying it out! I used to LOVE hot chocolate, but all the “mixes” have milk powder in them or are made with milk. I’ve since switched to tea – but this sounds like such a yummy alternative – thanks!!
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
everywomanover29 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Jennifer
If you LOVED hot chocolate I know you’re going to LOVE this! And since the coconut milk is dairy-free you get to use something to make it nice and creamy too. Enjoy!
Trudy
Thanks Trudy! I will try this. I just started experimenting with coffee alternatives. This morning I made myself a “Tulsi-Latte” with a little bit of honey. It was so good!!
everywomanover29 Reply:
December 30th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
Cristina
Carob is a great alternative but Tulsi is great too – because it’s caffeine-free and really great for stress-relief
Trudy
Carob is so yummy. Glad to try this new recipe. THANKS! Katherine
Trudy,
I used to love carob when I was a kid. I’m adding carob powder to my my shopping list and I’ll give this a try.
Write on!~
Lisa
Trudy,
This sounds great. I will share this with my family.
Mitch
Trudy, this looks like a yummy recipe that is actually good for you. I used to enjoy hot chocolate mixes but there’s too much sugar and who knows what added to the commercial recipes. I like how you always offer up some great alternate products. I’ve not heard of Carob Powder before. Is it available in the regular grocery stores? Thx, Debbie
everywomanover29 Reply:
January 1st, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Debbie
Yes, you can find carob in the natural foods section of regular grocery stores – enjoy!
Trudy