Benefits of Locust Bean

Locust bean is rich in phosphor, calcium and Vitamin E. It contains high amounts of mineral and sugar. And also Vitamin A, B, B2, B3 and D. It is a natural power and nutrition source due to its high invert sugars, rich minerals (especially zinc) and vitamins.  There are countless benefits of locust bean and it is a great doping and natural sweetener for little gourmets. Such that around hundred years ago, mainly locust bean was being used instead of sugar or in desserts.

Locust bean powder is even used as thickener raw material for formulas prepared specifically for babies that vomit. It is known that aborigines did pick locust bean from trees and used them like a teething ring. It is not an allergenic food. However act deliberately, we recommend you to give it to your babies at 10 and 12 months after  stage 1 and 2 of introducing solids.

Gallic acid in locust bean has numerous advantages for human health. It is good for coughing, anemia, flu and bone loss. It treats bronchial complaints and respiratory disorders and it is an expectorant. The active substance in locust bean, which cannot be found in any other plant, is effective against respiratory disorders. This substance is effective against some allergic asthma disorders. Locust bean molasses is used very frequently for this purpose.

In addition to these, locust bean makes teeth stronger and gingiva healthier. It is known that locust bean is good for gastroenteritis problems. It is an effective pain killer. Also it boosts the immune system and destroys free radicals. It plays a role in disposing of radioactive materials. Locust bean that clears of toxic materials in blood is very efficacious for blood pressure, liver and lung problems. Also it protects the heart.

Few tips for eating locust bean: 
 
You can grind locust bean and its seeds and cook it with milk or make molasses.  
 
You can mix one dessert spoon of locust beans in powder form with yoghurt, honey, molasses or milk. 
 
You can use it to replace cacao and flour in cakes and pastries. However as it is naturally a sweet flour, when using locust bean powder, you should decrease the amount of sugar stated in the recipe. 
 
Wash 10 locust beans and break it and pour 1 liter of water on it and boil it until fruits color and soften. After it cools down, you can keep it in a glass jar in the fridge for 3 days. To drink, you may flavor it with honey.
Click here for recipes with locust bean. 

Nutritional value per 1 cup (103 gram) of locust bean powder;
 
Vitamins
 
Vitamin A 14.4 IU
Vitamin C  0.2 mg
Vitamin E 0.6 mg
Thiamin 0.1 mg
Riboflavin 0.5 mg
Niacin 2.0 mg
Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
Folate 29.9 mcg
Choline 12.3 mg
 
Minerals
 
Calcium 358 mg
Iron 3.0 mg
Magnesium 55.6 mg
Phosphor 81.4 mg
Potassium 852 mg
Sodium 36.1 mg
Zinc 0.9 mg
Copper 0.6 mg
Manganese 0.5 mg
Selenium 5.5 mg