Carob syrup (pekmez Harnup): properties and benefits

The main properties of carob for weight loss are acceleration of metabolism, decreased appetite, diuretic effect, and normalization of intestinal function. Helps maintain performance during a diet and strengthen the immune system. Prohibited for use in case of allergies, low blood pressure, hypervitaminosis. For weight loss, you can use powder (1 tablespoon per glass of water 20 minutes before meals) and syrup (1 tablespoon per 250 ml of warm water + ¼ lemon, drink 15 minutes before meals).

Without diet and exercise, there will be no weight loss from carob alone.

Composition and characteristics

Pekmez Harnup with a calorie content of 260 kcal per 100 g of product has a high nutritional value and includes a whole range of useful elements. The main ones:

• sugars of natural origin,
• choline,
• organic acids,
• vitamins B, D and A,
• tannins,
• cellulose,
• pectin,
• zinc, sodium, phosphorus, potassium.

In addition, by consuming natural carob syrup, a person receives 10% of the calcium needed per day, 11% of magnesium, more than 14% of manganese and about 70% of iron. The product contains per 100 grams: 60 g of carbohydrates, 3 g of protein and less than 1 g of fat. Carob syrup is a well-known powerful antioxidant and has antibacterial and bronchodilator effects. Due to its high content of dietary fiber, pekmez is recommended for digestive problems.

The syrup does not contain substances that are addictive or provoke a severe allergic reaction. It contains no caffeine or harmful cholesterol. The composition does not contain oxalic acid, which interferes with the good absorption of an important element - calcium. The glycemic index of the product is 30.

At what age can the product be used?

Carob syrup from Turkey, the use of which is approved for children over 3 years of age, is used in pediatrics. Doctors recommend its use as an immunostimulant. When using the syrup for the first time, it is necessary to monitor the reaction of the child’s body. If there is no allergy or indigestion, continue using the product.

Despite the naturalness of the product, before use you should definitely consult with your pediatrician - he will prescribe the appropriate dosage and regimen for its use. It can also be consumed by children as sweets - it contains much more useful substances than chocolate and candies.

Useful and healing properties

Sweet pekmez is widely used in folk and traditional medicine due to the presence of the following properties:

• strengthening the immune system;
• improved sleep;
• normalization of cardiac activity and blood pressure;
• lowering cholesterol levels;
• restoration of blood composition;
• assistance in weight loss;
• increased libido;
• strengthening bone tissue;
• regulation of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• cleansing the body of carcinogens, toxins, and waste.

In addition, the benefits of regular use of syrup for anemia, diarrhea, vascular pathologies, and poisoning have been noted. The product is also useful for women during pregnancy and children.

Carob healing syrup is useful for disorders of the nervous system. It helps alleviate migraines, sleep disturbances, irritability and depression. It can be used to cleanse the body of harmful substances, as well as get rid of inflammation and ulcers on the oral mucosa. It is recommended to use pekmez in the treatment of ARVI, severe cough, pneumonia and sore throat. The thick liquid must be mixed with warm water and drunk at least 5 times a day.

The product is completely free of refined sugars, making the syrup approved for diabetes. However, it should be used with caution, not exceeding the dosage recommended by the doctor. Restrictions on intake are associated with the property of the product to slightly increase blood glucose levels.

Nutritionists recommend including syrup in the menu for people trying to lose weight. The product cleanses the body, improves metabolism and reduces hunger pangs. It is best to mix pekmez with water and lemon juice and consume it before lunch and dinner.

Instructions for use, dosage

Thanks to its beneficial properties, Turkish carob syrup has found application in medicine, cosmetology, and cooking. It is important to adhere to established recommendations for its use in order to obtain maximum effectiveness.

For medicinal purposes

When using syrup for medicinal purposes, it is necessary to follow the correct dosage and treatment regimen with the product.

The table below shows the features of the use of the product in the treatment of various diseases and health disorders:

Diabetics are allowed to take 0.5-1 tsp. syrup 1-2 r. per day.

The fruit extract is also used in the production of medicines - it is added to immunostimulating syrups, products for normalizing the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, lozenges and cough syrups.

For weight loss

The ability of syrup to improve metabolism allows it to be successfully used in the fight against excess weight. For this, 1 tbsp. l. the product must be diluted in 1 tbsp. water (room temperature is optimal) and add lemon juice from 1 slice. The resulting mixture is mixed well and consumed 5-15 minutes before meals.

It is recommended to drink the drink before lunch and dinner for 2 weeks. After this period, you can add another drink for weight loss before breakfast. Regular intake helps to dull the feeling of hunger, better assimilation of incoming food and the removal of waste and toxins.

For cosmetic purposes

Due to the mass of useful properties, the product is used in cosmetology. It moisturizes the skin well, retaining moisture inside the cells for a long time.

Carob extract has a powerful antiseptic effect, so the syrup is used for:

• acne treatment;
• relieving inflammatory processes;
• healing of small wounds and scratches.

It is added to masks and scrubs for problem skin, where, in addition to the above functions, it acts as a natural thickener (it is better to use powder from fruit pulp).

The beneficial substances contained in the product allow you to replace collagen, which is actively used in the fight against signs of aging and skin aging. Therefore, lines of body and hair care series that contain carob extract appear on the cosmetic market. It can also be added to home cosmetics.

To prepare a cleansing scrub you need:

1. Mix 1 tbsp. l. carob flour with 1 tbsp. l. oatmeal.
2. Add 1 tsp to the resulting mixture. honey and 0.5 tsp. lemon juice.
3. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to a paste-like state and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.

After preparation, the scrub is applied to cleansed skin. At the end of the interaction, rinse off the remaining mixture with warm water and apply a nourishing cream to the skin.

A homemade mask made from the flour of the plant’s fruits is also effective. This flour must be mixed with cream, add grated apple. The mask is applied for 15 minutes to cleansed skin and then washed off with warm water. At the end of the procedure, the face is rinsed with cold water.

In cooking

Due to its pleasant taste, reminiscent of chocolate, and the content of a large amount of natural sugar, the syrup is actively used in cooking:

• It is used as a topping for desserts, ice cream, pancakes and pancakes.

• Add to baked goods and confectionery.
• The syrup acts as a dressing when preparing sweet salads.
• To obtain a chocolate taste, the product is added to coffee, tea, cocktails and simply to water.
• Add to marinades when preparing meat dishes.

When adding syrup to a sweet dish, it is important to remember that it is very sweet, so you don't need to add additional sugar.

The daily consumption rate for an adult is 4-5 tbsp. l., and for children under 12 years old - 2 tbsp. l.

Use in cooking

The use of carob syrup in cooking is due to the diverse properties of the product and excellent taste. In Mediterranean countries, pekmez serves as an ingredient for ice cream, morning pastries, and salad dressing. The product goes well with nuts and dried fruits. It adds a subtle chocolate aroma and taste to sponge cakes. In Turkey and Cyprus you can buy original sweets - walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds in syrup. This delicacy is very useful for both adults and children.

The instructions prescribe the use of Harnup pekmez for gastrointestinal disorders, migraines, sleep disorders, and also as a remedy for colds and coughs. The syrup can be added to tea, coffee and other drinks. Thanks to its balanced BJU, pekmez is recommended to be mixed with cold protein shakes for quick recovery. This drink is especially useful for athletes and people leading an active lifestyle.

Manufacturers of quality syrups and production costs

Carob syrup from several manufacturers is available for sale:

• Gazipaşalı is a Turkish company whose production sites are located in the mountains, far from industrial zones. The syrup is produced without the use of factory equipment (press, vacuum). When preparing, the manufacturer uses a unique recipe and cooking technology. On the company's official website, syrup is available for sale in cans of various sizes. The cost of 1900 g of product is 76 Turkish lira.
• Themra Bitkisel. To make the product, the manufacturer soaks carob fruits in water (the seeds are removed before doing this). Through gradual evaporation, a viscous dark brown liquid is obtained. You can buy a 700 ml bottle of syrup for 1000 rubles.
• Royal Forest is a Russian brand specializing in the production of 100% natural products. To prepare the syrup, high-quality raw materials are used, which are delivered from Turkey or Cyprus. The manufacturer indicates that the product does not contain chemical additives, sweeteners or other artificial substances. The cost of 250 ml syrup is about 340 rubles.
• Arifogly is a Turkish brand. The manufacturer recommends taking the syrup to maintain immunity, use it as a sugar substitute, to cleanse the body, and treat a number of diseases. For a bottle of syrup (volume 250 ml) you will have to pay about 1 thousand rubles.
• KOSKA is a world-famous Turkish factory that has been producing oriental sweets since 1907. Only natural ingredients are used in the manufacturing process. The quality of products is confirmed by international certificates. The syrup is available in cans (380 g). You can buy it for 400 rubles.
• Gulsan. The company is one of the largest exporters of products from Turkey. During preparation, no artificial or chemical ingredients are added to the syrup. The cost of a can of product weighing 400 g is about 400 rubles.

Contraindications and possible harm

There are few contraindications to the use of carob syrup. The main ones:

• age up to 2 years;
• allergic reaction to fructose;
• individual intolerance to the product.

People with type 1 diabetes should be careful when taking pekmez. This is due to the fact that the product contains “fast” carbohydrates, the use of which should be limited in this form of pathology. You should definitely consult a specialist about dosages.

Special instructions and precautions when taking syrup

Carob syrup from Turkey (the use of the product practically does not cause adverse reactions) will bring maximum benefit if you follow some recommendations:

• You should start using small doses - 0.5-1 tsp. After taking it, you need to monitor the body's reaction. If the product does not make you feel worse, the dose can be gradually increased.
• Do not consume simultaneously with milk and dairy products, as this combination may cause stomach upset.
• The high potassium content promotes the active removal of fluid from the body, so when consuming syrup it is necessary to maintain a water regime.
• Despite the iron content in the composition, the syrup reduces its absorption level. Therefore, people with anemia should use the product with caution.

Selection and storage

Pekmez Harnup can be purchased in stores with Indian spices and luxury teas, supermarkets (in the health and diet food departments), as well as in online stores. It is important to study the composition of the product, pay attention to the manufacturer and expiration date. High-quality syrup will not have a low cost, because only the best raw materials are used for its production and no foreign impurities are added. Pekmez should be quite thick and have a rich dark shade, close to black.

Store the closed bottle of syrup in a cool place with low humidity. Shelf life ranges from 1 to 2 years (indicated in the instructions on the bottle). Once opened, the product should be stored in the side shelf of the refrigerator. Thickening and the formation of natural sediment are allowed.

Forms of release of carob syrup

The product is available in the form of syrup. It is prepared from the fruits of the evergreen plant Ceratonia capita, which grows in the Mediterranean region. The fruits are picked from the tree green and left to ripen in the sun. After a certain time, they turn into sweet dried fruits.

During the preparation process, no sugar is added to the syrup - the fruits of the tree are soaked in water and gradually evaporated. Therefore, ready-made pekmez (means syrup in Turkish) is considered a dietary product. It has a viscous texture and a dark brown tint.