Carob. The Next Best Nourishing Treat for Migraine.

Chocolate and Migraines?

It seems there is a lot of differing research, studies, and information on whether dark chocolate triggers or actually helps those with migraines.  Some neurologists say chocolate is a migraine trigger, because it contains the amino acid tyramine. But many varying schools of thought also say the connection could be that women tend to crave chocolate during stress and hormonal changes, both of which also trigger migraine.  There is no real solid evidence either way, so ultimately, it is a preference, and knowing what your own triggers are.

If you dowant to avoid chocolate, there is a great alternative.

It is time to introduce the sweet ‘seed pod star’ that has been around a very long time, yet no one really talks about…Carob.  Carob is an eastern Mediterranean evergreen tree of the pea family and originates as seeds from within the carob pods. Carob doesn’t contain caffeine, tyramine or phenylethylamine which is good news for those with migraine.  It is 100% natural and healthy.  And, if you are a human that likes to share your treats with your furry friend, the bonus is, Carob is also safe for dogs!

Why is Carob so good for people with migraine?

Carob is high in vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Carob also contains vitamin B1, niacin and vitamin A. Most fruit and veg we have in our daily diets are nutritious, and carob is no exception!  Carob is also a great source of fiber and pectin, helping to eliminate toxins. This super food improves digestion, lowers cholesterol, and can be used to treat diarrhea. It also allows for better absorption of calcium.

To sum it up Carob truly has numerous health benefits:

• Rich in fiber and antioxidants
• Improves gut health
• Helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol
• May support fat burning
• Caffeine-free
• Considered a superfood to many for its nutritious ingredients.
• The best part is it tastes delicious and can be used in many recipes as a substitute for chocolate.

Recipe for a migraine-friendly nutrition-packed carob smoothie good for migraine. 

Have it as a meal or simply a morning or afternoon treat. Simple and only six ingredients.

What you will need ~

(Organic clean ingredients are preferred, yet if you do not have access to this, just buy as best clean as you can).

A blender or nutri-bullet.

2 tablespoons of carob powder (if you want to take the time to melt down some actual carob just buy a Carob brick or bar and take 4 or five squares).

*Carob Benefits:  Free of tyramine, low in fat, balances blood sugar, full of anti-oxidants, caffeine free, good source of fiber.

 1 banana or 1 cup sweet potato.

*Banana Benefits: bananas have potassium, magnesium, B vitamins and complex carbohydrates, all components that contribute to headache relief. 

*Sweet Potato Benefits:  good source of vitamin c, vitamin b1, and potassium. Potassium can help soothe throbbing head pain and give some relief.

½ teaspoon of turmeric powder.

*Turmeric Benefits: fights inflammation, cellular age-fighting antioxidant, strengthens cardiovascular health, protects against cognitive decline, helps balance blood sugar, relieves joint aches, promotes mood balance, healthier skin.

4 pieces of peeled or diced minced ginger (use as much or as little as you like).

*Ginger Benefits:  treats many forms of nausea, may help with weight loss, may lower blood sugars and improve heart disease, helps with indigestion, ginger extracts may also increase serotonin, a chemical messenger involved with migraine attacks. Increasing the serotonin levels in your brain may help stop migraine by reducing inflammation and restricting blood vessels.\

1 cup organic blueberries, fresh or frozen.

*Blueberry Benefits: Blueberries contain a flavonoid antioxidant called quercetin. Boasting all sorts of health benefits, this beneficial chemical has antihistamine properties, so increasing your intake of berries may help prevent or relieve allergy-related headaches. Packed with anti-oxidants.

6 or 8 ounces of cashew milk (use whatever you prefer, Hemp, Almond, Coconut Milks).

Alternative Milk Benefits: Natural, not filled with chemicals and vegan.

Mix all of the above in blender until smooth. 

Place in the refrigerator for a half an hour until it becomes thick.  And, if you don’t like it very cold, you can have this smoothie at room temperature.

When take out of refrigerator from cooling and you are ready to drink, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of carob chips or nibs on top.

That’s it. Sip, enjoy and feel the health benefits!

If you do not eat dark chocolate due to it being one of your migraine triggers, Carob is the next best thing of not better!

 *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.