Carob – A Migraine-Friendly Alternative to Chocolate

If the delicious taste of chocolate triggers a migraine for you, consider substituting carob instead. While chocolate contains caffeine, carob is caffeine-free. Dictionary.com describes carob as coming from a Mediterranean tree, the Ceratonia siliqua, of the legume family, bearing long, leathery pods containing hard seeds and sweet, edible pulp. Carob actually provides three times more calcium than chocolate, and is naturally sweeter and less bitter than chocolate. If you use it in a dessert recipe, you can use a lot less sugar!  Carob chips and carob powder are available at most health food stores. Whole Foods should also carry it. While carob may not have the true taste of cocoa found in chocolate, it just may satisfy your craving for the real thing!         Migravent   9/12