Abstract:
Carob molasses is one of the old traditional tasty sweets that used to be
consumed frequently by the Lebanese community. It was believed to have
several important medicinal functions of which the laxative effect was the most
common. The present study investigates the effects of a six week period of carob
molasses intake, along with a diet moderate or rich in saturated fat, upon lipemia
and glycemia in the fasted state. Also, the study covers the effect of carob
molasses intake upon postprandial lipemia. Results have shown that carob
molasses intake do not have any significant effect on fasting serum glucose and
insulin concentrations. However, a significant increase in HDL cholesterol
concentration and an important improvement in the LDLlHDL cholesterol ratio
were observed with carob molasses intake. No significant effects on serum total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol (TAG) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
concentrations were recorded with carob molasses intake. On the other hand, a
significant increase in stool water content was observed when carob molasses
was taken with the diet regardless of the fat content in the diet. Only a Significant
increase in TAG but not cholesterol excretion in the stool was noted with the
regular fat diet. Carob molasses intake for six weeks did not have any negative
side effects as appeared from liver enzyme activities and liver fat content.
Postprandially, the presence of carob molasses along with a lipid load
significantly reduced serum TAG and chylomicron TAG and cholesterol 3h after
intragastric instillation of the lipid load. No effect upon VLDL lipid was observed.
In conclusion, carob molasses intake appeared to have a cardioprotective effects
when taken on a regular basis or occasionally since it improves fasting and
postprandial lipidemia and it can be used as an anti -constipation remedy without
showing liver toxicity.
