The fruit of the Carob is shaped like a pod, sweetened and edible, brown on the outside and yellowish on the inside. It contains very hard seeds and is given as a balanced food of high nutritional value. The fruit, which provides vitamins (C and E), minerals (potassium), sugars (Sacarose), is industrially processed as Carob Flour, a food of high nutritional value. It stimulates the appetite, invigorates physical strength, strengthens bones and lungs, facilitates digestion and tones the brain. Carob is also astringent, laxative and purgative. It is commonly used in gargling to cure throat irritations and relieve eye inflammations, in the form of eye drops. It should not be ingested for a prolonged period of time since it can inhibit the digestion of some nutrients.