Mesquite PowderMesquite powder comes from the mesquite tree (also known as algorroba) found in desert regions in North America, South America and various parts of the world. It produces bean pods, which when dried, are ground into a flour.
The pods are high in sugars, carbohydrates, protein and dietary fibres [1]. They are also high in minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc) and the amino acid lysine. Indigenous people in deserts traditionally ate desert foods to survive during times of drought. The gel-forming fibres of algorroba slow down the digestive process so that nutrients are absorbed over a 4 to 6 hour period. This staves off hunger, reducing cravings and preventing swings in blood sugar levels. The flour is sweet but it has been found to be very effective in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics. Its sweetness comes from fructose, a sugar that the body can process without insulin. It has been shown to bring diabetes under control without medication. In a Federally financed study of 11 Indian volunteers predisposed to diabetes, it was found that their blood sugar levels became stabilised and the effectiveness of insulin was increased. However, when the volunteers were switched back to their normal diets their blood sugar levels skyrocketed [2]. This flour, with its nutty, caramel flavour, can be:
My favourite breakfast is a smoothie made with this flour together with avocado and banana.
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