Mesquite meal is a traditional Native American food produced by gathering ripened seed-pods from the mesquite tree and grinding them into a fine powder. Used as a staple food for centuries by desert dwellers, this high protein meal contains good quantities of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc, and is rich in the amino acid lysine as well. It has a sweet, rich, molasses-like flavor with a hint of caramel which blends well into smoothies or other drinks, especially those made with cacao and maca.

About mesquite and diabetes:

Researchers report that mesquite is highly effective in balancing blood sugar. The natural sweetness in the pods comes from fructose. Fructose doesn't require insulin to be metabolised -- making it safe for diabetics. The high rate of dietary fibre, pods are 25% fibre, causes the nutrients in mesquite to be absorbed slowly preventing the spikes and valleys in blood sugar. With a low glycemic index of 25, mesquite requires a longer time to digest then many grains. The digestive time for mesquite is to 4 to 6 hours unlike wheat that digests in 1 to 2 hours. These factors result in a food that maintains a constant blood sugar for a sustained time and as a result prevents hunger. Here is a food that supports the diabetic's diet and helps maintain a healthy insulin system in those not affected with blood sugar problem.

Approximate nutritional value of 100g mesquite pod meal:

• Protein 16 g

• Fat 3.4 g

• Calories 380

• Fibre 36 g Minerals

• Barium 3.7 mg

• Boron 3.2 mg

• Calcium 520 mg

• Chromium 0.12 mg

• Cobalt 0.03 mg

• Copper 0.8 mg

• Iron 18 mg

• Magnesium 140 mg

• Manganese 2.3 mg

• Molybdenum 0.05 mg

• Phosphorus 215 mg

• Potassium 1712 mg

• Sodium 12 mg

• Sulfur 222 mg

• Zinc 3.0 mg