This wonderful thick and leafy tree grows in deserts found in northern Peru. lt can also be found on a smaller scale in the Argentine Chaco and in Formosa in southern Chile. In general, it appears throughout America, in different proportions.
Both the bark and the pods of the mesquite plant have been used far many, many years. The Native Peruvians used ground up mesquite pods far flour and as a natural sweetener. The mesquite tree can reach up to 1 O meters in height. lt bears a sweet flavored bean-shaped fruit with an approximate size of 20 to 30 cms. and contains seeds with a weight of about 200 mg. each.
Many people describe mesquite powder as having a rich, caramel-like taste, which is why it's often used as a natural sweetener.
Benefits:
- Mesquite is High in Fiber: lts powder is abundant in soluble fiber that is absolutely essential for a smooth digestion and healthy gut flora. A fiber efficient diet can boost your immune system and keep colon disease and cancer away.
- Mesquite Has A Low Glycemic Index: Though mesquite is an excellent natural sweetener, it has a very low glycemic index because of all the fiber that slows down its absorption rate. lt does not cause blood sugar spikes and doesn't need insulin to be broken down, making it perfect for those with diabetes and blood sugar issues.
- Mesquite is rich in a variety of Vitamins: Such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) and pro vitamin A (beta-carotene) and minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, silicon and iron.
- Mesquite Can Boost Your Immune System: lt contains lots of zinc, which is great for boosting your immune system and helping with recovery from illness.
