Mesquite wood has long been renowned for grilling and smoking meat, but Native Americans used the dried pods of the mesquite tree to make a flour that can be used in a variety of preparations. This flour has a lower impact on blood sugar than white flour or wheat flour, which makes it useful for dieters as well as diabetics. However, you should consult your physician before you add any foods to your diabetic diet regimen.
Characteristics
Mesquite flour has a sweet and slightly nutty flavor and a coarse grain that can be likened to whole wheat flour. Mesquite flour has a strong flavor that is similar to molasses when it is added to baked goods. The Native Americans made bread entirely from mesquite flour, but you may find that substituting it for white or wheat flour may change the flavor of your baked good entirely. For this reason, you may wish to substitute 25 percent of your white or wheat flour for mesquite flour to preserve the original flavor of the food.
Benefits
Mesquite flour scores lower on the glycemic Index than either white or wheat flour and has a very low impact on blood sugar, yet it does not change the texture of baked items when compared to traditional flours. In addition to its low impact on blood sugar, mesquite flour is high in calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium, and it is gluten-free, which makes it a nutritious alternative to other flours. As an added bonus, mesquite flour is high in lysine, which isn't present in many other flours.
Limitations
Since mesquite flour has a strong, distinctive flavor that can change the flavor of food, it may not be desirable to completely replace white or wheat flour. Mesquite flour also costs more. It is more difficult to find in traditional grocery stores and may have to be mail ordered unless you have a well-stocked natural food store in your vicinity. However, if you enjoy the flavor of the mesquite flour, the benefits may outweigh the cost.
If You Are Interested
Consult your physician about using mesquite flour before you add it to your diet. Your physician will make a recommendation about whether mesquite flour is right for your needs. While mesquite flour is considered a food and not a dietary supplement, your physician may prefer that you avoid flour, even mixed with mesquite flour, if your blood sugar levels are very high. If your physician has not heard of mesquite flour, ask if you can be referred to a nutritionist to discuss this change to your diet.
