The acacia tree, or wattle tree as it's know in Australia, is a tree found in temperate and arid regions of the world that bears a seed pod. There are over 1,000 different species of acacia trees in Australia alone, with another 800 in the African savannah. The seed pod of these trees can be prepared in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor of food, or even cooked and eaten on its own. The aboriginal people of Australia were known to eat the seed pod itself for its nutritional value.
Seasoning
Seasoning made from acacia seeds come in three forms: ground acacia, acacia extract and acacia paste. Typically these seasonings are used in desserts or other sweet dishes to enhance the flavor. The flavor is described as something close to a mix between coffee and chocolate with a bit of hazelnut. Acacia in one of these forms can be found in several different food products such as Barq's Root Beer and RC Cola.
Unsaturated Fatty Acids
The acacia seed contains a large amount of fatty acids that are unsaturated for the most part. Unsaturated fatty acids are healthier because they help to lower the level of bad cholesterol. While unsaturated fat is healthy for you, you should balance it with an amount of saturated fat as part of your diet. Because of the amount of unsaturated fatty acids present in the seed, it is difficult to store as these fats oxidize quickly and cause the product to go bad.
Protein and Fiber
The acacia seed contains up to 26 percent protein by weight. This makes it a significant protein source considering its size. The seed also is made up of 32 percent fiber. There are many diets that stipulate high protein and fiber content with low carbohydrate intake. Acacia seeds, and foods made from them, fit within this category quite well.
Low Glycemic Index
Acacia seeds, and foods made from them, have a very low glycemic index. The starches that make up the acacia seed are digested very slowly by your body. This causes a slow but steady rise in blood glucose. The GI was designed to rate the effect that foods have on blood glucose. Lower index foods cause a lower response, and higher index foods provide a bigger spike after consumption. By being a low GI food, acacia is a nutrient that is compatible with your diet should it be meant to manage diabetes.
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