Protein Content of Mesquite Pod Powder
Mesquite powder has been gaining popularity among vegan foodies looking to incorporate new sources of plant-based protein into their diets. Mesquite powder is made by grinding the leguminous seed pods of the mesquite plant into fine powder that can be used in baking (particularly gluten-free baking), added to smoothies and yoghurt, incorporated into homemade protein bars, and sneaked into salad dressings. Because of its sweet flavor, mesquite powder can also be used as a sweetener—though it is important to keep in mind that mesquite powder is nowhere nearly as sweet as sugar.
But how much protein does mesquite powder contain, and how does it compare to other plant-based protein powders and flours in terms of protein content?
A look at the nutrition facts for mesquite powder reveals that whole pod mesquite powder contains 5.8 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is equivalent to 12% of the Daily Value for protein [1]. For the sake of comparison, uncooked quinoa and buckwheat, both of which can be ground into flour and used in gluten-free baking just like mesquite pods, contain 14.1 grams and 11.7 grams of protein per 100 grams, respectively [2].Getting enough protein from foods is important because proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein, and you need to get enough protein from your diet so that your body can repair cells and make new ones. In addition to repairing and making new cells, the body uses protein to make enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.
Protein is made up of chains of smaller units called amino acids. Amino acids can be classified as non-essential and essential. Non-essential amino acids are the ones that can be synthesized by the human body, whereas essential amino acids cannot be made by the body so you must get them from your diet. A food that contains adequate amounts of all the essential amino acids is called a complete protein.
Mesquite powder, like most other foods derived from legumes, is a particularly good source of the essential amino acid lysine. Because gluten-containing grains like wheat are generally low in lysine, researchers have investigated the possibility of using mesquite powder in bread making to create loaves that provide a source of complete protein [3].
In addition to protein, mesquite powder is an excellent source of fiber, with 100 grams of mesquite powder providing a whopping 25 grams of fiber. It is also a great source of potassium, plus it contains good amounts of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc, all of which are needed for the proper functioning of the body. [1]
