Mesquite Beans: 2021’s Next Gluten-Free Superfood

Mesquite trees, with their weedy, shrub-like appearance, might not look like the next big gluten-free superfood, but the truth is that the beans and bean pods from these unassuming trees are packed with all kinds of nutrients!

If you’re interested in eating healthy, then mesquite beans and Mesquite Bean Flour could make a great addition to your diet! Today, Cappadona Ranch will highlight some (out of the many) amazing health benefits of this tasty superfood.

What Is a Superfood?

While the term “superfood” is a staple of any discussion on diets and nutrition, the truth is that there is no superfood food group. Instead, superfoods are generally considered nutritionally dense foods, meaning they’re good for your health. Usually, these foods are plant-based, but certain dairy and fish products can also be referred to as superfoods.

While there’s no set group or criteria, superfoods are often packed with at least some of the following nutrients:

Antioxidants
Healthy fats
Fiber
Phytochemicals, a plant-chemical

Do Mesquite Beans Make the Cut?

Mesquite beans happen to contain quite a few healthy nutrients considered characteristic of superfoods.

First, mesquite beans are packed with omega 3 oils, a fatty acid, while having low amounts of actual fat. Omega 3 oils may also help reduce blood pressure, arterial plaque build-up, and the chances of suffering a heart attack or sudden cardiac death.

Second, mesquite beans are an excellent source of nutritious fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient that has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve your body’s response to insulin, and help you lose weight.

And since mesquite trees are a plant, it’s no surprise that mesquite beans are full of phytochemicals, which have countless health benefits. Unlike much of the processed food we eat, these nutrients have actually been shown to reduce the formation of carcinogens and stop those carcinogens from attacking healthy cells.

Finally, mesquite beans are fantastic free-radical scavengers, making them a great source of antioxidants. Free-radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your cells, speed the aging process, and are linked to all kinds of diseases. Mesquite beans help clear these molecules out of your system.

What Are Mesquite Beans Good For?

Mesquite bean pods were once a key part of indigenous peoples’ diets all around the southern United States, Mexico, and South America. In fact, hearty “cakes” made from ground-up mesquite bean pods were among the largest source of protein for these ancient peoples.

Nowadays, the uses for mesquite beans are practically endless. Harkening back to that ancient tradition, bean pods are still ground up to be used in modern baking. Mesquite flour, made from ground-up pods, can be used in any recipe that calls for “traditional” flour. However, it’s worth noting that due to it being gluten-free, mesquite flour can’t be used to make dough.

Either way, the uses of mesquite bean pods don’t stop at baking. Not only do mesquite beans offer a great, low-acidity alternative to traditional coffee grounds, but Mesquite Bean Coffee, in particular, provides a natural pick-me-up thanks to its fructose content.

Mesquite beans can also be used in both jellies and sauces to add a nutty sweetness to any dish. You can also treat yourself to our delicious Mesquite Bean Jelly!

Find Your New Favorite Gluten-Free Superfood with Cappadona Ranch

Whether you’re a foodie or a junk food fiend, we bet you’ll love the taste of our mesquite bean flour, coffee, and jellies. Our gluten-free superfood also makes a great present for your health-conscious friends and loved ones!