15 Healthy Mexican Food Items With Immense Health Benefits

02 December 2024

Mexican food is famous for its spices and flavors.

However, many people are confused about whether they can include Mexican food in a healthy lifestyle or not. Actually, there are plenty of misconceptions about Mexican cuisine.

In fact, healthy Mexican food options are many, and you can easily include certain dishes into your balanced diet.

In this article, you will learn about various healthy Mexican food options to include in your balanced diet. Apart from that, you will also get to know the health benefits of each item.

Moreover, this article will also explain why people commonly misunderstand Mexican food as unhealthy. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

A General Overview of Healthy Mexican Cuisine

The Mexican cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and cultural significance. Hence, there are multiple healthy food options available as well.

Actually, a lot of Mexican food has a lot to teach us about nutrition. In fact, apart from the staple food items, there are quite a lot of additional factors to consider.

For example, there are some special healthy Mexican ingredients, including pumpkin, chia seeds, cactus, etc., which are quite popular among health-conscious people.

Apart from that, you will find a lot of vegetables in Mexican food. These include tomatoes, avocados, bell peppers, chili peppers, etc.

Hence, there is never a shortage of vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Additionally, many traditional Mexican food items include lean protein sources, like chicken, beans, and fish. Basically, you can use them as excellent options to maintain a healthy diet.

Why Is Mexican Food Often Misunderstood As Unhealthy?

Generally, the misconceptions about Mexican foods are due to the way many restaurants and food stalls prepare them in the US. For instance, you will frequently find high amounts of cream, cheese, and fried items on top of ingredients.

The following are some of the major reasons why many people misunderstand Mexican food as unhealthy:

Many Mexican restaurants in the US offer dishes that have large portions of sour cream, cheese, and deep-fried items. Hence, this increases your calorie count after consumption.
In many cases, Mexican dishes do not use lard. In fact, there are many healthier cooking options.
Restaurants generally serve large portion sizes of Mexican dishes. So, obviously, they contribute to overeating. Therefore, if you want to eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant, you might face difficulties.

When it comes to healthier food options, there are many dishes you can consider – legumes, grilled meats, vegetables, whole grains, etc. Basically, when you want to have Mexican food, you must make healthy choices.

For example, you must choose lean protein, grilled items, and control cheese and cream portions. This way, you can enjoy Mexican food even when you are maintaining a balanced diet.

15 Healthy Mexican Food Items And Their Health Benefits

The following are some of the best and healthy Mexican food items for you if you are on a balanced diet:

1. Beans

This is a staple source of fiber, protein, and iron for Mexicans. Apart from that, it also helps you to stay full.

Additionally, if you consume it on a regular basis, it will help you lower your cholesterol levels. Moreover, beans also help you to boost your heart health and help to maintain blood sugar levels.

2. Guacamole

The major health benefit of guacamole comes from avocados. Basically, avocadoes are monounsaturated fat and hence help to lower bad cholesterol. Also, since avocados have high fiber, it helps you to maintain your digestive tract.

Additionally, there is also no risk of colon cancer. Moreover, avocados also ensure eye health and skin health and prevent inflammation.

3. Salsa

Salsa is a good addition to your diet. With it, you can add more flavor to your food without adding excess sugar, salt, or additional fat.

Apart from that, it also contains various vitamins and minerals. In addition to that, salsa is also high in fiber and antioxidants. As a result, it will help you to remove harmful toxins from your body.

4. Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a lean and high-quality protein option. Hence, it can help you to build and repair your muscle tissues.

Apart from that, it will help you to maintain a healthy immune system and facilitate muscle growth. In addition to that, lean chicken also improves your bone health and helps you fight infection in your body.

5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadillas

Basically, sweet potatoes are full of nutritional qualities. For instance, it is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Apart from that, they also add a little sweetness to the quesadillas.

As a result, it complements the earthy flavor of black beans. On the other hand, black beans come with a good amount of protein.

6. Vegetarian Enchiladas

When you make enchiladas with whole grain tortillas, vegetables, beans, and lean protein, you can control the calories. Basically, enchiladas offer you a balance of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients.

Moreover, you can also boost your protein and vitamin intake if you want. However, one tortilla of vegetarian enchiladas contains 580 calories (approx.).

7. Brown Rice

Brown rice is primarily a whole grain which will help you reduce the risk of stroke or any other heart diseases. This is because of the presence of magnesium.

Moreover, it also helps in controlling blood sugar since brown rice has a lower glycemic index than white rice. Furthermore, vitamins and minerals also ensure a healthy immune system.

8. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals. Also, when you grill vegetables, it reduces the amount of fat in vegetables. As a result, it becomes easier to digest. Moreover, with grilling, you can bring out the natural sweetness of vegetables.

9. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

If you want a low-calorie, grain-free carb, the cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a better option. Moreover, the recipe is vegan and gluten-free.

This can be a great alternative to traditional white rice. Apart from that, due to the presence of vitamins and minerals, it is a healthy Mexican food option.

10. Corn on the Cob

Due to its high fiber content, corn helps in maintaining bowel health and helps in preventing constipation.

Apart from that, corn also contains antioxidants, folate, potassium, and plant sterols. This will help you to lower cholesterol levels. Apart from that, it will also help you to support heart health.

11. Zucchini

Zucchini has high fiber and water content. This helps in the digestion process and reduces the risk of constipation. Additionally, since zucchini is low in carbs, it also helps you to regulate blood sugar levels.

12. Fresh Tomatoes

Generally, tomatoes contain potassium, which helps to regular blood pressure in the body. Moreover, since they release antioxidants, they can also help prevent cancer.

Additionally, if you consume a tomato-rich diet, you can ensure better digestion. Furthermore, you will have an improved immune system.

13. Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is healthy because it is high in protein content. Apart from that, it also comes with a good number of vitamins and minerals.

As a result, it not only helps to build muscles but also ensures bone health, immunity, and nerve function. Moreover, if you are following a low-calorie diet to lose weight, shrimp ceviche is a healthy Mexican food option.

14. Pozole

It is a stew that is rich in protein. Here, for each cup you consume, you get 18 grams of protein. Additionally, it also contains fiber.

However, you can add more fiber to it by adding vegetables like avocado or cabbage. This will help you to digest your food better.

15. Chicken And Vegetable Tacos

Since chicken is a lean source of protein, it provides amino acids for muscle building. Moreover, it is also a good source of vitamin B. On the other hand, vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Hence, with a combination of chicken and vegetables, you can have a healthy diet.

Try Your Favorite Healthy Mexican Food Now

Hence, you can see that there are plenty of healthy Mexican food options. However, this is not common in the US because most Mexican restaurants in this country serve Mexican food items with a lot of oil, spices, and cream.

Hence, it looks unhealthy to common people. Therefore, if you want to have a healthy Mexican diet, you have a lot of choices.

Do you have more suggestions on healthy Mexican food items? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.

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Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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Taste the Salmon of Nutrition

Salmon fish, also known as salmoniform, is found in the Pacific and northern Atlantic oceans. These marine features are anadromous because they are born in fresh water; drift to the sea, and then gets back to fresh water for reproduction. Their appearance varies. Some have black spots on their bodies while others are silver-blue. One of the finest salmon species in the field of nutrition is the wild Alaskan Salmon. It is an exceptional choice of seafood when you compare it to typical farmed fish. It has immense health benefits to the human being. Five Alaskan salmon species kinds thrive in the water namely chum, sockeye, Chinook, coho, and pink. You can identify the sockeye salmon with its dark red color on the body. Its tail does not have coloration, but its head becomes bright green in color. You can differentiate male sockeyes from females because they have a long Skype and pronounced shoulders. You can see them with a gum line and a white mouth. You can distinguish Chum salmon by the calico bands that are green, yellow, or dark purple on each body side. They have a white gum line and a white mouth. The white tip on the chum’s anal, large pupil and forked tail distinguishes them from the others. Read also: 5 Protein Enriched Food To Improve Mental Health The coho salmon is also known as the silver salmon. The color that covers its body is dark reddish or maroon, and it includes the tail and head. They possess blackish or dark gray mouth with a whitish gum line. The Chinook or king salmon possesses a black mouth with a black gum line. Black spots are covering the lobes of their back and tail. The Pink salmon is the smallest among the other salmons. You can identify them by the large and ovular spots that are on their lobes, tail, and backs. They possess a white mouth and a black gum line. People term the wild Alaskan salmon as the hallmark of nutrition. Putting it in your diet once or twice per week will increase your lifespan and reduce the risk of contracting a cardiovascular disease. It is rich in vitamins, proteins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. When you add it to your daily budget, it will help you fight depression, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. Read also: Top 7 Superfoods For Healthy Skin And Hair Researchers associate omega-3 with a lower risk of contracting high blood pressure, cardiovascular ailments, arrhythmia, and high blood cholesterol. It also acts as a rich source of phosphorus, selenium, and magnesium. These minerals are good for the health of bones, cellular tissue health, and DNA. A single serving of the Alaskan salmon will give you the highly recommended allowance of vitamins B12 and B6 that are essential for metabolizing proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. They are necessary for synthesizing the nervous system and hormones of the body. Research shows that eating this fish frequently will increase your life expectancy by more than two years and reduce your risk exposure to heart diseases. The rate at which coronary diseases reduce with eating fish reduces by more than forty percent. Read also: Meals That Matter: The Best Foods And The Ways They Make You Fit

7 Benefits Of Eating Protein Rich Snacks

Let’s begin with discovering some facts. In 2022, the total revenue of the global protein snacks market share was valued at USD 4.1 billion and is expected to cross USD 10 billion by 2032. There are a whole lot of reasons why we are witnessing a boom in the protein snacks market. A lesser known fact is that protein is the most important macronutrient required by the body. Even though people are aware of how important protein is for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, they often forget to include enough protein in their diets. And that’s when protein rich snacks play an important role. It's like having a nutritious pack by your side at all times. Let’s look into the remarkable benefits of including protein-rich snacks in your diet. 7 Benefits of Eating Protein Rich Snacks While everyone’s busy watching their sugar and calorie intake, people forget to keep a check on the protein intake. High protein snacks play a key role in fueling our cells and powering our body. The beauty of these protein-packed treats lies in their versatility, catering to both fitness and non-fitness enthusiasts. Now, let's delve into the myriad of benefits of protein rich snacks. Weight Management Protein-rich snacks are a great addition to a weight management plan. Protein is a macronutrient and therefore these snacks are hard to digest. This is responsible to increase satiety and help curb hunger, reducing the chances of unnecessary snacking. Also, those moments of sudden hunger pangs, overeating and feeling tempted to munch on chips can be put to ease. Including protein-rich snacks in your diet can help in controlling cravings, promoting a feeling of fullness and making healthy food choices. Additionally, protein also has a modest play in boosting metabolism and burning more calories. Muscle Growth & Repair Protein packed snacks play a vital role in muscle growth and repair by providing the necessary amino acids. It is one of the most essential food items for those seeking to build or maintain muscle mass. These superhero of nutrients are the building block of muscles and also promote regeneration of lost muscle. Protein rich-snacks can be a great go to post-workout meal as it helps in muscle recovery and development. Blood Sugar Regulation In the present times, maintaining a stable blood sugar level is quite a challenge. However, it is the most important thing to do, especially for people with diabetes and for those who are at risk of developing it. High protein snacks have the ability to prevent sharp spikes and drops in blood sugar, providing a controlled sugar level. Research suggests that when protein is combined with a source of healthy fats or fiber, protein can slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing sudden blood sugar fluctuations. Sustained Energy Levels Protein is a powerhouse of macronutrients. Since it takes a long to digest unlike carbohydrates, protein-rich snacks can effectively keep you energized and focussed. Snacks like protein puffs, Greek yogurt and protein bars are not just satisfying but also offer sustained energy. Protein loaded food can stimulate energy production in the cells and up the breakdown of fat to produce energy. Improves Heart Health Incorporating protein-packed snacks to your daily routine can potentially safeguard your health. Some findings from an American study reveals that people who consume a good amount of protein have a remarkable 40% reduced risk of developing high blood pressure, compared to those who skimp on this nutrient. So, why not take a proactive approach to your health and make sure you're getting enough protein? Good For The Bones There’s a common misconception that eating too much protein is bad for the bones. This is based on the theory that protein increases acid levels in the body, leading to reduced Bone Mineral Density (BMD). However, in reality, consuming an adequate amount of protein actually helps maintain strong bones as you get older. So, here's some food for thought: snacking on protein-rich foods can truly work wonders for your overall health. An Improved Immune System And here’s what we are all looking for -an improved immune system. Protein-rich snacks play a crucial role in building a strong immune system and production of powerful antibodies to combat a range of illnesses. Including protein-rich snacks in our daily routine can provide the necessary amino acids needed for the synthesis of antibodies. These snacks can include a variety of options such as nuts, seeds, yogurt, lean meats, and legumes. As mentioned, these nutrients also stabilize blood sugar levels that indirectly support the immune system. One Last Thought: With so many incredible benefits, including protein rich snacks in your diet is a smart choice. While you do so, it’s important to choose snacks that are not only high in protein but also balanced in terms of other essential nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This will ensure that you are getting a well-rounded snack that provides sustained energy and supports overall health. By prioritizing protein-rich snacks , you can enjoy an appetizing and nutritious way to fuel your body throughout the day. Read Also: How To Cook Sausage That Tastes Like Heaven Best Summer Lunch Options How to Choose the Right Wine: Sommelier Tips

How to Glace Fruit, and Why You Need to Order It Instead

Glacing is a process where you preserve fruit in sugar syrup. The process helps in making the fruits sweeter and allowing them to last long. Usually, you can find glace fruits in cakes, bread and other types of pastries. The most common fruits are pears, cherries, and plums. They already taste great as whole fruits, but the flavours come to life, even more, when you choose the glazed version. If you are running a pastry business, you might be familiar with glace fruits as you use them often. You can choose to glace the fruits if you want to use homemade glace fruits for your business. To glace them, you need to have a pound of fruit that you want, four and a half cups of white sugar and a half cup of corn syrup. It is an excellent idea to glace them at once to avoid going through the entire process several times. You can peel the fruits or slice them into quarters depending on the type of fruit that you are glacing. You will then place the sliced or peeled fruits at the bottom of the saucepan. Add water, and allow it to simmer until it becomes tender. Take the fruit out of the saucepan and place it on a shallow dish. Remove the water from the pan except for about a cup. Add a half cup each of the sugar and corn syrup into the water. Turn the heat on until the sugar starts to dissolve. Allow it to boil and place the mixture over the fruit. Let it stay there overnight. On the following day, take the syrup out and place it in a pan. Add another half cup of sugar and allow it to dissolve in heat. When the mixture boils, start putting in the fruits again. After a while, take everything out and transfer it to a container where you can leave it for the next five days. Repeat the process, and keep the fruits there for the next two days. After another repetition, the syrup will start looking like honey. Return the fruits to the mixture and let them soak there for about ten days to 3 weeks. It is up to you to decide how long you will allow the fruits to soak in the mixture. After that period, take the fruits out from the syrup and arrange them on a wire cooling rack. Let the fruits dry in a warm place or put them inside a dehydrator. Once you can no longer feel a sticky surface, you can take the fruits and place them in a jar. If you want to eat the fruits, you can rehydrate them or put them directly on cakes and pastries. You don’t need to go through this process: It might seem like a long process to glace fruit. Aside from the effort, you put into it, you also need to wait for quite some time before you can finally use the fruits. If you are running a pastry business, you already have a lot on your plate, and you don't want to waste more time to glace the fruits. If you don't want to wait, you can buy them online. You can find stores that sell glace fruits in bulk. You can get them at a low price too. As long as you don't see chemicals or preservatives added, it is okay to use these glace fruits. Read Also: Stay Away From These Foods To Remain Healthy The Top 10 Best Foods To Eat In Early Pregnancy

15 Healthy Mexican Food Items With Immense Health Benefits

A General Overview of Healthy Mexican Cuisine

Why Is Mexican Food Often Misunderstood As Unhealthy?