In America, we sure do love our Mexican food. Eating Mexican food is a national pastime, with a number of globally successful fusion cuisines emerging as a result of our love for the food of our Southern neighbor. In fact, Mexican food has famously been ranked as one of America’s favorite cuisines several times running, with 86% of us describing it as our favorite go-to.
Of course, those of us who are more health-conscious might have reservations about cooking Mexican food, especially when thinking of major fast-food chains such as Taco Bell or Chipotle, which are not exactly known for being nutritious. However, when you know how to cook Mexican food at home, you quickly realize just how well this cuisine fits in with a healthy and balanced diet. With that in mind, here are the top benefits of cooking Mexican food yourself.
1. Cooking Mexican Food for Protein
One of the most obvious and lauded benefits of Mexican food is the huge protein potential of many of the top dishes. Many of the best and most delicious Mexican dishes contain huge amounts of chicken and lean beef, as well as protein-rich veggies such as kidney beans, sweetcorn, avocado, and cabbage. In fact, if you are looking for tips for cooking Mexican food, these simple recipes are all packed with the protein you need to power up your day.
2. All Of the Fiber
Another benefit of Mexican food is that it is a very rich source of fiber, more so than virtually any other cuisine in the world. As you probably know already, Mexican food tends to be rich in beans of various types, all of which contain large amounts of fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health and healthy cholesterol, which is why you should work hard to incorporate it into your diet. One of the best Mexican food tips we can offer is to opt for whole beans instead of refried beans, as these are much less fatty.
3. Vitamins for Days
When one thinks of Mexican food, vitamins rarely factor in. However, many staple Mexican dishes contain all of the vitamins you need for your daily intake. Tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, onions, and avocados are all rich in vitamins C, E, K, and B6, which are necessary as part of any balanced diet. Make sure that you don’t hold back on these ingredients next time you are making a burrito bowl.
4. Spice is Nice
As Americans, we tend to love our spicy food. While the sensation of fiery spice is a fun way to elevate a dish, it also has hidden health benefits. The foods which give most Mexican dishes their heat, namely jalapenos and salsa spices, are rich in the compound capsaicin. This compound has proven health benefits, particularly when it comes to improving circulation, reducing congestion, and lowering blood pressure. Make sure to add some heat the next time you are in the kitchen.
Eat Better, Starting Today
Cooking Mexican food is an easy and fun way to improve your health and your lifestyle. For more tips on how to incorporate better eating habits with zero effort, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our dedicated Dietary guides today to start eating better than you ever thought possible.
