Most foods on menus in Mexican restaurants can be loaded with sodium and saturated fat. Nachos smothered with melted cheese and a hearty dose of sour cream can certainly give you a fatty sensation.
Furthermore, when the average Mexican entrees include beef, chicken, cheese, fried tortillas in huge bulks, how can you eat healthy? Well, you’ll be glad to know that some Mexican food is in fact super for your health. Here are some of Mexico’s local superfoods that have crossed borders over the years and made it to what I like to call the “superfood hall of fame”.
1. Amaranth
Amaranth is without a doubt, one of the most nutritious foods of Mexico. In fact, athletes love it most because it’s easy to carry and is really high in protein. The health benefits of amaranth grain include its ability to spur growth and development, boost the immune system, increase circulation, strengthen your bones, optimize digestion and lower appetite. There’s a lot of ways in which it can add amaranth to your diet, but the most common is to simply add it to your yoghurt or cereal.
2. Cacao
Cacao is high in antioxidants, which help the body fight against free radicals. It also increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin gives you a pleasant feeling and increasing overall well-being. You can add it to your daily diet by adding it to your smoothies or by simply having a small piece of dark chocolate.
3. Chia
Chia is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium. A 28-gram serving of chia seeds contains 5.6 grams of protein making them great for vegan diets. They’re great for detoxing your whole system, reducing cholesterol, and maintaining optimum blood sugar levels.
4. Avocado
Avocados stimulate the formation of collagen, which helps you combat ageing. Furthermore, it helps reduce the levels of bad cholesterol while increasing the levels of good cholesterol. In addition, it is also rich in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and maintaining strong bones.
5. Nopales
Nopales or nopalitos is edible cactus. It’s a very popular vegetable in Mexico. Nopales are high in phytochemicals, and very low in calories. Furthermore, they are packed with fibre, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. You can add them to juice or salad if you can find them locally.
6. Spirulina
This blue-green algae is by far the best source of plant-based protein. Gram per gram, spirulina may literally be the single most nutritious food on the planet. It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory, packed with antioxidants and a fantastic source of protein. All you need to do is add spirulina to your smoothies for liver support and to feel more energetic.
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