To many Americans, Mexican food is junk food akin to something you would get at Burger King or Pizza Hut. This is because many Americans’ sole exposure to this cuisine comes courtesy of Taco Bell, which serves food that no one watching their waistlines (or cholesterol) should consider. Also, bluntly, it just doesn’t taste that great.
This is an unfortunate state of affairs. First, Mexican cuisine is versatile and can easily reward an educated palette. Second, if it’s made right, there are even some health benefits to it. Here are a few reasons why you should eat Mexican food daily.
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Nutrients, Baby!
Beans and avocados are primary ingredients in many Mexican dishes, and both have many health benefits. Beans are rich in protein and avocados are good for your heart, so despite the fact that some (highly uneducated) people consider Mexican food to be bad for you, it can actually be quite beneficial from a nutrition standpoint.
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The Joys of Guacamole
In case you missed the last paragraph, guacamole is good for you. Thanks to the glorious avocado, it’s packed with the healthy kind of fats, in addition to fiber and vitamins. It will keep you feeling full and satisfied, especially if you demolish an entire bag of tortilla chips in the process of greedily ingesting all the guac.
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Spicy Peppers = Boosted Metabolism
Many people shy away from some of the more spicy peppers found in Mexican food. They can be pretty intense and not everyone can handle the spice without chugging an entire container of milk to neutralize the agony.
Still, spicy peppers like jalapeños and serranos contain capsaicin, a compound that can boost metabolism and therefore, help you burn more calories. So train yourself in the ways of the spicy pepper. It’s worth it.
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Heart-Healthy Ingredients
Many Mexican dishes contain heart-healthy ingredients like beans, fish and avocado. These foods can lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. So make yourself a bean-and-fish taco with lots of avocado to keep your heart pumping vigorously.
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Eat Your Vegetables
We mentioned this before, but it bears repeating: People who believe that Mexican food is bad for you are wrong, wrong, wrong! There are countless Mexican dishes with vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, onions and corn. These vegetables are not only packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants but also taste pretty darn good.
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A Profusion of Taco Trucks
If you live in an urban area, the chances are strong that you can find a couple of taco trucks. If it’s a sprawling urban area, you’re likely to have your pick of some of the best tacos around. Turn that situation into a fun game by exploring your city’s various neighborhoods and sampling the different taco trucks you see. This is not only a fun way of seeing parts of town that you don’t always visit, but it’s also a pursuit that you can extend as long as you want to without going to the same truck twice.
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It’s Got Fiber
Since you were a wee child in short pants, you likely heard your elders praising the virtues of dietary fiber. When you grew up, you found out why. So get on the fiber train with Mexican cuisine, rich in ingredients like beans, vegetables and whole grains. These fiber-filled foods can help improve digestion and keep things moving along on schedule.
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Comidas Familiares
If you have kids over three, they’ve probably already found Mexican dishes they like, making Mexican restaurants perfect for family outings. There are plenty of kid-friendly options. Many Mexican restaurants even have children’s menus; like quesadillas, tacos and nachos that everyone will love, even the pickiest eater in your household.
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It’s Cheap
No matter your socioeconomic status, nobody likes to spend more money than they have to for a decent meal. Unless you’re eating big-ticket items like steak, Mexican cuisine is usually affordable and accessible, with plenty of budget-friendly options. Just watch out for those margaritas, they can add up to a bill so large it’ll sober you right up.
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Glorious Leftovers
Turn last night’s Mexican feast into today’s delicious leftovers by repurposing ingredients into new and creative dishes. Tacos, salads, or burrito bowls make delicious leftover meals. If you’re not that creative, don’t worry— last night’s Mexican leftovers are also fantastic if you stumble home drunk and eat them directly out of the refrigerator at three o’clock in the morning.
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It Ain’t Just Taco Bell
Embark on a culinary adventure without buying a plane ticket! If you enjoyed your taco truck adventures throughout the city where you reside, you can do the same thing with local Mexican restaurants. Sample all the different authentic and delicious wares. While they won’t take you to Tijuana, you will have a lot of pleasant restaurant adventures to look forward to.
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