3 Reasons Authentic Mexican Food Is Healthier Than Tex-Mex

If you live in the United States, the majority of the Mexican food that you consume is most likely Tex-Mex, which is a blend of Mexican, Native American, and European ingredients and cooking methods. Tex-Mex tends to feature more beef, wheat flour, and cumin, whereas authentic Mexican food features corn tortillas, various protein sources other than beef, and various white cheeses as opposed to yellow cheese. There are several reasons why authentic Mexican food can be the healthier choice between the two. 

Corn Tortillas Can Be Healthier Then Flour Tortillas 

Corn tortillas have fewer calories and less saturated fat than flour tortillas. Flour tortillas tend to have more sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure, and lower amounts of magnesium, which is needed for building strong muscles, regulating the circulatory system, and keeping your bones strong. Finally, corn tortillas feature a large amount of dietary fiber, which can be good for your digestive system. 

Although flour tortillas do tend to have more iron and calcium than corn tortillas, the benefits to corn tortillas far outweigh the few benefits of flour tortillas. 

Chicken Tends to Be Healthier Than Beef 

Beef tends to be featured in American food because of the many cattle ranches that historically existed in the Western United States. Unfortunately, beef has more cholesterol and saturated fats than chicken. This can lead to heart disease and problems with circulation when you eat large amounts of beef. Although beef is okay to eat in moderation, if you regularly eat Mexican food, you should opt for authentic recipes that feature chicken or beans as the main protein in the dish. 

Cumin Can Be Harmful to Some People 

Cumin is a spice that was brought through Europe to the United States. For that reason, it is mostly in Tex-Mex and not commonly used in authentic Mexican food. Although the majority of people can enjoy cumin, a distinctly Tex-Mex spice, on a regular basis, diabetics and others with blood sugar issues should be careful about their consumption of cumin. Cumin can lower blood sugar, making it a dangerous spice for diabetics and those who will undergo surgery in the near future. If you are a diabetic or will undergo surgery in the next two weeks, you should opt for authentic recipes that do not feature cumin as the main spice. 

Both Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican food offer many delicious dishes for you to try. However, if you are looking for a slightly healthier experience, you should opt for authentic Mexican cuisine the next time you dine out. 


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