Positive Health Effects of Traditional Mexican Cuisine
When it comes to traditional diets being studied the Mediterranean Diet comes top of mind. While this style of eating is healthful, it is important to appreciate that it may not suit all cultures. Other traditional styles of eating also hold nutrition benefits and one of these includes traditional Mexican Cuisine.
Traditional Mexican cuisine contains wholegrains, legumes, tubers, fruits, vegetables, tubers, and spices. All of these include multiple nutrition benefits including phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds can be classified as diverse group of plant micronutrients (1). They can promote anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antioxidant properties. Phenolic compounds have been linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases including type two diabetes, obesity, heart disease, thrombocytopenia, and metabolic syndrome.
A study investigated the potential positive health effects of the traditional Mexican diet and health. The researchers measured the phenolic compound intake with health outcomes. The study was a cross-sectional study design. Each of the 973 adults took a survey of their current diet to assess phenolic compound intake. The participants were aged between 18-79 years old.
Researchers concluded that those participants who were healthier had a greater number of phenolic compounds in their diet.
One major food included in the traditional Mexican diet is corn. Corn is rich in phenolic compounds and is linked to a decreased risk of developing certain chronic conditions such as heart disease, and type two diabetes. Corn contains many health components including a compound called lignin. Lignin is the main component of the dietary fiber found in corn. Lignin also plays other healthful roles including as an antioxidant and blocking the growth and development of cancerous cells.
One delicious and nutritious way to enjoy corn is by enjoying Corn Thins slices. Corn Thins slices are classified as a whole grain containing food and contain a matrix of health benefits including phenolic compounds. For inspiration on ways you can use Corn Thins slices as a meal or snack check out the recipe section on the Corn Thins website.
Take home message: There is more than one traditional style of eating pattern which is linked to greater health. An example includes traditional Mexican cuisine. It is important to select a style of eating which matches your culture and is appropriate for the place you live. In doing so, you are likely to maintain the diet and reap the health benefits for the long term.
Reference:
- Hasler, C.M. Functional foods: Benefits, concerns and challenges—A position paper from the American Council on Science and Health. J. Nutr. 2002, 132, 3772–3781
- Alatorre-Cruz JM, Carreño-López R, Alatorre-Cruz GC, Paredes-Esquivel LJ, Santiago-Saenz YO, Nieva-Vázquez A. Traditional Mexican Food: Phenolic Content and Public Health Relationship. Foods. 2023; 12(6):1233. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12061233