healthy Mexican food

Some great Mexican meals such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos are prepared with fresh produce, corn, fresh tomatoes or tomatillos, avocado, beans, rice, mushrooms, corn tortillas and nutritious spices such as chilies, cinnamon, garlic, cumin and cloves.

If you want to avoid the Americanized versions of Mexican food that are high in fat, calories and sodium, you can prepare healthy Mexican food at home. In some very easy and quick steps you can taste highly nutritional Mexican meals in no time.

Here are some tips for cooking healthy Mexican food at home:

- Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the main ingredient of Mexican salsas. Rich in lycopene, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C, tomatoes reduce the risk of several types of cancer and their protective effect is highly beneficial.

Pico de gallo is the most famous Mexican salsa. All you need is 2 large fresh tomatoes, 1/2 large white onion, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, minced fresh chile, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, salt and freshly ground black pepper. It can be prepared in 15 minutes and it contains all the natural ingredients that contribute to your overall wellness.

- Beans

Beans contain high amounts of proteins and fiber and provide antioxidant benefits. The best variety are the pinto or the black beans that are low-fat, low-calorie. Instead, the refried beans that are usually served in the Mexican restaurants are totally unhealthy and should be avoided.

For a bean salsa, you cook pinto or black beans and then you add onion and 1 teaspoon of cumin. After 30 minutes is ready for you to enjoy.

- Corn

Corn has extraordinary health qualities because it is rich in folate, vitamin B, vitamin C and fiber. It contributes to heart prevention, it helps in better digestion and it stabilizes blood sugar levels. Bake 12 6-inch corn tortillas with 1 tablespoon of canola oil in 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes and you can enjoy a really delicious and healthy food that goes with homemade guacamole, pico de gallo or avocado salsa.

- Avocado

Avocados contain high quantities of vitamin K and potassium that lower “bad” cholesterol (LDL).

For a great guacamole sauce all you need is ripe avocados, chopped tomatoes, salt and pepper. For the salsa, add chili peppers, garlic, onions, lime and cilantro to make the taste more intense.