Six Healthy Ingredients in Mexican Food Shubhra Krishan - Care2.com
go to original December 12, 2012

Mexican food can be quite healthy when it's homemade and avoids fried foods. Learn about making your own healthy Mexican dish in this video. (livestrong)

Low-fat Mexican recipes need not be an oxymoron! Ditch the salt, cheese and cream, and get more of these super-healthy ingredients on your plate.

Beans: They lower bad cholesterol, nourish the brain, regulate digestion and have been found to protect you from certain cancers. Combined with rice, they form a complete protein, comparable to that in meat or dairy. Kidney beans strengthen bones, thanks to their Vitamin K, calcium and manganese content.

Salsa: Besides boasting a wonderful freshness, salsa is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The addition of extra virgin olive oil to a combination of tomatoes, lemon juice and peppers not only deepens the flavor but has heart-healthy benefits. For fresh ideas with salsa, click here.

Avocado: It’s the best fruit for sourcing your Vitamin E, which improves overall immunity. Studies show that the oleic acid in avocado prevents breast cancer. Then there’s folate, which plays a key role in keeping the heart healthy. So, go for the guacamole! And find exciting avocado recipes here.

Jalapeño: the capsaicin in them is anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy, helpful in battling headaches and sinus infections, and known to play a role in preventing certain cancers. It’s thermogenic, too, which means it burns away calories and assists in weight loss! Here’s interesting take on how to cook healthy with jalapenos.

Cilantro: my favorite herb, cilantro boasts a wonderful fragrance, refreshing flavor, and comes loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Corn: A number of key nutrients combine in corn to give it a high rating on the health-o-meter. Corn is chewy, so it helps you consume less while getting more satisfaction. It’s got fibre, to help you digest your food better.

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