Is the tortilla healthy or not?

The corn tortilla is a food that cannot be missing in Mexican households, as it is perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, some diets and eating regimens recommend reducing its consumption or replacing them with tortillas made from other ingredients and not from nixtamalized corn. At Kiwilimon, we tell you why the tortilla is a healthy food, how many calories it has, if it makes you gain weight, and we tell you more about the benefits of the nixtamalization process. Minerals in tortillasCorn tortillas are the foundation of Mexican diets, as they are used to prepare dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, flautas, and they accompany all kinds of stews. This sacred food for Mexicans contains two important minerals for the human body: Calcium: This mineral is the most abundant in the body, primarily found in our bones and teeth; however, calcium can also be found in the blood, neurons, and other tissues. If you want to have healthy teeth and bones, you should eat foods rich in calcium, as they will also help prevent osteoporosis and aid in proper blood clotting, maintain a normal heart rhythm, and hormone secretion. Potassium: Potassium is another vital mineral for the proper functioning of the human body. On one hand, it is an electrolyte, but it also helps with proper muscle function, nutrient flow, and maintaining a stable heart rhythm. Moreover, consuming foods rich in potassium will help you avoid the harmful effects of sodium on blood pressure.You can also read: Maizajo, kiwifav of the weekHow many calories does a tortilla have?According to the calorie calculator of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), one corn tortilla contains 70 calories. On the other hand, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that 100 grams of corn tortillas have about 218 calories. Is it healthy to eat tortillas?Tortillas are a staple food for the Mexican population, as they are a nutritious, filling, and very economical ingredient. Therefore, considering that the recommended calorie intake is 2,500 for men and 2,000 for women, there is no problem in consuming two corn tortillas a day. In any case, it is important to maintain a balanced diet and not consume any food in excess. Do tortillas make you gain weight?Although diets often restrict or prohibit the consumption of tortillas, this food is very nutritious, thanks to its significant amount of fiber and being low in fat and sodium. It is also rich in calcium and potassium. Moreover, the corn tortilla is a complex carbohydrate, which means this food will turn into glucose and provide sufficient energy for our daily activities.You can also read: How to wash different vegetables?The benefits of eating tortillasNow that you know how many calories a tortilla has and that it is an excellent food thanks to its low fat content and richness in fiber, calcium, and potassium, at Kiwilimon we give you even more reasons to consume this traditional food. According to the Ministry of Health, the nixtamalized corn tortilla has many health benefits. On one hand, it states that when corn is soaked in lime water, it becomes rich in calcium and vitamin B3. On the other hand, the husk and grain of corn soften, making it easier to digest. Additionally, harmful health fungi die during the nixtamalization process. Other benefits of consuming tortillas and other products made from nixtamalized corn include the following: Liver cancer: Mexico reports a lower number of liver cancer cases compared to countries that consume non-nixtamalized corn, as it contains only 1% of the aspergillus flavus fungus, which produces cancer-causing aflatoxins, but its presence decreases during the nixtamalization process. Rickets: Rickets is a disease in which bones soften and weaken. It results from a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D. Pellagra: This disease is more common in countries where corn has not undergone the nixtamalization process. It also occurs when a person does not obtain enough vitamin B3 from their diet.You can also read: What is the purpose of eating foods rich in omega-3?Recipes with tortillasSo now you know, corn tortillas are an excellent food due to all their health benefits. Get to work and prepare delicious and nutritious dishes with the help of Kiwilimon: Flavored Corn TortillasHow to make colored tortillas?Tortilla Soup with BeansDivorced EnchiladasCrispy Tacos with Cochinita Pibil in Green SauceEnfrijoladas with Chipotle