Learn about the benefits of eating romeritos

Read in EnglishIn Mexico, Mexican families residing in the central part of the country usually prepare a very traditional dish for Christmas and New Year: romeritos with mole and shrimp. Also known as revoltijo. This dish is made with romeritos, baby potatoes, nopales, mole, and dried shrimp. Although this typical stew is a must during the Christmas season, it is also consumed during Lent. If you like romeritos, we have good news for you, as in addition to being an economical and filling food for Christmas Eve dinner, this quelite is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, making it the perfect ingredient to eat well and healthily. At kiwilimón, we tell you more about the many benefits of eating romeritos.What are romeritos?Romeritos, also known as romerillos or salty quelites, are an edible plant native to the Valley of Mexico, although in other places it is considered a weed. This type of quelite usually grows in the milpa, alongside other staple foods in Mexican cuisine, such as beans, squash, and corn.The origin of romeritosAlthough today romeritos are usually prepared with mole and shrimp, this ingredient is not new in Mexican cuisine, as according to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, this quelite was eaten in pre-Hispanic times. In ancient times, the Aztecs prepared romeritos with aquatic mosquito eggs, which have a flavor very similar to shrimp. The Secretariat of Agriculture states that this dish was consumed during fasts held before celebrations for the gods. Later, during colonization, the consumption of this quelite significantly decreased, as it was considered a weed. During those years, nuns took on the task of combining the edible plant with mole, nopales, shrimp, and potatoes, a stew known as Christmas romeritos or revoltijo, and romeritos regained their place in Mexican homes. Today, this dish is one of the most popular among families.You can also read: The benefits of fruit punchWhat are the benefits of eating romeritos?According to experts, romeritos are just as healthy as Swiss chard, spinach, and watercress, thanks to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.Folic acid: This vitamin is essential for the creation of new cells, making it ideal for pregnant women.Amino acids: The U.S. National Library of Medicine mentions that amino acids are a source of energy, but they are also necessary for growth, food breakdown, and tissue repair.Antioxidants: Antioxidants are important as they help combat the effects of free radicals, which can cause diseases like cancer.Calcium: This mineral helps maintain healthy and strong bones and teeth.Fiber: Prevents constipation and improves digestion.Iron: An essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin proteins, it prevents anemia.Potassium: It is a mineral and electrolyte that helps in the functioning of nerves and muscles, as well as maintaining a steady heart rhythm. Moreover, it is ideal for nutrient flow to cells.Vitamin A: An essential vitamin for bones, vision, and the immune system.Vitamin B2: It helps with tissue repair and is also beneficial for the skin.Vitamin C: This vitamin is good for the skin and bones. It is rich in antioxidants.You can also read: The benefits of drinking tejocote teaDo romeritos fight gastritis?Information published by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) indicates that quelites are beneficial for the treatment of gastritis. Scientist Irma Romero Álvarez from the Department of Biochemistry at the UNAM stated that it was discovered that romeritos, and all quelites, have an important effect on the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is responsible for gastritis. In an interview with the university, Romero Álvarez noted that all species of quelites (...) inhibit the bacteria, even better than metronidazole. In addition to gastritis, this bacteria is also responsible for conditions such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. The expert indicated that the consumption of romeritos and other types of quelites helps prevent the onset of gastritis, although we must emphasize that their consumption does not cure the disease; it simply improves symptoms and prevents worsening. Remember that if you want to take advantage of all the benefits that romeritos have for your intestinal health, it is best to steam them, as adding mole could cause heartburn and gastritis.Why do we eat romeritos with mole for Christmas?According to the Secretariat of Agriculture, families in the central part of the country enjoy delicious romeritos during Christmas dinner and New Year since the time of colonization. Back then, religious people would hold a vigil on December 24, so this meatless dish was the perfect option, as it is filling and satisfying.