It’s a myth that Mexico City street food is unhealthy! After a study, experts from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) determined that not all street food is harmful to health; there are even options that can help you maintain a balanced diet.
The article “To eat or not to eat on the street?” analyzed the study “Street vendors as actors in a sustainable food system: the case of Mexico City,” conducted by researchers Ana Ortega and Louise Guibrunet.
The experts evaluated different foods sold at fixed, semi-fixed, and mobile food stalls and determined that it is false that garnachas are too fatty and provide few nutrients.
Keep in mind that this depends on various factors, from the ingredients to the amount of oil used in preparation. Of course, the amount of food eaten is also an element to consider when seeking a balanced diet.
In an interview with Ciencia UNAM, Dr. Ana Ortega said that tlacoyo is a “fairly healthy” dish. This is because it is usually prepared on a comal, without added fats. In addition, tlacoyos contain corn as a carbohydrate, beans that provide fiber and protein, as well as other vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and nopales.
The tlacoyo from Mexico City is not only healthy, it is also a sustainable snack.
Photo: Moisés Pablo Nava/Cuartoscuro.com
The study also assessed the environmental impact of street food. Dishes made with ingredients from the local ecosystem are more sustainable than imported ingredients and those prepared with ingredients from other regions.
This is because products from the local ecosystem require less fertilizer and less water.
Finally, Dr. Louise Guibrunet affirms that the traditional diet is suitable for the local population and ecosystem, unlike the globalized diet.
Don’t be afraid of snacks made with corn and beans! While it’s true that you should measure your consumption, it’s also true that they are beneficial for nutrition.