In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “Is pozole healthy?” We will also discuss the downsides of eating pozole and how you can make pozole healthier
Is pozole healthy?
Yes, pozole is healthy because it is a soup rich in nutrients and also a balanced diet. For example, pozole is rich in minerals and vitamins such as potassium, zin,c, and vitamin B3.
Pozole also contains magnesium and calcium which help in the process of nixtamalization. This process helps in reducing anti-nutrients in corn and also improving the protein quality in hominy.
The main ingredients used in the preparation of pozole include avocado vegetables such as cabbage Lettuce and chicken which are generally nutritious Foods on their own.
What are the health benefits of eating pozole?
Pozole is high in fiber which contributes to the low glycemic index of the food and also improves insulin sensitivity. High fiber also helps in improving the control of blood sugar levels and hence does not cause spikes in low blood sugar levels.
Fibers are also good for maintaining a healthy gut because it is considered prebiotic meaning it is good for gut bacteria.
Moreover, pozole also helps in weight loss because it is rich in protein. One cup of pozole contains 18 grams of protein.
Foods high in proteins have been shown to help in weight management because protein directly affects appetite and energy expenditure by resting metabolism and increasing thermogenesis.
The protein present in pozole also helps in keeping you full for a long time therefore you do not overeat.
Lastly, pozole is gluten-free because the main constituents are dairy products, poultry, fish, meat, and gluten-free vegetables. Pozole also contains gluten-free cereals like amaranth, quinoa, millet, and rice; the gluten-free property of pozole makes it good for people with celiac disease.
What are the downsides of consuming pozole?
The major concern with pozole is the high sodium content especially when the pre-made broth is used to prepare pozole and also if side dishes and condiments such as soy sauce and tortilla chips are used high in sodium.
Sodium intake is not good for heart health because it raises blood pressure which can result in a stroke. Additionally, pozole is high in calories and fats which if consumed in large amounts can cause weight gain.
Is homemade pozole healthier than store-bought pozole?
Yes, homemade pozole is healthier than store-bought pozole because you are more in control of the ingredients and this entails the addition of salt and the amount of fat you choose to use, unlike store-bought pose which contains high sodium content.
Moreover for homemade pozole, you can substitute the high carbs pozole with low-carbohydrate foods such as brown rice. Additionally, with homemade pozole, you can use healthy side dishes and dipping for example using mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to make healthy side dipping.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have answered the question, “Is pozole healthy?” We have also discussed how you can make pozole healthier and the downsides of consuming pozole.
Hope you find this blog useful, in case of any questions please let us know