Are Birria Tacos Healthy? Unveiling The Truth Behind This Trending Dish

Oleh Betty Bradtke June 13, 2023 Post a Comment

Birria tacos have been a craze lately, and you must have come across them if you are a foodie or someone who loves exploring new dishes. These tacos originated from Jalisco, Mexico, and are made of slow-cooked meat, usually beef or goat, that's then served with tortillas and a flavorful broth. But the million-dollar question is - are birria tacos healthy? In this blog post, we'll explore everything about birria tacos' nutritional value, ingredients, and possible health benefits or risks.

1. What Are Birria Tacos Made Of?

Birria tacos consist of three main components: the meat, the tortilla, and the broth. The meat used in birria tacos is typically beef or goat, which is marinated in a chili-based sauce before being slow-cooked until tender. The tortillas used for birria tacos are usually corn tortillas, but some people prefer flour tortillas. Finally, the broth used in birria tacos is made by simmering the meat, spices, and other ingredients to create a flavorful and aromatic liquid.

2. Nutritional Value of Birria Tacos

The nutritional value of birria tacos can vary depending on the ingredients used, but here's an overview of the nutrients birria tacos contain:

Protein: Birria tacos are high in protein due to the meat used in them. A single serving of birria tacos can provide up to 20 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.
Carbohydrates: The tortillas used in birria tacos are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to your body. However, if you're trying to cut down on carbs, consider using lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Fiber: Birria tacos are not particularly high in fiber, but you can increase the fiber content by adding vegetables like onions, cilantro, and tomatoes to your tacos.
Fat: Birria tacos can be high in fat due to the meat used. However, if you're using lean cuts of meat, you can reduce the fat content.

3. Health Benefits of Birria Tacos

Birria tacos can have some health benefits too, apart from being delicious. Here are a few:

Nutritious: As we discussed earlier, birria tacos can be a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Some of the ingredients used in birria tacos, such as chili peppers, cumin, and garlic, possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in your body.
May aid digestion: The broth used in birria tacos contains many ingredients that are good for digestion, such as bay leaves, coriander, and onion.

4. Potential Health Risks of Birria Tacos

While birria tacos can have some health benefits, they can also pose some risks. Here are a few:

High in sodium: Birria tacos can be high in sodium due to the broth used. If you're watching your sodium intake, consider making your own broth or ordering birria tacos with less broth.
High in calories: Depending on the ingredients used, birria tacos can be high in calories. If you're trying to lose weight, consider using leaner cuts of meat and tortillas made of whole grains.
Food Allergies: Birria tacos contain common allergens such as wheat and chili peppers. So, make sure you check the ingredients before consuming them.

5. How To Make Birria Tacos Healthier?

If you want to enjoy birria tacos without compromising your health, here are a few tips:

Use lean cuts of meat: Instead of using fatty meats like beef, consider using leaner cuts like chicken or turkey.
Go for healthier tortillas: Choose whole-grain tortillas instead of white-flour tortillas. You can also use lettuce wraps if you want to cut down on carbs.
Reduce the salt: Try making your own broth to reduce the sodium content in your birria tacos.
Add veggies: Add vegetables like onions, cilantro, and tomatoes to your birria tacos to increase their nutritional value.

6.

Birria tacos can be a healthy and delicious meal if you make the right choices when it comes to ingredients. They provide essential nutrients like protein and carbohydrates, and some of their ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties. However, they can also be high in sodium and calories, so it's important to watch your intake. By making simple tweaks like using leaner cuts of meat and whole-grain tortillas, you can enjoy birria tacos without worrying about your health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Are Birria Tacos Gluten-Free?

A1. Birria tacos are not gluten-free since they contain wheat tortillas. However, you can opt for corn tortillas or lettuce wraps to make them gluten-free.

Q2. What Kind of Meat is Used in Birria Tacos?

A2. The most common meats used in birria tacos are beef and goat.

Q3. Are Birria Tacos High in Calories?

A3. Depending on the ingredients used, birria tacos can be high in calories. If you're trying to lose weight, consider using leaner cuts of meat and tortillas made of whole grains.

Q4. Can I Make Birria Tacos Vegetarian?

A4. Yes, you can make vegetarian birria tacos by using vegetables like mushrooms, tofu, or jackfruit instead of meat.

Q5. Is the Broth Used in Birria Tacos Healthy?

A5. The broth used in birria tacos can be healthy since it contains many ingredients that are good for digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties. However, it can also be high in sodium, so it's important to watch your intake.