Candlemas Day brings with it the tradition of consuming tamales in Mexico. This typical dish, whether green with pork or chicken, mole, rajas, or sweet, is very popular during this festival. However, the caloric value of each tamale can be significant. Regardless of the variety of fillings available, the amount of lard and flour present in their preparation makes tamales considered not recommended for those who control their caloric intake.
These tamales, of pre-Hispanic origin, are mainly made with corn dough and lard, filled with various combinations that may include meats, vegetables, chiles, fruits, and sauces, and wrapped in vegetable leaves to be steamed. In cities like Mexico City, tamales are a popular breakfast option, especially if consumed as guajolota, accompanied by atole or champurrado, thus increasing the caloric intake of the meal.
A tamale can contain at least 450 calories, which is equivalent to 40% of the recommended daily intake. In standard portions of 300 to 400 grams, tamales vary in nutritional content. For example, a meat tamale can contain 765 calories and 45 grams of fat, while a corn tamale provides 645 calories and 32 grams of fat. Bean tamales, cheese with rajas, mole, and guajolota also have considerable caloric contributions.
While tamales are not ideal for a low-calorie diet, they also contain beneficial ingredients for health, such as niacin, carbohydrates for energy, and essential vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, and folic acid, which aid in various body functions. However, to counteract the caloric intake of a tamale, it is recommended to engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming for about an hour to burn those additional calories.
