8 Reasons Why Hispanic Dishes Should Be On Your Table

 

Dinner in America has changed dramatically over the years. Gone are the days of large, fresh, home cooked meals, as take out and tv dinners continue to dominate dinner tables. However, these trends tend to be less prevalent in Hispanic homes. Here are some surprising facts on Hispanic cooking and food that could change the way you think about dinner!

Hispanic Food is a Big BIG Business

The Tortilla Industry Association estimates that Americans consumed approximately 85 billion tortillas in 2000 not including chips!

Hispanic foods and beverages were an $8 billion market in 2012, according to a consumer research firm. By 2017, that number could reach $11 billion.

At 62%, Mexican food comprises the largest segment of the ethnic food market in America.

The Hispanic Dinner Table

Compared with non-Hispanics, Hispanics are more likely to look for the fresh ingredients when cooking. Hispanics are also less likely to say they don’t have time to prepare and eat healthy meals (26% Hispanic, 32% non-Hispanic). Hispanic food is chocked full of fresh vegetable ingredients. It is incredibly important that children especially learn the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables. If children learn these values early in life it could save them years of an unhealthy lifestyle that they will undoubtedly have to correct later on.

The Power of the Avocado

After a week of following an avocado-enriched diet, patients experienced a 22% decrease in bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels and an 11% increase in good cholesterol.

Avocados offer nearly 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving, including potassium, which helps control blood pressure, lutein, which is good for your eyes, and folate.

Avocados are loaded with fiber. A high fiber diet can lower your risk of heart disease.

Recetas de Cocina (Cooking Recipes)

Dishes like, ceviche, tamales, flan, arroz con pollo, are staples of Hispanic cooking. Looking for a way to spice up dinner? Consider some of these recetas de cocina when planning your next shopping trip. These dishes are packed with necessary vitamins and nutrients and can be prepared with minimal added fat.

Every 17 seconds, another American is diagnosed with diabetes. Childhood obesity continues to be a very serious problem in the U.S. By making simple dietary changes, many can dramatically improve their overall health. By adding some delicious, flavorful, Hispanic dishes to your dinner routine, you could decrease your families risk of heart disease or diabetes.