Traditional Mexican cooking is loaded with ingredients that are exceptionally good for your body after 50. Keep these in mind this Cinco de Mayo, and anytime!
Start with beans. Black, pinto, and all varieties deliver a powerful combination of protein, fiber, and key minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. They support muscle health, help manage blood sugar, and keep cholesterol in check.
Chiles are next. The capsaicin that makes them hot has anti-inflammatory properties and supports cardiovascular health — both of which matter more as you age. You don’t have to go scorching hot to get the benefit.
Avocado earns its reputation. It has heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and a nutrient profile linked to better cognitive function in older adults. Add it wherever you can.
Cumin, oregano, and cilantro add flavor, help fight cellular damage and support immune function. Just a tablespoon of cumin seeds delivers almost a quarter of your daily iron.
And fresh salsa is essentially a vegetable side dish. Tomatoes, onion, lime and chiles are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and delish.
This Cinco de Mayo, pile on the healthy yumminess.
And if you raise a cerveza to go with it? Well, antioxidants in hops are a thing. We’ll call it even.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.