If you're a fan of tamales, you might be curious about the nutritional information of your favorite cheese tamale. One cheese tamale that weighs around 142 grams contains approximately 250 calories. This calorie value may vary depending on the recipe, ingredients, and serving size. In this article, we'll explore the nutritional value of cheese tamales and discuss their potential health benefits and drawbacks.

Cheese tamales are a popular Mexican dish made from masa (corn dough) and cheese filling. These tamales are usually steamed or boiled and served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Let's take a closer look at the nutritional profile of cheese tamales.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for enjoying cheese tamales while paying attention to your health and wellbeing.

Calories in Cheese Tamales

As mentioned earlier, one 142-gram cheese tamale typically contains 250 calories. However, the calorie count may vary depending on the recipe and serving size. A cheese tamale that's stuffed with additional fillings like chicken or pork may have a higher calorie count. If you're watching your calorie intake, be mindful of your portion sizes when enjoying cheese tamales. You can also look for lower-calorie alternatives, like vegetable-based tamales or tamales with less filling.

Fat Content of Cheese Tamales

One cheese tamale typically contains 10 grams of fat, with 3 grams of saturated fat. This fat content may vary depending on the cheese used in the recipe. While some fat is necessary for a balanced diet, too much saturated fat can be harmful to your health. You can try reducing your fat intake by choosing lower-fat cheese or by enjoying smaller portion sizes.

Protein in Cheese Tamales

One cheese tamale contains approximately 7 grams of protein. This protein content may vary depending on the recipe and the cheese used. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps your body build and repair tissues. However, it's important to remember that cheese tamales should not be your only source of protein. You should aim to consume a variety of protein sources, such as lean meats, eggs, nuts, and legumes.

Carbohydrates in Cheese Tamales

One cheese tamale contains around 24 grams of carbohydrates, with 3 grams of dietary fiber and 1 gram of sugar. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body. However, some people may need to limit their carbohydrate intake, for example, if they have diabetes or need to lose weight. If you're watching your carbohydrate intake, you can try choosing smaller portion sizes of cheese tamales or pairing them with high-fiber foods like vegetables or beans.

Fiber Content of Cheese Tamales

One cheese tamale contains about 3 grams of dietary fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest, which means it doesn't contribute to your calorie intake. Fiber has several health benefits, including promoting healthy digestion and reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes. If you're looking to increase your fiber intake, cheese tamales can be a good source of fiber. You can also pair them with fiber-rich foods like veggies or whole grains.

Sodium in Cheese Tamales

One cheese tamale contains around 350 milligrams of sodium. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance in your body. However, consuming too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure and other health problems. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can try choosing lower-sodium cheese or tamales with less cheese filling. You can also pair your cheese tamale with low-sodium toppings like salsa or guacamole.

Calcium in Cheese Tamales

Cheese is a good source of calcium, an essential mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth. One cheese tamale contains around 150 milligrams of calcium. However, if you're lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products, you may need to find alternative sources of calcium. You can try getting calcium from plant-based sources like leafy greens, fortified milk alternatives, or supplements.

Iron in Cheese Tamales

Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen in your blood. One cheese tamale contains about 1.5 milligrams of iron. However, some people may not get enough iron from their diet, especially women of childbearing age and vegetarians. If you're concerned about your iron intake, you can try consuming more iron-rich foods like meat, beans, fortified cereals, or supplements.

Vitamin A in Cheese Tamales

One cheese tamale contains around 200 IU (international units) of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps support healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. However, if you consume excessive amounts of vitamin A, it can be toxic and lead to adverse health effects. It's important to get enough vitamin A from a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, like carrots, liver, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.

Vitamin C in Cheese Tamales

One cheese tamale contains about 1 milligram of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps support immune function, wound healing, and collagen production. While cheese tamales are not a significant source of vitamin C, you can pair them with high-vitamin C foods like salsa, lime, or bell peppers.