When it comes to Mexican cuisine, corn tortillas are a must-have staple. Three corn tortillas, weighing 64 grams in total, contain approximately 150 calories. But are they healthy for you? Let's find out.
Corn tortillas are made from masa harina, a type of corn flour that is naturally gluten-free, and has a distinctive taste and texture. Besides being delicious, corn tortillas have several nutritional benefits that make them an excellent addition to your diet.
In this article, we'll explore the nutritional facts of corn tortillas, why they're suitable for gluten-free diets, their carb and fiber content, calorie count, health benefits, comparison with flour tortillas and how you can incorporate them into your diet. Plus, we will also share some tips to make healthier corn tortillas at home.
Nutritional Facts of Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making them a healthier choice than flour tortillas. Here are some nutritional facts about corn tortillas: One medium corn tortilla (24g) contains: • calories: 52
• Carbohydrates: 11.74g
• Fiber: 1.28g
• Protein: 1.45g
• Fat: 0.66g
• Sugar: 0.22g
Corn Tortillas - Suitable for Gluten-Free Diets
Corn tortillas are made from naturally gluten-free masa harina, which is a type of corn flour. This means that they don't contain wheat, rye, or barley, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Moreover, corn tortillas are a healthier choice than flour tortillas, which are made from wheat flour and contain gluten. Corn tortillas have fewer calories and less fat than flour tortillas. Therefore, if you're following a gluten-free diet, corn tortillas can be an ideal substitute for flour tortillas.
How Many Carbohydrates are in Corn Tortillas?
Corn tortillas are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide your body with energy. While the exact number of carbs in corn tortillas varies depending on the size and thickness of the tortilla, on average, one medium corn tortilla contains about 12g of carbohydrates. Therefore, if you're watching your carb intake, you may want to limit your corn tortilla consumption.
Corn Tortillas - A Good Source of Fiber
Fiber is an essential nutrient that is necessary for proper digestion and helps keep your bowel movements regular. Corn tortillas are a good source of fiber, with one medium tortilla containing about 1g of fiber. By eating corn tortillas, you can increase your daily fiber intake and promote digestive health.
Is Corn Tortilla Low in Fat?
Corn tortillas are low in fat, making them a healthier choice than many other types of bread and tortillas. One medium corn tortilla contains about 0.66g of fat, with only 0.1g of saturated fat. Therefore, if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet, replacing calorie-dense bread with corn tortillas can help you meet your goals.
How Many Calories are in 1 Small Corn Tortilla?
Corn tortillas are a low-calorie food, making them an excellent choice for weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet. One small corn tortilla (15g) contains about 37 calories. Therefore, if you're looking for a low-calorie alternative to bread or other types of tortillas, corn tortillas can be a perfect choice.
What are the Benefits of Eating Corn Tortillas?
Corn tortillas have many health benefits, including: 1. Gluten-free: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. 2. Low-calorie: Corn tortillas are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for weight loss and maintaining a healthy diet.
Corn Tortillas versus Flour Tortillas - Which is Healthier?
When it comes to choosing between corn tortillas and flour tortillas, there are a few things to consider. Here are some differences between the two types of tortillas: 1. Gluten content: Flour tortillas contain gluten, while corn tortillas are gluten-free. 2. Nutrition content: Corn tortillas have fewer calories and less fat than flour tortillas, making them a healthier choice.
How to Incorporate Corn Tortillas in Your Diet?
There are many ways to incorporate corn tortillas into your diet, such as: 1. Tacos: Use corn tortillas as a base for your favorite tacos. Fill them with grilled chicken, fish, beans, or veggies. 2. Tortilla chips: Cut corn tortillas into triangles and bake them in the oven until crispy. Serve them with salsa, guacamole or hummus.
Tips to Make Healthier Corn Tortillas
If you want to make healthier corn tortillas at home, here are some tips to follow: 1. Choose the right type of corn flour: Use masa harina, which is a type of corn flour that is made from whole grain corn. 2. Don't add oil: Many recipes call for oil, but you can make corn tortillas without adding oil to the dough.
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making them a healthier choice than flour tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Corn Tortillas
1. How many calories are in one corn tortilla?
One corn tortilla typically contains around 50 calories, but the calorie count can vary based on the size and brand of the tortilla. For example, three standard sized corn tortillas (about 64 grams) contain around 150 calories.
2. Are corn tortillas healthier than flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas are generally considered to be healthier than flour tortillas because they are made from a whole grain and contain fewer calories, carbs, and fat. They are also gluten-free and high in fiber.
3. How long do corn tortillas last?
Corn tortillas can last for several weeks if stored properly. It's best to keep them in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil, or in an airtight container. They can also be frozen for up to six months.
4. Can corn tortillas be substituted for flour tortillas in recipes?
Yes, corn tortillas can be substituted for flour tortillas in most recipes. However, they have a different taste and texture, so the end result may be slightly different. Corn tortillas are also more prone to cracking or tearing when used in certain dishes, so it's important to warm them up properly and handle them carefully.
5. Are corn tortillas vegan-friendly?
Yes, corn tortillas are typically vegan-friendly. They are made from corn flour, water, and sometimes salt, and do not contain any animal products. However, it's important to check the label for any added ingredients that may not be vegan-friendly.