This basic taco mix is quick, easy, and delicious! Huitlacoche is rich in potassium, which reduces blood pressure and protects against stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones.
PREP
20 min
TEMP
medium
COOK
11 min
SERVES
8
INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsps OIL
1 lb HUITLACOCHE, rinsed and cut into bite-sized pieces
Corn smut (español: huitlacoche) is an edible fungus known in Mexico as the delicacy huitlacoche. It is served in soups or as a filling in tacos and other tortilla-based foods. It has been called Mexican truffle and Aztec caviar. It is a plant disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Ustilago maydis that causes smut on maize and teosinte. The fungus forms galls on all above-ground parts of corn species. Huitlacoche is rich in potassium, which reduces blood pressure and protects against stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney stones.
What does Vitamin C do? Vitamin C has been linked to many impressive health benefits that include boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk.
How much do I need? The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)–enough to prevent deficiency syndromes such as scurvy–is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, but the Upper Limit (UL) is 2,000 mg.
What are some good plant food sources of Vitamin C?ORANGES, KIWI, LEMON, BELL PEPPER, STRAWBERRIES, GRAPEFRUIT, BROCCOLI, CABBAGE, and CAULIFLOWER are a few plant foods that are rich in Vitamin C. High-heat cooking temperatures or prolonged cook times can break down the vitamin. Because it is water-soluble, the vitamin can also seep into cooking liquid and be lost if the liquids are not eaten. Quick heating methods or using as little water as possible when cooking, such as stir-frying or blanching, can preserve the vitamin. Foods at peak ripeness eaten raw contain the most vitamin C.
Are supplements recommended? Because the human body cannot produce Vitamin C, it must be obtained through food sources or manufactured supplements. Opinions vary about how much Vitamin C is needed for optimal health. Because of the known benefits of Vitamin C for prevention and optimal health, including those that have not yet been fully proven, I prefer to take a 1,000 mg supplement and to eat foods that are rich in Vitamin C every day.
Cauliflower reduces cancer risk; fights inflammation; decreases risk for heart disease and brain disorders; provides high levels of vitamins C, K, and other vitamins and minerals; improves digestion and detoxification; aids in weight loss; helps balance hormones; and preserves eye health.
Beets are low in calories and a source of many nutrients, including fiber, folate and vitamin C and contain nitrates and pigments that help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance.
The beetroot is the taproot portion of a beet plant, usually known in North America as the beet. It is one of several cultivated varieties of Beta vulgaris grown for their edible taproots and leaves (called beet greens). Beets can be served raw or cooked in a variety of ways. The greens are edible too, and can be added to a salad or cooked and served as a side dish.
Hibiscus is a good source of vitamins B1, C, and iron.
Hibiscus has many health benefits and even medicinal uses. Egyptians used hibiscus tea to lower body temperature, treat heart and nerve diseases, and as a diuretic. Today, hibiscus is popular for its potential to reduce high blood pressure.
In Mexico I learned to love agua de jamaica, a delicious beverage that is pleasantly tart, usually sweetened and served cold. Agua dejamaica is made from dried hibiscus flowers and that after they are boiled and strained, the flowers can be used as a meat substitute in tacos and other dishes!
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