Short answer
Tamales provide a lot of nutrients and fiber, but they are quite high in fat and cholesterol - eating just two of them could reverse any of their benefits. Furthermore, most tamales are made using genetically modified corn, which although still being studies, may have to potential to introduce new diseases never seen before.
Recommended Alternative
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Tamales are a much beloved Meso-American food. While they are rich in several vitamins and minerals, they are not a health food as far as we're concerned. Tamales contain B-complex vitamins such as vitamin B3, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, the least two being important in healthy brain functioning. Tamales are also a decent source of iron, phosphorous, and sodium, which - though it is important - should be monitored.
Though they do provide several nutrients, they are not in enough abundance to counteract one tamale's high amount of fat (particularly saturated fat), calories, and cholesterol. One tamale comes with nearly (or over) 300 calories, which is one-tenth the daily limit for fat, even more for saturated fat, and about 7% the daily limit for cholesterol. Eating foods that are high in fat and cholesterol raise the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a variety of other heart problems.
Another concern regarding tamales is that they are usually made using corn dough. In the United States, the vast majority of corn has been genetically modified (around 88%), so eating tamales is a near guarantee to be eating GMO food. While various sources say various things, there is fear that GMO-tainted food may lead to problems such as cancer, infertility, poor insulin regulation, and even the creation of diseases / illnesses never seen before.
Because the fillings can vary at a whim, giving an exact representation of the nutritional value of tamales is nigh impossible, though vegetarian versions do tend to have fewer calories and less fat.
Possible long-term side effects
- weight gain
cardiovascular disease
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cancer
-
infertility
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inhibit proper insulin regulation
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- contains several vitamins and minerals
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good source of dietary fiber
Healthier alternatives
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Organic Masa Harina
- USDA Organic
- Non-GMO Verified
- Gluten-Free
- Traditional Masa Flour
- Multi-Pack Convenience
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Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 01-07-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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