BLOG CORN vs FLOUR TORTILLAS
The popularity of tortillas has surged in the United States as
the anti-bread craze has spread. Tortillas are flatbreads that come in corn and
flour types, with healthier varieties available. They originated among the
Aztecs to the Mexican culture, who’s cuisine is well known for their delicious
tortillas. What most people want to know (especially those not eating bread) is
whether corn or flour tortillas are healthier?
CORN
Nixtamalization is that process that is used to make corn tortillas.
The traditional method starts with the corn soaking then cooked in limewater.
The kernels are then grounded to create dough. It is flattened and shaped into
disks then baked into tortillas. Mass production uses a different process with
a more industrialized technique using mill.
They’re considered a whole grain. This means corn tortillas
are good for digestion and health. One
large corn tortilla (44 grams) has about 95 calories, 20 grams of
carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fat. This serving has 20 mg
of sodium. They are also higher in fiber (3 grams per serving) and magnesium
(32 mg per serving).
Corn tortillas are usually smaller, about 6 inches in
diameter. This can be beneficial for portion control. However, some taco shops
do a double layer for their servings.
FLOUR
These tortillas are made from ingredients that will help
develop gluten. For some people gluten causes inflammation in the body. There are some whole wheat options. Most
processes, use wheat flour, lard, salt, and baking soda to make the dough to
shape and bake tortillas. One large flour tortilla (45 grams) has about 140
calories, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat. This
serving has 330 mg of sodium. The lard is what makes flour tortillas higher in
fat. Flour tortillas are higher in iron (2 mg per serving).
Flour tortillas are usually larger, about 8 to 10 inches in
diameter. That is why they are more commonly used for burritos.
The bottom line is that corn tortillas are the winner when
it comes to which type of tortilla is healthier for you. Store bought items
require label reading. Not all tortillas are healthier than eating bread, so
again, nutrition facts must be compared. Opt for corn when you can, stick to
just one to two servings, and consider even asking for no tortilla if you’re
being really mindful of your health. It’s hard to turn down delicious homemade tortillas.
Tortillas please taste buds worldwide and can be used for many, many dishes.
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