Pozole is a soup or stew made of hominy, pork butt and a variety of spices and vegetables. This meal is rich in protein, healthy fats, and certain vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of dietary fiber and capsaicin, which is known to support weight loss. Additionally, it contains resistant starch, which helps the body burn more calories.
Pozole can be high in sodium, which can be a concern for individuals with blood pressure concerns. The dish can be made healthier by using lower sodium broth and adding more fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it can be prepared at home, which allows the cook to control how much salt is added.
A serving of pozole provides a healthy dose of niacin, which is a B vitamin that plays an important role in metabolism and breaking down food for energy. It also helps to support a healthy digestive system, nervous system and skin.
Niacin is also a key factor in the prevention of pellagra, which is characterized by symptoms like depression, apathy and fatigue. Luckily, this deficiency is less common in countries where traditional dishes focus on corn (like pozole) because the nixtamalization process reduces the corn’s content of antinutrients (1,2).