Taco Therapy: Do You Need to Up the Spice in Your Life? | Mental Health Recipes

So, we probably all knew this was coming. Since living in Mexico, not a single week has gone by that I haven’t enjoyed at least a few tacos. Most notably, all of these tacos have been tacos al pastor. And I have to say, I’ve felt great. So, taco therapy, anyone?

In this week’s mental health recipe, we’re going to learn how to make some homemade tacos al pastor. Then, we’ll dig into exactly how tacos can benefit our mental health, making each taco guilt-free!

Easy & Simple Homemade Tacos Al Pastor

While it’s not authentic Mexican tacos, these are the next best thing.

In fact, you might not even really notice the difference. And if you’re not sure what tacos al pastor means, basically, these are pork tacos made with a mix of spices and often topped with cilantro, onion, and—my favorite part that I believe brings it all together—pineapple.

Usually, in Mexico, the “al pastor” (aka pork) is slowly cooked on a spit for hours. However, most of us don’t have that kind of time (or the tools), so the biggest difference between authentic Mexican tacos and this homemade recipe is the cooking of the meat. 

No biggie though, as this recipe still packs tons of punch, spice, and deliciousness with every bite. Plus, it’s kind of hard to go wrong when making tacos in any variation. So, let’s dig in!

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How Can Tacos Al Pastor Improve Your Mood?

Well, first off: Tacos! Who doesn’t get excited about a good taco?

Secondly, let’s actually look at this from a more scientific perspective. What good are tacos doing for our mental health? 

1. Tacos have got some serious protein!

So, this may actually depend. But per taco, most tacos al pastor pack about eight to 15 grams of protein per taco. So, if you have three to four tacos, that’s 24 to 45 grams of protein per meal. Considering most health experts recommend about 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal, tacos al pastor is up there!

Getting sufficient protein has ample benefits for our mental well-being. Enough protein ensures good function and production of essential neurotransmitters, chemicals that help the brain communicate. This is important for dopamine and serotonin production, and then some.

Protein can also help balance blood sugar and slow the intake of carbs, preventing blood sugar ups and downs and keeping your energy levels and mood stable. 

2. Onion brings the nutrients.

Okay, so most veggies have tons of nutrients, and onion is no exception.

Onions contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, fiber, potassium, manganese, prebiotics, antioxidants, and more. 

Research even shows how onion extract may help alleviate stress and enhance sleep, all of which contribute to better mental wellness. Another study showed that onions may produce anti-depressant effects. So, load up on the onions! They’re good for you.

3. Pineapple can also boost your mood.

This isn’t just something sweet on the top of these tacos. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. Research shows that bromelain may reduce inflammation and produce anti-anxiety effects. 

Like onion, pineapple also contains vitamin C, which may lower anxiety and fatigue. So, again, don’t be shy about loading up on the pineapple either!

Credit:Arturo Peña Romano Medina