Horchata, the Mexican drink has a rich history. Made from rice milk or tiger nuts, it is extremely tasty. But is it healthy? What is the recipe? What are the medical benefits?
Horchata, the Mexican drink
Horchata is a delicious Mexican drink that carries with it its rich history. It is a staple drink in Spain and the Latin American countries. You will find this drink served at the Mexican restaurants in the USA. This drink refreshes and is particularly good for the hot summers. It is also a great accompaniment of spicy foods.
It contains natural ingredients of rice, milk, cinnamon and vanilla. In this traditional drink, there is either dairy milk or plant based milks. It is sweet, and creamy and served in glasses with ice. But the original horchata is prepared from tiger nuts. While some horchata recipes also incorporate almonds, other nuts, seeds, and grains.
Horchata (Source: House of Nash eats)The origin is traced to Roman times when it was made from barley. Horchata is the Spanish word for barley. It gained popularity in the sixteenth century. Per se, the drink is non -alcoholic. But people take it with rum, and such spirits.
Nutritional value
Horchata is a drink from natural ingredients. It has a lot of minerals and vitamins in it. It is rich in potassium, calcium and iron. But it also has sugar in it. One cup of the drink has 23.7 g or more amount of sugar. This would be less if it is sweetened with vanilla and has added spices in it.
The Mexican drink, Horchata (Source: Cooking Classy)Each cup has 221 calories. If instead of full fat dairy milk, plant sourced milk like almond milk is used, the calories would vary and be lower. Hence, one should drink it in moderation. Do not consume large quantities of it especially if you are worried about your weight.
Health benefits
It is a dessert like fluidy drink and has been a drink of the centuries in Latin America. It has innumerable macronutrients, micronutrients and antioxidants. The antioxidants are bioactive substances that mop up the free radicals in the body. These radicals cause cellular damage and chronic diseases including cancer.
It aids digestion. The unprocessed tiger nuts cause proliferation of healthy bacteria in the gut. The starch and polyphenols do the wonder. Horchata serves as an excellent pre and post workout drink. It is carbs rich and energizes. You get an energy boost after drinking it. Moreover, it has calcium for stronger bones. Its potassium and sodium rehydrate and aids muscle contraction.
Horchata (Source: Southern living)Additionally, rice water drink hydrates and maintains skin moisturization. It keeps skin healthy and glowing. Its vitamin A content also helps in it. It reduces wrinkles and such age related problems. It contains selenium which is also good for skin.
Click the link to read on Are collagen drinks effective for increasing skin plumpness and elasticity?
Horchata has lutein and zeaxanthin in it. Both are vital for good eyesight. The drink reduces risk macular degeneration of the retina.