Tag: Mole sauce

Contrary to common misunderstanding, the rich and complex Mexican sauce known as mole is not inherently unhealthy or dangerous to consume. Originating from the Nahuatl word 'molli' meaning 'sauce,' mole is a flavorful concoction made from a diverse blend of chiles, spices, nuts, seeds, and often unsweetened chocolate. Instead of being bad for you, many homemade versions of mole are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential minerals.

According to nutrition experts, many traditional mole recipes are packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber from their diverse plant-based ingredients. This makes mole a far more nutritious option than many perceive, and understanding the health benefits of mole paste can transform how you view this Mexican staple.

Some studies show mole sauces can contain a protein content ranging significantly depending on the recipe, with some varieties containing 5-12% protein by weight. This complex Mexican sauce, often known for its deep, rich flavor, can therefore be a notable source of protein, especially when made with ingredients like seeds and nuts.

Many people associate mole with unhealthy fats and high calories, but a 100g serving of traditional mole poblano can provide a surprisingly low 172 calories while delivering essential minerals like iron and magnesium. The truth is, the healthiness of mole is far more complex than its calorie count suggests, depending heavily on ingredients and preparation methods.

The calorie count for a serving of pre-made Doña María mole sauce can range from 100 to 170 calories, depending on the specific product variant. A finished meal featuring chicken and this mole sauce can exceed 300 calories, underscoring the significant caloric difference between the sauce alone and the complete dish.

According to a study published in *Nutrition Journal*, traditional Mexican mole sauce is packed with a variety of healthy ingredients like chiles, nuts, and vegetables, offering a surprising array of nutritional advantages. This complex, aromatic sauce, long celebrated for its unique flavor profile, goes beyond just great taste to deliver potential health benefits.

According to the Institute of Medicine, traditional mole sauce is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins. For many, the question remains: is mole healthy to eat, or does its rich flavor profile come with a significant health cost?

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, traditional Mexican moles contain significant levels of antioxidants and dietary fiber, especially those with red chiles. However, the health profile of mole is complex and depends heavily on its ingredients and preparation, making a simple "yes" or "no" answer insufficient.

According to a study on traditional Mexican mole varieties from the state of Hidalgo, mole is naturally a high-fat and high-protein food, but is this enough to make the claim, "is Mexican mole unhealthy?". While some recipes can be calorie-dense, mole is also rich in beneficial ingredients like nuts, seeds, and chiles that offer significant nutritional value.

According to product ingredient lists, the popular Doña Maria brand of mole paste includes wheat flour or crackers as a primary ingredient, making it not gluten-free. This is crucial information for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity who is considering using this convenient sauce base.