How healthy is it to eat bolillo?

The bolillo is much more than just a bread: it's part of everyday life and popular culture. It's eaten for breakfast, as a breakfast staple: either in a tamale sandwich or chilaquiles—also known as "guajolota"—along with a cup of warm chocolate, or soaked in carnation milk like capirotada.

In addition to being a sacred food in Mexican tradition, the bolillo is also a companion during difficult times. Who hasn't heard, after an earthquake, "Eat a bolillo for the scare." There are many examples, but what happens when we get into the habit of eating bolillos like crazy every day? Is it healthy? As you can imagine, the answer is far from an obvious "yes."

But first things first, the bolillo is a type of unsweetened white bread made with wheat flour, yeast, water, and salt. According to the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Mexican Gastronomy, it's a Mexican adaptation of the French baguette and also gave rise to the telera.

How many calories does a bolillo have?

An average bolillo contains approximately 125 calories, of which:

• 73% come from carbohydrates, 14% from fats, and only 13% from proteins.

Therefore, to burn calories, a person would be morally pressured to run for about 12 minutes or cycle for 19 minutes. Simply put, a corn tortilla has only 52 calories.

The UNAM Nutrition Coordination Department warns that consuming excessive carbohydrates—like those found in bolillos—can contribute to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, unlike whole-wheat bread, bolillos are low in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. A comparison between bolillos and tortillas suggests that:

• Eating 1 bolillo is equal to 3 corn tortillas.
• Eating 1 bolillo is equal to 7 and a half cups of natural popcorn.

The Food Guide for the Mexican Population indicates that one should not eat more than half a bolillo (bread roll) without crumbs per meal. For their part, Healthline and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health agree that whole-grain or sprouted breads offer greater nutritional benefits. These contain more fiber, vitamins like E and C, and essential minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.

It's impossible to refute it: the bolillo holds a special place in Mexican cuisine. A bolillo with beans satisfies hunger and soothes anxiety; a bolillo is a source of joy, cravings, and memes. But, as with everything, eating it daily may not be the healthiest option.

*Stay up to date with the news, join our WhatsApp channel . AO