With the new school term approaching, nutrition specialists advocate for incorporating affordable and nutritious corn tortillas into children’s lunches, emphasising their health benefits and versatile menu options.
As the new school term approaches, many parents are once again faced with the daily challenge of packing a lunch that is affordable, easy to prepare and likely to be eaten. Nutrition specialists quoted by SDP Noticias say one of the simplest answers may already be on the table: the corn tortilla, a staple that can be used in a wide range of school meals and helps provide energy during the day.
Tania Arteaga, a nutritionist cited in the report, said children’s dietary needs change as they grow, so portion sizes should reflect age, activity level and what they eat at other meals. She highlighted the tortilla’s B vitamins, including B1, B3, B5 and B9, which help the body make use of food and support the nervous system. Corn tortillas also supply carbohydrates, a key fuel for children during lessons, play and other school activities.
Arteaga also pointed to carotenoids in corn tortillas, plant compounds associated with vitamin A, eye health and immune function. That matters in the classroom, where children spend much of the day reading, writing, looking at the board or using screens. Independent nutrition guides from Healthline, WebMD and Consumer Reports back up the broader case for corn tortillas, noting that they tend to be lower in calories and fat than flour tortillas, while offering more fibre and, in many cases, being gluten-free.
Lourdes Quintero, a nutrition specialist quoted by SDP Noticias, said the real advantage of tortillas is their flexibility. She suggested simple lunchbox ideas such as chicken tacos with vegetables, quesadillas with mushrooms or squash blossom, egg tacos with tomato and spinach, or tortilla roll-ups filled with chicken and vegetables. The broader message from the specialists is that no single food solves everything; the best lunch combines different food groups and keeps variety in the child’s diet throughout the day.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
