The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) warns via its official website that certain traditional foods, when consumed frequently and without moderation, increase the risk of obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Frequent consumption of saturated fats raises LDL cholesterol levels and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly in individuals with a history of cardiovascular issues.
A single tamale contains around 600 calories, according to the IMSS.
If eaten inside a *bolillo* roll—creating the popular *guajolota*—and accompanied by *atole*, the intake rises to between 1,000 and 1,100 kilocalories in a single meal.
To burn off that energy, one would have to run approximately 15 kilometers at a speed of 7 kilometers per hour—more than two hours of continuous running, according to the Institute.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that adult men require around 2,000 calories per day, while women require between 1,600 and 1,800.
A *guajolota* with *atole* can meet that entire daily requirement in just one meal.
A single tamale contains nearly one-third of the total daily recommended sodium intake.
The IMSS records between 5,000 and 7,000 cases of food poisoning during the Candlemas (*Día de la Candelaria*) festivities alone.
