NPR

Pork Tacos Topped With Fries: Fuel For Mexico's Diabetes Epidemic

Mexico knows how to fight infectious diseases. Tackling a chronic condition like diabetes is a new — and daunting — challenge.
A chile-rubbed pork taco is topped with french fries in the Merced market in Mexico City. The taco costs 10 pesos — less than 50 cents. Cheap, high-calorie food is contributing to Mexico's obesity problem.

Anais Martinez is on the hunt in Mexico City's Merced Market, a sprawling covered bazaar brimming with delicacies. "So this is the deep-fried tamale!" she says with delight, as if she'd just found a fine mushroom specimen deep in a forest.

The prized tamales are wrapped in corn husks and piled next to a bubbling cauldron of oil.

"It's just like a corn dough patty mixed with lard, put in a corn husk or banana leaf, steamed and then deep fried," says Martinez of this traditional Mexican breakfast. "And then after you fry it, you can put

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
FAA Is Investigating Boeing For Apparent Missed Inspections On 787 Dreamliner
The FAA says Boeing informed the agency in April that required inspections to confirm that the wings were properly bonded to the carbon fiber fuselage on certain 787 jets were not completed.
NPR2 min readWorld
Israel Orders Rafah Evacuations; Boeing Plans To Launch A Spacecraft
Israel has ordered Palestinians to evacuate parts of Rafah after cease-fire talks failed. Boeing is set to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station tonight.
NPR2 min readInternational Relations
Israeli Forces Take Control Of The Gaza Side Of The Rafah Crossing With Egypt
An Israeli tank brigade seized control Tuesday of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, authorities said, as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remain on a knife's edge.

Related Books & Audiobooks