A study looked at how Mexican immigrants living in the US used medicinal foods and drinks before and after moving to America. Researchers compared habits from their home country to their life in the United States to see what changed. They found that people continued to use soups and stews for medicinal purposes at similar rates, with 75.9% before migration and 72.7% after. However, the use of herbs declined significantly after the move.
The reasons for using these items also changed. Before migration, people often used them for acute illnesses like respiratory or digestive issues. After moving, the focus shifted toward preventing chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The study did not report any safety concerns or side effects related to these traditional foods.
This research highlights how cultural beliefs about food and medicine adapt to new environments. While the data comes from a group of 300 people and shows links rather than proving cause and effect, it suggests that understanding these traditions can help improve nutrition advice for this community.