Mexico City recently hosted its 4ta Expo Alternativas Saludables in the Unidad de Congresos building at Mexico City’s Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI.
Mexico City’s Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI is a complex of hospital and medical buildings in the city’s Doctores neighborhood. It’s part of the IMSS — Mexico’s public health system and the largest social security institution in Latin America. The Expo Alternativas Saludables, or Healthy Alternatives Expo, which took place last weekend brought together alternative health and natural product vendors from around Mexico City. In addition to a variety of vitamins, medicinal herbs and health supplements there was a wide selection of natural and soy based products. Health fair attendees could sample many of the products, purchase items at discounted rates and get information about alternative health and specialty shops and services in Mexico City.
Vendors were on hand to explain the health benefits of their products and offer alternatives to more traditional store bought items.
A few of the products featured at the expo — like agave and soy — have attracted some controversy in recent years regarding their comparative health benefits, and while I personally don’t think that these items are necessary to maintain a simple and healthy plant based diet in Mexico City, I do prefer miel de agave to sugar or honey. Besides, it’s always nice to have options. Many of the products featured at the health fair can only be found at health food and specialty shops such as Nutrisa, Super Soya, The Green Corner, Orígenes Orgánicos and Shayá Michán among others. A great place to go for organic, locally grown produce and prepared food items is Mexico City’s Mercado el 100. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more for specialty items at these shops and markets than you would shopping in the local market or even eating vegetarian on the street.
Meat and dairy substitutes were also popular at the expo. I’m not normally a fan, but I couldn’t resist sampling the meatless tacos al pastor! (available at Nutrisa) 
If you’re interested in finding out more about alternative health products or services in Mexico City and attending the health fair then mark your calendar, the next Expo Alternativos Saludables is scheduled to take place March 30-April 1, 2012 at Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI in the Unidad de Congresos building which is located at Av. Cuauhtémoc and Eje 3 Sur in colonia Doctores (deleg. Cuauhtémoc). The closest Metro station is Centro Médico and the event is free and open to the public.
México Today, in association with Marca País – Imagen de México, is a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination. This program is designed to shine a light on the Mexico that its people experience every day.
Disclosure: I am being compensated for my role as a contributing writer for México Today; my opinions, as always, are my own.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve never heard of miel de agave! It sounds delicious
I like it a lot, it’s great in smoothies and I even use it in my coffee instead of sugar, but there’s some debate as to whether or not it’s actually any healthier than other sweeteners. I’ve also read that the natural miel de agave that we find here in Mexico is slightly different from the agave syrups that are typically found in the U.S., but I’m still looking into that…
Very interesting
Hi Laura, thanks for visiting Just One Donna. I’ve never been to Mexico, but my brother raves about it as a vacation destination. I like that you are highlighting everyday Mexico.
Mexico’s a great vacation destination, of course. When most people think of Mexico the first thing that comes to mind is the beaches, but the interior of the country has so much more to offer — it’s a great cultural destination as well.
That is cool that they have health fairs in Mexico. Not that I thought they wouldn’t just never really hear about other country’s health concerns interms of nutrition. Stopping by from #commenthour.
It’s great that these topics are gaining more attention in Mexico. I hope it’s a trend that continues! Thanks for stopping by!
I had a chance to attend the Expo. It was truly amazing and full of interesting stuff!
Glad to hear you had a chance to check it out!
Is this expo on annual basis. I’d love to attend it next year!