Heading to Mexico for some R&R would make sense to most people. Images of cruises, beaches, vibrant colors and top grade Tequila would all come to mind, as would resorts with pools and swim up bars. You may not think of Mexico in the wellness travel escape category, however, particularly Puerto Vallarta.

While I didn’t spend a whole lotta time this past trip meditating, doing yoga or even taking in the area’s spa culture, I did spend a lot of time on the water. I also learned some interesting quirky facts about Mexico that we can learn from — I’ve love to return to Mexico for a solely focused wellness trip at some point in the future.

1. Chocolate and Chillies

Did you know that Mexico introduced chocolate, chillies and corn to the world? I did not. Chocolate was discovered in Mexico and was made by the Meso-American people into a sweet beverage using natural sweeteners. The word ‘chocolate’ derives from the language of the Aztecs, Náhuatl (xocolatl : xoco, bitter + atl, water). Ixcacao is the Mayan Goddess of chocolate. Corn (Zea maiz) was first cultivated in central Mexico. Most chillies come from Mexico, the word derived from the Náhuatl word chilli. Vanilla and red tomatoes are also on that list apparently.

Chocolate is made from tropical The obroma cacao tree seeds and its earliest use dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. It has antioxidant benefits, and in some studies, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, prevent cognitive decline and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.

2. Bio-Diversity

I also didn’t know that Mexico is one of the World’s Top 5 most bio-diverse nations on Earth. More than 30,000 plant species, 1,000 bird species, and 1,500 mammal, reptile, and amphibian species are native to Mexico. They cherish nature and it shows, particularly when you talk to an elder. On your next trip, get into listening mode and you’ll be surprised by what you take away.

3. A Commitment to More Women in Politics

Last year, Mexico approved a political reform package that, among other things, includes new measures aimed to ensure the greater participation of women in politics. The law now requires gender parity, which means that at least 50% of the candidates fielded by a political party in either federal or state legislative elections must be female. More details at https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/mexico-seeks-to-empower-women-politics

4. Healthy Eating

They care about what they eat and that it remains as natural as possible. Last year, opponents of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) claimed victory after Mexico’s Supreme Court blockeda move that would allow the cultivation of GMO soy in the Mexican states of Campeche and Yucatan. In a separate appeals court decision, a federal judge upheld a 2013 ruling that barred companies such as Monsanto and DuPont/Pioneer from planting or selling their GMO corn within the country’s borders. Bravo!

Additionally, in the west, far too many people are consuming a diet that is detrimental to our spiritual growth. Fast food, sodas, microwave dinners, sugars are negatively impacting our health. Our bodies are designed for our blood pH balance to be between 7.35-7.45. Too much acid in the blood causes imbalance and eventually, diseases and further calcification of the pineal gland. Whenever you eat something that is incomplete (not wholesome) and acidic, your body has to pull the nutrients out of your body’s minerals to try to neutralize the acidity.

A high level of spiritual growth through pineal gland decalcification can be gained by eating more alkaline foods which can help boost our energy levels, creativity and overall health. Many daily staples, including spices in Mexico fall into the positive alkaline list, such as Chili Pepper, Cinnamon, Curry, Ginger and Sea Salt. Below, I’m about to order a freshly cut coconut from Caesar’s Coconut Stand in Puerto Vallarta, which has been in business for three generations.

There’s also a lot of fresh fish in the oceans and when I was there, I was regularly ordering Ceviche, salads, tons of avocado, limes and cilantro.

5. Low Suicide Rates

Mexico is ranked fairly low on the suicide list globally, whereas countries with other high veggie and fish diets like Japan are ranked very high. While the rates did go up slightly in recent years, they’re still listed in the lower 25% of countries from around the world.

Renee Blodgett

Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.

She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.

Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.

Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.