by Debbie Hollihn
Updated on March 17, 2016
Article by:Thomas Byerson delishaby.com
You may think of chili as greasy and unhealthy but that just isn't true. Most of today's chili recipes are packed with nutrients that are good for you and chili can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The next time you need a reason to make chili, just come back here and read these reasons again. Because yes, eating chili can be healthy for you. So why not go find your favorite recipe and make a big pot of homemade chili as soon as you can?
1. Protein
The meat in your chili is an excellent source of protein and if you make your chili with beans, you have a great second source of it too. Even if you make vegetarian chili with beans, it can be a great source of protein.
You need fiber in your diet and the chilies, peppers, and beans in this dish are excellent sources of it. Fiber not only works to help keep you regular but it also slows the rate at which sugar is absorbed into your body.
If you're a diabetic, this will be really good for you because it keeps your blood glucose level from rising and falling too quickly.
3. Vitamin C
The peppers—even bell peppers—that go into chili are an excellent source of vitamin C and we all know that vitamin C is really good for your body.
The tomatoes and tomato paste that you use are also an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to improve your body's immune system and can work to help keep you healthy.
4. Iron
The iron in the beans in your chili is really good for you. A lot of people don't get enough iron in their daily diet.
5. Capsicum
I bet you didn't know this, but a big bowl of chili can help you lose weight. Yes, you read that right.
The capsicum found in the chilies and the peppers used to season your chili will raise your body's metabolic rate thereby raising heat production. Even sweet red peppers can do this. So what are you waiting for, go grab another bowl of that delicious homemade chili.
6. Endorphins and Serotonin
I bet you didn't know that chili can make you happy, did you? Chilies can cause your body's endorphin and serotonin levels to go up, sometimes significantly.
The capsicum is the trigger. This can make your mood better, making you feel better all around.
7. Reduces Sugar and Fat Cravings
The capsicum in the peppers and chilies can also help to lower your cravings for fatty and sweet foods. So go ahead! Tonight, make that big pot of chili and have a bowl or two.
8. Immune System Boost
The chilies and peppers are filled with vitamin A and vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system.
Vitamin A is really good for you during the cold and flu season.
9. Regulate Blood Sugar
Chili can help to regulate your body's blood sugar after you eat it since chili peppers can lower your body's sugar levels and the amount of insulin your body needs.
10. Clears Congestion
The capsicum in chilies increases mucous production, which can help to clear congestion. So the next time you feel a cold coming on, make a big pot of chili and enjoy several bowls because guess what? Chili and the ingredients in it are healthy for you.
As a seasoned culinary expert and nutrition enthusiast, my extensive knowledge in the field allows me to delve into the nutritional aspects of chili with authority. The article by Debbie Hollihn on delishaby.com, penned by Thomas Byerson, explores the health benefits of chili, and I'm here to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the concepts covered.
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Protein:
- The meat in chili serves as an excellent source of protein, a crucial macronutrient for various bodily functions.
- Beans, a common ingredient in chili, further contribute to the protein content, making it a versatile dish for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
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Fiber:
- Chili contains essential dietary fiber derived from ingredients like chilies, peppers, and beans.
- Fiber aids in maintaining regular bowel movements and regulates the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, offering benefits for diabetics.
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Vitamin C:
- Chilies, peppers, tomatoes, and tomato paste in chili are rich sources of vitamin C.
- Vitamin C supports the immune system and overall health, providing a compelling reason to incorporate chili into one's diet.
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Iron:
- Beans in chili contribute to the iron content, addressing a common dietary deficiency for many individuals.
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Capsicum:
- Capsicum, present in chilies and peppers, can elevate metabolic rate and heat production, potentially aiding in weight loss.
- The article suggests that even sweet red peppers can have this effect, making chili a flavorful and potentially beneficial addition to weight management efforts.
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Endorphins and Serotonin:
- Capsicum is identified as a trigger for increased endorphin and serotonin levels, suggesting that consuming chili can positively impact mood and well-being.
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Reduces Sugar and Fat Cravings:
- Capsicum's presence in peppers and chilies may help lower cravings for fatty and sweet foods, promoting healthier dietary choices.
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Immune System Boost:
- Chilies and peppers contain vitamin A and vitamin C, contributing to immune system support and overall health.
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Regulate Blood Sugar:
- Chili, particularly chili peppers, is suggested to help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the body's sugar levels and insulin requirements.
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Clears Congestion:
- Capsicum in chilies increases mucous production, potentially assisting in clearing congestion, making chili a comforting option during colds.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes that chili can be a nutritious and beneficial addition to one's diet, dispelling the misconception that it is greasy and unhealthy. The diverse array of ingredients in chili contributes to its nutritional profile, offering a range of health benefits beyond just being a flavorful dish.
