Warm up to Hearty & Healthy Chili This Winter
As the mercury dips, our bodies naturally crave warmer, comforting foods. Just because something is comforting doesn’t mean it can’t be nutritious. A supper staple of the season, chili is a hearty dish loaded with nutrients and perfect on a winter’s night. Here are some of the health benefits of this tasty type of stew.
Packs a Nutritious Punch
Did you know that one cup of chili provides nearly 20% of your daily recommended intake of iron, as well as significant amounts of potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E? This food is also a good source of fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system.
May Help You Pare Pounds
While chili isn’t low in calories it’s very filling. That means you’re likely to eat less overall if you have this satisfying stew for a meal. As an added bonus, the capsaicin in chili peppers has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce appetite.
Fights Inflammation
Antioxidant-rich chili peppers can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Because chronic inflammation has been linked to various diseases like heart disease and cancer, eating chili on a regular basis could help lower your risk of developing these conditions in the future.
Serve This One up Tonight
This healthy & hearty beef chili recipe comes from maxliving:
INGREDIENTS
1 lb beef or bison grass-fed
1 small onion organic, chopped
1 can crushed tomatoes organic
1 can kidney beans organic
1-2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin ground
½-1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 chipotle peppers chopped (optional)
½ cup raw cheddar cheese organic, grated
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks.
2. Drain off the fat and add the chopped onion.
3. Continue cooking and stirring until the onion is translucent. Add the remaining ingredients (adjust spices to your liking) and bring to a slow boil.
4. Reduce heat to warm/simmer, cover, and let chili simmer for at least one hour.
5. Serve in a bowl with cheddar cheese, or as part of your favorite chili-based recipe.
So go ahead and enjoy a hearty and nourishing bowl of this spicy stew—your body and tastebuds will thank you for it!