Message #15017

[Jitendra Hy-do-u-no-us?]

Kristie Leong M.D., Yahoo Contributor Network
Mar 15, 2010 "Share your voice on Yahoo websites. Start Here.".
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Blood Sugar Control
chili's
Carotenoids
Tumeric
Lower Blood Sugar
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A bowl of hot chili is the ultimate comfort food. Some people think that something that tastes so good couldn't possibly be good for you. Not so with chili. If you make at home, chili can be a nutritious dish that also satisfies the soul. Here are the some of the health benefits of eating chili.
Health Benefits of Chili: It's Heart Healthy

Can chili possibly be heart healthy?  First, there's the fiber. The average bowl of chili has around ten grams of fiber - thanks to the beans it contains. That's more than a third of a day's fiber requirement in one tasty cup.  You can also make chili without any meat at all - and it still tastes great.

Benefits of Eating Chili: Protection Against Cancer?

Chili may help to ward off cancer thanks to the lycopene-rich tomatoes it contains. Lycopenes are a good source of carotenoids - the same group of natural plant chemicals that make carrots and pumpkin such a healthy choice. Carotenoids are strong antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that may protect against certain types of cancer. A piping hot bowl of chili offers one of the best ways to get lycopenes since the tomatoes are cooked which makes them more easily processed by the body.

Health Benefits of Chili: Better Blood Sugar Control

A steaming serving of chili will help to keep your blood sugars under control if you add chopped onions. Onions are a good source of the trace mineral chromium that helps the body process insulin better. Onions also contain allyl propyl disulfide - another natural chemical that helps to lower blood sugar levels. All that fiber doesn't hurt either. Chili is a good choice for diabetics.

How to Get the Health Benefits of Eating Chili

To push the health value of a bowl of chili up a notch, throw in some red and green peppers which are good sources of vitamin C. When you add chili powder, sprinkle in some tumeric too. Not only will it add additional flavor, but you'll get the anti-inflammatory benefits inherent to this spice. Whatever you do, don't turn a healthy bowl of chili into a decadent splurge by adding a dollop of sour cream and sprinkles of cheese. If you need a topping, choose low fat sour cream or low fat yogurt instead. Go light on the salt too. Who needs more sodium?