The Top 10 Healthy Reasons to Eat Chili (2024)

by Debbie Hollihn

Updated on March 17, 2016

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.

2. Fiber

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

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.

The Top 10 Healthy Reasons to Eat Chili (2024)

FAQs

The Top 10 Healthy Reasons to Eat Chili? ›

Recent studies on chili peppers have focused on their beneficial functions as potential anti-tumor, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-obesity agents [8,9,10]. It has been documented that capsaicin can act as a potential agent for anti-obesity caused by adipogenesis of cells and oxidative stress [9].

What are the health benefits of chili? ›

Recent studies on chili peppers have focused on their beneficial functions as potential anti-tumor, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-obesity agents [8,9,10]. It has been documented that capsaicin can act as a potential agent for anti-obesity caused by adipogenesis of cells and oxidative stress [9].

Can chili be healthy for you? ›

In general, chili is seen as a healthy food since chili contains ingredients from key food groups. If you want to build a healthier bowl of beef chili, choose lean ground beef. Reducing the fat content in the meat is important for heart health and can lower your risk of developing diabetes.

Is it good to eat chili every day? ›

For people with weak bodies, stomach and colon diseases, gallstones or people who often Using medicine should not use chili in daily meals because fresh chili can directly affect the health of the patient.

Is chili a superfood? ›

Chili peppers have 108% of the daily Vitamin C requirements, per tablespoon. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps your body resist infectious agents and helps to eliminate cancer-causing radicals in your body. It also helps strengthen the integrity of your vessels, bones, organs and skin.

What can chili do to your body? ›

Eating chili peppers offers many health benefits, including improving your heart health, metabolism, and immune system. They also add spiciness, warmth, color, and flavor to your food. Experiment with different types of chilis to find the ones you enjoy eating and cooking with.

Does chilli detox the body? ›

Yes, it does cleanse your blood. According to the Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, chilli contains a compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin in chilli pepper possesses blood purification properties that help the body to get rid of toxins.

How much chili can you eat a day? ›

“In this study, we quantify that if chilli intake is more than 50 grams a day, it's associated with a cognitive poor cognition function," she says. "So the impact of eating chilli depends on the chilli intake and the amount consumed.”

Is chili good for iron? ›

Chillies, especially red chillies, contain large amounts of vitamin C and small amounts of carotene (provitamin A). They are also a good source of most B vitamins. In addition, they are very high in potassium, magnesium, and iron.

Is chili good for diabetics? ›

As an added bonus, the tomatoes in chili are a great source of antioxidants like carotenoids, which are associated with a decreased risk of type 2 diabetes (source). Here's my favorite healthy Turkey Chili Recipe and check out our other healthy chili recipes!

Does chili burn belly fat? ›

Chilli Pepper:

Intake of capsicum or chilli pepper may be related to the reduction of accumulated fat in the body. Also, capsicum might be valuable to promote the use of fat collected in the body. You can put capsicum in your foods and vegetable dishes to help in reducing fat in the belly.

Is chili good for the brain? ›

This finding is consistent with the results in a longitudinal cohort study of 4582 adults over 15 years9, which revealed that higher chili intake (> 50 g/day) was positively associated with lower cognitive scores (as measured by the global cognitive score and self-reported memory loss) compared with non-consumers of ...

Is chilli good for your gut? ›

Chilies also contain capsaicin, which is what gives them their heat. And the capsaicin is the source of a lot of other health benefits. Capsaicin may help to improve digestion by increasing the amount of digestive fluids in your stomach. It may also help fight bacterial infections.

Is chilli good for the liver? ›

Liver. Daily chilli consumption helps to repair liver damage and can stall the progression of liver fibrosis, according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver.

Why is chili healthy? ›

Chili can be healthy, with qualifiers. The iconic dish—typically made with ground meat, tomatoes, kidney beans, and seasonings—is packed with protein, fiber (thanks, beans!), and iron. This makes chili relatively healthy, provided you don't get too carried away with high-fat toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese.

Is chili anti-inflammatory? ›

Chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne and other dried chilies spice up sauces, marinades and rubs. Tip: Chilies can be hot, so start with just a dash or two. When trying a new spice, start small and add more after you've taste-tested your dish.

Is chilli good for your liver? ›

Liver. Daily chilli consumption helps to repair liver damage and can stall the progression of liver fibrosis, according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver.

Is chili good for heart health? ›

Chili peppers have shown some blood-thinning capabilities for treating high blood pressure and heart disease. The chemical that makes chili peppers hot, capsaicin, is even used as an ingredient in topical remedies to reduce pain and swelling and serve as an antiseptic.

References

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