Chili is a family favorite and great for casual entertaining. It's nice to know that this dish, easy to prepare and fun to make on weekends for quick meals-on-the-go during the week, can also be a really healthy choice. When you follow a black bean beef chili recipe, you create a meal packed with nutrition.
Black beans are native to North and South America, but are now found all over the world. They are small, tasty legumes with many health benefits. They are packed with minerals, phytonutrients, bioflavanoids, and fiber. They are considered 'good carbs', being lower on the glycemic scale than many other legumes.
Although almost three-quarters of the calories in these beans come from carbohydrates, they are still ranked low among foods that affect blood sugar levels. Their carbohydrates are called 'resistant', since they are hard to digest. For this reason, they don't raise blood glucose levels and cause an insulin spike. However, the carbohydrates do break down in the large intestine, making them a good overall source of nutrition. They also have lots of fiber, which is important for colon health and efficient digestion.
Several highly beneficial phytonutrients are found in the bean's seedcoat. The flavanoid content, which gives the deep, dark color, is similar to red onions, red cabbage, and blueberries. Black beans also contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins and quercetin, benficial for eye health and immunity against allergens. The beans are known to lower 'bad' cholesterol.
Beans in general are a good source of minerals and protein. This particular variety of legume is considered a valuable source of zinc, which is necessary for everyone and especially valuable for men. Black beans, like other kinds of seeds, do contain phytates, which can bind minerals and make them hard to absorb, but research shows that the zinc in these beans is boiavailable. Phytates are believed to have an antioxidant action in the body, as well.
You may already have a favorite chili recipe. Simply substitute these small, nutritious beans for the usual red kidneys, whites, or pintos. You can use canned (organic are readily available) or dried beans. Dried ones should be rinsed, culled, and pre-soaked. You can cover them with cold water and let them stand overnight or you can bring them to a boil and simmer until tender. Discarding the soaking water will reduce the gassy effect, although you can use this liquid if you want; some believe that nutrients are lost if the soaking water is discarded.
Great chili starts with sauteed onions and well browned beef, either ground or cut into cubes. Add pre-soaked or canned beans, garlic, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their liquid. Add chili powder (try organic for stronger, fresher flavor), cumin, oregano, salt, and any other seasonings you like. It's best to wait until serving to add black pepper, to preserve its antioxidant value. Add fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and/or sour cream before serving, if you like.
You can also enjoy the healthy black bean in soups, dips, tacos, and salads. This is an easy way to boost nutrition in your daily diet.
Black beans are native to North and South America, but are now found all over the world. They are small, tasty legumes with many health benefits. They are packed with minerals, phytonutrients, bioflavanoids, and fiber. They are considered 'good carbs', being lower on the glycemic scale than many other legumes.
Although almost three-quarters of the calories in these beans come from carbohydrates, they are still ranked low among foods that affect blood sugar levels. Their carbohydrates are called 'resistant', since they are hard to digest. For this reason, they don't raise blood glucose levels and cause an insulin spike. However, the carbohydrates do break down in the large intestine, making them a good overall source of nutrition. They also have lots of fiber, which is important for colon health and efficient digestion.
Several highly beneficial phytonutrients are found in the bean's seedcoat. The flavanoid content, which gives the deep, dark color, is similar to red onions, red cabbage, and blueberries. Black beans also contain antioxidants such as anthocyanins and quercetin, benficial for eye health and immunity against allergens. The beans are known to lower 'bad' cholesterol.
Beans in general are a good source of minerals and protein. This particular variety of legume is considered a valuable source of zinc, which is necessary for everyone and especially valuable for men. Black beans, like other kinds of seeds, do contain phytates, which can bind minerals and make them hard to absorb, but research shows that the zinc in these beans is boiavailable. Phytates are believed to have an antioxidant action in the body, as well.
You may already have a favorite chili recipe. Simply substitute these small, nutritious beans for the usual red kidneys, whites, or pintos. You can use canned (organic are readily available) or dried beans. Dried ones should be rinsed, culled, and pre-soaked. You can cover them with cold water and let them stand overnight or you can bring them to a boil and simmer until tender. Discarding the soaking water will reduce the gassy effect, although you can use this liquid if you want; some believe that nutrients are lost if the soaking water is discarded.
Great chili starts with sauteed onions and well browned beef, either ground or cut into cubes. Add pre-soaked or canned beans, garlic, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their liquid. Add chili powder (try organic for stronger, fresher flavor), cumin, oregano, salt, and any other seasonings you like. It's best to wait until serving to add black pepper, to preserve its antioxidant value. Add fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and/or sour cream before serving, if you like.
You can also enjoy the healthy black bean in soups, dips, tacos, and salads. This is an easy way to boost nutrition in your daily diet.
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