Nutrient Analysis of Chili

Chili is a delicious stew that originated in the southern United States, but now is popular around the world. Traditionally, this food is made with ground beef, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, and a variety of herbs and spices. However, in some cases it can include ground pork, rice, or even spaghetti! Like other foods, it is important to understand how healthy chili is for you before adding it to your menu. Be sure to consult with your physician if you have any chronic health conditions to make sure it is an appropriate food for you.

Dietary Protein

As chili contains a high amount of meat in the form of ground beef, it should be of no surprise that the protein content of most chili is quite high. Protein is needed by your body not only to maintain muscle mass, but also to keep your hair, skin, and nails healthy and strong. Most people need about a gram of protein per kilogram of body weight-however, injuries or illness may affect how much protein is right for you. Individuals currently suffering from an infection are usually required to increase their protein intake, while those suffering from kidney disease must limit the amount that they consume. One serving of chili, which is usually around one cup of the cooked product, contains around 15 grams of dietary protein.

Dietary Fat

Depending on the type of meat that is being used in the creation of the chili, the fat content of this tasty meal can vary quite dramatically. Chilis that are made with ground beef are often much higher in dietary fat than those made with ground pork, chicken, or turkey. Ground bison is another ingredient that is growing in popularity as an addition to chili, due both to its similarity to ground beef, as well as to its low fat content. Ground bison can be found in the meat section of most larger grocery chains.

Dietary Fiber

Fiber, which is a component of dietary carbohydrate, is growing in popularity due to its numerous health benefits. Fiber has been found not only to be effective in the management of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and other chronic health conditions, but can actually aid in the promotion of weight loss. Many of the ingredients in chili, such as onions, celery, and beans are quite high in dietary fiber. Some individuals-such as those who recently have undergone gastric bypass surgery or are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome-may be counseled to keep their fiber intake low to prevent gastrointestinal irritation.

Dietary Sodium

Finally, most individuals today are aware of the risks associated with excessive dietary sodium consumption. While the elderly and those with chronic conditions may be most at risk when it comes to high amounts of sodium, limiting the use of this condiment at an early age can prevent the development of certain diseases later in life. Limiting the amount of salt that is added to chili and using tomatoes with no added salt can keep sodium intake in check.


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