Not only is it an emblem of national cuisine, but it is also a super ingredient proven to have thousands of benefits beyond giving our food that unique touch.

If you think that chili only burns your mouth, you might be surprised because it also burns calories. According to recent research, capsaicin, the substance that makes chiles like habanero, jalapeño, and serrano spicy, can stimulate metabolism and help you burn fat. These results show that the strong effect of most chiles on the body results in weight loss. Chili has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for millennia; in fact, it was from here that it started to be exported to Asia, leading to its appearance in kitchens like the Thai one, which also holds it in high regard. In Japan, it is associated with respiratory improvements and is a very good assistant for asthma and bronchitis problems. According to a study from the University of Oklahoma, consuming chili speeds up metabolism for about four hours after consumption, which means that if we combine this type of food with exercise, we will achieve double calorie burn. In addition, chili has benefits for the human cardiovascular system, helping with the distribution of oxygen in the body, making it for these reasons an ideal complement for people who lead an active lifestyle. Green chili and habanero are rich in vitamins A and C. The dehydrated version has a higher vitamin A content, while the fresh one has more vitamin C. In fact, a fresh green chili can have up to six times the amount of vitamin C found in an orange or lemon. The characteristics of chiles also help dissolve clots in the bloodstream and aid digestion. Capsaicin, as a drug, is prescribed to treat wrinkles, heart problems, and facial tics. It also releases endorphins in the brain, promoting good mood and a positive disposition for those who consume it regularly. It turns out that chili, in any of its forms, whether chipotles or manzanos, dried or fresh, canned or freshly harvested, is beneficial for health on various levels. Of course, eating the part of the vein and the seeds brings greater benefits, so it’s worth continuing with our extensive tradition as lovers of spicy food and accompanying all our meals with a little salsa.

Recipes with Chili

Recipe for Chicken Breast with Chipotle Chili

Ingredients: - 1 stick of butter - 8 chicken breasts filleted - 1 can of chipotle chili - 1 can of cream - salt - pepper - garlic powder - 3 tomatoes - 1/2 lettuce - 1 cube of chicken broth - 1/2 kilo of yellow cheese Click here to see how to prepare this recipe.

Recipe for Tequila Shrimp with Tree Chili

Ingredients: - 16 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined - 10 tablespoons of honey - 2 tablespoons of chopped tree chili - 1/4 cup of 100% agave tequila - 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil - 4 cloves of garlic - salt to taste - pepper to taste To see the procedure for preparing this recipe click here.

Recipe for Rajas Tacos

Ingredients: - 10 poblano chiles in strips - 150 grams of chopped bacon - 1 kilo of chopped potatoes - 1 chopped onion - 1/2 kilo of ricotta cheese - 1 tablespoon of consommé Find the steps to prepare this recipe click here.

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