It's one of the last days of fall so I thought I'd share this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G Chunky Fall Chili I have played with over and over {and over} again this season. I've made it for friends and family and enjoyed having leftovers for days!
Leftovers, my friend, are a must and a total blessing during busy weeks and especially during the holidays.
In fact, I'd say this chili is better the second day as it has had more time to sit and marinate in all the spices.
Can we thrown in a hashtag here?
#drooling
My favorite part about this recipe is the cinnamon. That very spice is what makes this "fall" to me {and any other fall inspired recipe for that matter!}. Its sweet and warm flavor also adds a nutrient kick as cinnamon has some rather fabulous effects on our health...
- Cinnamon is anti-inflammatory, as it decreases the release of arachadonic acid (a polyunsaturated fatty acid) from cell membranes, lessening inflammation. And cinnamaldehyde, an organic compound that gives cinnamon its flavor and odor, is well known for it's ability to help prevent unwanted clumping of platelets through this same mechanism. This can help lower your risk for blood clots.
- It plays a beautiful role in lowering blood sugar by slowing digestion in the stomach, reducing the rise in blood sugar after a meal. Studies have shown that cinnamon can also stimulate insulin receptors on cells, significantly increasing cells' ability to use glucose.
- Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant, fighting free radical madness we allow in with food preservatives and rancid fats!
- The essential oil of cinnamon is known for its anti-microbial effects in the body as well as a natural food preservative.
Cinnamon is an absolute must in your nourishing diet. And it's pretty easy to get it in without having to take it in supplemental form. I love to add it to coffee {in fact, I use it everyday no matter what coffee/espresso creation I am sipping on}, smoothies, baked goods and of course, my Chunky Fall Chili!
Winter is literally days away, but I think the Fall bounty deserves one last HURRAH!
May you be warm and nourished!
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