Adding Spice to your Meals and Your Health

Sometimes you can get huge benefits from small changes. For example, a recent study suggests you can reduce the risk of heart disease by eating chile peppers.

Chile peppers are a common ingredient in the Mediterranean diet but may be more important than previously considered. In a study of almost 23,000 men and women, regular consumption of chile peppers was associated with a lower risk of total death and death from heart disease independent of cardiovascular risk factors or adherence to a Mediterranean diet.

The benefits of eating chile peppers have been ascribed to capsaicin, its major pungent compound. Capsaicin can improve cardiovascular function and metabolic regulation and exert anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but the exact beneficial action remains unknown, and none of the biological mechanisms tested could explain the health benefits. However, it is not unusual in medicine for the benefits of a substance to precede understanding how it works. For example, the health benefits of penicillin were known long before we understood how it killed bacteria.

Speaking of heart disease, I was surprised to learn recently that half of individuals in the U.S. are unaware of the constellation of common signs and symptoms of a heart attack. That’s unfortunate; prompt recognition is critical to seeking emergency care that can save a life. Delay in seeking help increases the risk of dying.

So, remember the big five: 1) chest pain or discomfort, 2) shortness of breath, 3) pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder, 4) feeling weak, faint, or lightheaded, and 5) jaw, neck, or back pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 and seek medical aid promptly. (Of course, several of these also could be indications of COVID-19.) Shortness of breath, weakness, or lightheadedness accompanied by fever may be sign of viral infection.

Don’t forget: moderation in all things, including moderation.

Don’t miss “Your Weekly Checkup” by Dr. Douglas Zipes for updates on medical breakthroughs and advice on healthy living at saturdayeveningpost.com/checkup.

This article is featured in the July/August 2020 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. Subscribe to the magazine for more art, inspiring stories, fiction, humor, and features from our archives.

Featured image: Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock

Chili: America’s Super Bowl

Emeril's Chuck Wagon Chili
Emeril’s Chuck Wagon Chili (Photo courtesy Emeril’s Homebase)

America is a nation of chili heads. It’s a long-standing and storied love affair. When working on a film in Italy, chili-craving Elizabeth Taylor ordered 20 quarts of her favorite recipe from LA’s legendary Chasen’s restaurant flown to her in Rome — at $100 a bowl. After moving to Washington, D.C., Lyndon Johnson couldn’t find good chili, so he filled his kitchen shelves with canned Texas chili to survive the chili drought. Humorist Will Rogers once said he judged a town by the chili it served.

So passionate are chili lovers that they began putting recipes to the taste test in chili cook-offs across the nation. One of the oldest, the Chili Appreciation Society International Championship Contest still holds its annual cook-off in the tiny town of Terlingua, Texas, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

Seems everyone has a favorite, including Emeril Lagasse. We invited the longtime football fan to share his Kickin’ Chili recipe and pre-game strategy for throwing a stress-free party.

“At my house, game day is an open invitation for my friends and family,” Emeril says. “The key to entertaining at home is prior planning, so everything goes smoothly. Cook and prep what you can in advance. On game day, heat up the chili, serve with a spread of toppings, and let guests build their own bowls.” Game on!

Emeril’s Kickin’ Chili

Recipe courtesy of Emeril’s Homebase

Emeril's Kickin' Chili
Emeril’s Kickin’ Chili (Photo courtesy Emeril’s Homebase)

(Makes 4 quarts or about 16 servings)

Ingredients

Garnishes:

Directions


Per Serving


Recipe courtesy of Emeril’s Homebase

Emeril's Navy Bean and Chicken Chili
Emeril’s Navy Bean and Chicken Chili (Photo courtesy Emeril’s Homebase)

(Makes 6 servings)

Ingredients

Garnishes:

Directions


Per Serving


Emeril’s Chuck Wagon Chili for Slow Cooker

Recipe courtesy of Emeril’s Homebase

Emeril's Chuck Wagon Chili
Emeril’s Chuck Wagon Chili (Photo courtesy Emeril’s Homebase)

(Makes 12 cups)

Ingredients

Garnishes:

Directions


Note: Optional sour cream and cheddar cheese not included in final calculation below.
 
Per Serving


A ‘Two-Spicy’ Chili by 48th Annual Terlingua International Chili Champion Jason Goins

2014 TICC chili champion, Jason Goins
2014 TICC chili champion, Jason Goins

Ingredients

1st Spice Mix:

2nd Spice Mix:

Directions

Brown chili grind, drain off grease. Add beef broth, tomato sauce, and 1st spice mix.

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 50 minutes, then add 2nd spice mix and simmer for 30 minutes.

During this time if liquid is needed you may use more beef broth, also salt and heat can be adjusted to your liking by adding table salt and cayenne powder.