Hearty High Fiber & Protein Chili For Skin, Gut & Hormone Balance + Are Beans Healthy?🫘🌶🍲

Slow Cooker Plant-Based Chili for Hormone, Gut, and Skin Health

When it comes to supporting your hormones, gut health, and glowing skin, few meals are as comforting and nourishing as a hearty bowl of plant-based chili. This slow cooker version is packed with colorful garden vegetables, fiber-rich beans, and hormone-balancing nutrients that help bring your body back into balance — all while being warm, cozy, and incredibly satisfying.

🌿 Nutrition at a Glance (per serving)

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: ~14 g

• Fiber: ~14 g

• Fat: ~5 g

• Carbohydrates: ~55 g

• Iron: ~20% DV

• Magnesium: ~25% DV

• Vitamin A: ~250% DV

• Vitamin C: ~60% DV

  
  

💚 Health Benefits for PCOS, Hormones, Gut & Skin Health

1. Supports Hormone Balance:The beans and lentils in this chili provide plant-based protein and fiber that stabilize blood sugar — a key factor in managing PCOS and hormonal imbalances. Balanced blood sugar helps reduce excess insulin, which can lower testosterone levels and support clearer skin and regular cycles.

2. Nourishes Gut Health: With fiber from beans, zucchini, carrots, and sweet potatoes, this meal acts like a prebiotic feast for your beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome supports hormone detoxification through the liver and promotes smoother digestion and less bloating.

3. Promotes Glowing Skin:Vibrant vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C. These nutrients fight inflammation and oxidative stress — two major contributors to acne and dull skin.

4. Liver and Detox Support:Your liver plays a huge role in hormone metabolism. The sulfur compounds in garlic and the antioxidants in tomatoes and bell peppers help support natural detoxification pathways — essential for balancing estrogen and clearing toxins that affect skin and energy.

5. Comforting Without the Crash:Unlike refined-carb comfort foods, this chili keeps you satisfied and energized for hours without spiking blood sugar. It’s the perfect hormone-friendly comfort meal for busy days.

🫘 Dry vs. Canned Beans: Which Is Better for Gut Health?

Both canned and dry beans are excellent plant-based protein sources — but when it comes to gut health and digestion, how you prepare them can make a big difference!

Canned beans are convenient and quick to use, but they can sometimes contain added salt, preservatives, or BPA from the can lining.

If you’re using canned beans, look for organic, low-sodium, and BPA-free options, and always rinse them thoroughly under cold water before adding them to your recipe. Rinsing removes excess sodium and some of the oligosaccharides (natural sugars) that can cause bloating or gas.

*Organic Dry beans, on the other hand, are the most nutrient-dense and budget-friendly option — but they need a little prep. Soaking and cooking beans from scratch helps reduce anti-nutrients like phytic acid and lectins, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and irritate the gut in sensitive individuals. Proper soaking also makes the beans softer, easier to digest, and gentler on your microbiome.

💧 How to Soak Beans for Better Digestion

Here’s a simple, traditional way to prepare dry beans for maximum gut support:

1. Rinse your beans thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.

2. Add them to a large bowl and cover with plenty of filtered water — about 3–4 times their volume.

3. Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional) — the acidity helps neutralize more antinutrients.

4. Soak for 8–12 hours or overnight at room temperature.

5. Drain and rinse the beans well before cooking in fresh water.

6. Cook until tender, skimming off any foam that forms on top Or Add to Slowcooker

This simple step transforms beans into a gut-friendly, hormone-supportive superfood — helping your body absorb more minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, while reducing bloating and digestive discomfort.

Soaked beans also help feed beneficial gut bacteria with soluble fiber and resistant starch, supporting long-term digestive and hormone health.

🌸 Final Thoughts

This slow cooker plant-based chili is more than just a cozy dinner — it’s a nourishing, hormone-balancing meal that supports your gut, clears your skin, and helps your body thrive naturally.

It’s proof that healing foods can be simple, colorful, and delicious!