Guajillo peppers can be an excellent way to add a little spice to your Paleo diet. Not only are they plants (and thus should be included in your diet), but they contain a number of nutrients, in addition to a compound called capsaicin. Capsaicin is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties, and as a result, helps relieve the pain from headaches and arthritis, both inflammatory conditions.
Paleo and Inflammation
Trying to avoid chronic inflammation is an important part of a Paleo lifestyle. While inflammation is a normal part of life (for example, after a hard workout, when the body is trying to repair and build new muscle) chronically high inflammation can lead to a host of health problems. It has been linked with heart disease, chronic conditions such as diabetes, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The fact that they tend to promote inflammation is a big reason for us to stay away from grains and legumes and eat more inflammation-fighting foods, particularly plants.
Paleo and Autoimmune Protocol
There is a down side to peppers, though: they are a member of the nightshade family. Although this isn’t a problem for many of us, some people do find that they are sensitive to nightshades, leading to uncomfortable digestive issues as well as numerous other health problems. The best way to determine if you might have a problem with nightshades is to eliminate them from your diet for about a month, then slowly reintroduce them and take note of how they make you feel. If you feel fine, you’re in the clear, if you notice that they cause you problems, you might want to stay away from them from now on.
For more reasons to consume hot peppers, Mike Sisson lists them as a smart fuel.
