The peppadew is a kind of hot pepper, but it’s not very hot, ranking only 1,177 on the Scoville scale. This makes it a perfect choice for those who want to get all the nutritional benefits of peppers, but don’t like food that bites back.
The Potential Health Benefits of Capsaicin
The capsaicin (which makes hot peppers hot) is thought to be anti-inflammatory, making it a desirable ingredient in pain relievers that treat inflammatory conditions, such as headaches and arthritis. It may even have anti-cancer properties, but don’t go munching on hot peppers to cure your cancer. Always consult with a medical professional first.
Paleo and Autoimmune Protocol
Peppers can make for an excellent addition to our Paleo lifestyle for most of us, but they’re not friendly to everyone. Peppers are a member of the nightshade family and some people who are particularly sensitive to nightshades would be better off avoiding peppers. The best way to determine if you are sensitive is to eliminate all nightshades from your diet for about a month, then slowly reintroduce them and note how they make you feel.
If you can eat nightshades with impunity, Mark Sisson has an excellent post on what makes them a smart fuel.
