scored 85/100
Also known as aframomum melegueta, melegueta pepper, alligator pepper, guinea grains
Grains of paradise are West African ginger-family seeds with a peppery, citrusy heat and the bioactive 6-paradol, studied for thermogenic effects.
0.6 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 85.
Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta), also called melegueta pepper or alligator pepper, are the reddish-brown seeds of a West African plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). They deliver a warm, peppery heat layered with citrus, cardamom, and ginger notes, and were historically traded across the Sahara and into medieval Europe as a prized substitute for black pepper. Their pungency comes from gingerol-family compounds, principally 6-paradol, along with 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol, which research associates with thermogenic activation of brown adipose tissue, modest metabolic and antioxidant effects, and anti-inflammatory activity. The seeds also carry aromatic terpenes and modest minerals. They season West African soups and stews (notably in Ghanaian and Nigerian cooking), flavor craft beers, aquavit, and spice blends, and are used whole or freshly ground. Compositional values for the seed are best-estimate, as USDA does not publish a profile.
6-Paradol stimulates brown adipose tissue and increases energy expenditure via TRP-channel and sympathetic activation
Paradol and gingerol compounds inhibit inflammatory enzymes and scavenge free radicals, paralleling ginger's actions
Pungent gingerol-family compounds stimulate digestive secretions and gastric motility
The thermogenic and aromatic compounds have no circadian dependency.
Fasting-compatible
Used in small culinary amounts; fasting-compatible.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower grains of paradise is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Grains of Paradise is classified as a herbs & spices. Grains of paradise are West African ginger-family seeds with a peppery, citrusy heat and the bioactive 6-paradol, studied for thermogenic effects.
Grains of Paradise scores 85/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Manganese, Copper, Iron. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.2 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.6 g of fiber (~2% of the 28 g daily value).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.6 g of net carbs (1.2 g total minus 0.6 g fiber).
Best any time of day. The thermogenic and aromatic compounds have no circadian dependency.
A typical serving is around 2 g (~7 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating grains of paradise alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
Grains of Paradise pairs nicely with: Grind fresh just before use because the pungent oils dissipate quickly once cracked; Pair with rich meats and stews where its peppery-citrus heat builds layered warmth.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients grains of paradise contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients grains of paradisecontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.