Nightshade-Free AIP Chili Recipe (Paleo, Whole30) (2024)

FAQs

Is paleo nightshade free? ›

Certain foods in the nightshade family, like cayenne, chilis, and white potatoes, to name just a few, are temporarily eliminated on the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol. But why is that? To put it a little more science-y, nightshades contain one or more lectin, saponin, and capsaicin properties.

How to sub it: Use vegetables such as zucchini and yellow squash instead of bell peppers or eggplant and safe seasonings like ground ginger instead of spicy peppers and pepper-based seasonings.

Garlic. Another food I recommend you add to your AIP diet is garlic. Garlic is a prebiotic, so it feeds good bacteria in your gut. This can be helpful if you're suffering from an autoimmune disease because your gut and your immune system link together.

Well, yes, it is a pod-like fruit and considered part of the legume family … but when we talk about tamarind in the AIP world, we're just talking about the pulp of the outer pod that's made into tamarind paste – that IS compliant.

The most common edible nightshades are the tomato, potato, eggplant, bell pepper and chili pepper. Some diets claim that nightshades are inflammatory and should be avoided. This idea is rooted in the fact that nightshades are a large family of plants that contain a chemical compound called alkaloids.

The strongest case is that they may increase intestinal permeability and raise risk for autoimmune disease. However, this is mainly based on animal studies and tend to focus on high doses of nightshade chemicals rather than whole foods.

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a completely natural healing spice. You'll find more this article about how it can be helpful in arthritis management, skin conditions, and more. They're nut free, grain free, and totally AIP and paleo.

First, a list of AIP herbs and spices you probably already know and don't need much explanation. You can still use basil, bay leaves, chives, cilantro/coriander leaves, cinnamon, cloves, dill weed, garlic, ginger, onion powder, parsley, mints, marjoram, rosemary, sage, thyme, and vanilla bean.

oils (avocado, coconut and olive oil are permitted) processed food, preservatives and additives. spices derived from peppers and seeds, such as paprika and coriander. sugars and artificial sweeteners (honey or maple used sparingly is permitted)

You should also avoid certain medications during this phase, namely non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen. So what should you eat? The diet focuses on eating fresh produce. You can also eat meat and fish, bone broth, avocado, honey, vinegars, fresh herbs, sweet potatoes, and more.

Is balsamic vinegar ok on an AIP diet? ›

The perfect salad dressing for those following the Paleo or Auto Immune Protocol Diet.

Pickles: Probiotic foods are an essential part of Paleo and the AIP, but most pickles you buy in a jar off the shelf are simply brined, not fermented (meaning they don't have any probiotics). Cucumbers are what everyone thinks of when they hear the word “pickles”, but you can pickle just about anything.

Examples of foods you can eat while on the AIP diet include: Vegetables that aren't nightshade vegetables like cucumbers, spinach, sweet potatoes and zucchini.

The reason you may want to occasionally limit nightshade vegetables, however, is due to their alkaloid and lectin content. Alkaloids and lectins are groups of chemical compounds that act as nightshades' natural “pesticides” to give them protection from pests.

Adopting a deadly nightshade-free diet can be a beneficial choice for individuals experiencing symptoms of intolerance or inflammation. While nightshade vegetables are nutrient-dense and can be a healthy part of a balanced diet for most people, they may cause discomfort and aggravate certain conditions for others.

Nightshade Intolerance (or Allergy): Effects and Food Ideas.

The bottom line. It's OK to add nightshade vegetables to your anti-inflammatory diet. Unless you eat huge quantities of green potatoes, they don't contain enough solanine to make you sick. And evidence to date does not support a link between nightshades and inflammation.