What is Grains of Paradise Extract?
Grains of paradise is a plant related to ginger, its seeds used as a spice and as medicine – but grains of paradise should not be confused with capsicum (both are referred to as “grains of paradise”). It’s also often used to treat conditions such as diarrhea, heart disease, obesity and many more, but there is still a great deal of scientific evidence and study to be done in this area.
Within the grains of paradise, researchers have identified several components inside the seeds of the pungent spice that impart a powerful flavor and aroma to foods, but which are also responsible for the fat-fighting abilities of the spice. These compounds include:
- 6-paradol
- 6-gingerdione
- 6-gingerol
- 6-shogaol
This brings us to grains of paradise seed extract, also known as paradoxine. The metabolic benefits of this extract have been confirmed in numerous human clinical trials, and investigators found that intake of 30 milligrams of paradise seed extract resulted in a 97 calorie-per-day increase in rate of metabolism.
What’s more, the extract has been shown to activate brown adipose tissue and increase whole-body energy expenditure in men (x).
With those basics out of the way, we’re going to, in this article, look at such related topics as grains of paradise extract uses, grains of paradise extract powder, grains of paradise extract benefits, grains of paradise extract side effects and grains of paradise extract for fitness.
Grains of Paradise Extract Uses
We touched on this a bit above, but there are a few reasons why people supplement with the grains, including to improve digestion, increase energy expenditure and increase fat loss. The most recent research indicates that supplementing with it can provide body re-composition benefits without impacting the cardiovascular system and improve lipid levels and glucose metabolism.
How Grains of Paradise Can Help Improve Energy Expenditure and Boost Weight Loss
There are two types of fat inside the human body, white adipose tissue and brown adipose tissue. Paradoxine works by converting white fat into brown fat; brown fat is actually a specialized fat depot that can increase energy expenditure and produce heat, and research shows that it utilizes blood glucose and lipid levels to improve the aforementioned glucose metabolism. [Kim SH, Plutzky J; “Brown Fat and Browning for the Treatment of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders”; Diabetes & Metabolism Journal. 2016;40(1):12-21; Sugita, J., Yoneshiro, T., et al; “Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) extract activates brown adipose tissue and increases whole-body energy expenditure in men”; British Journal of Nutrition; (2013) 110(4), pp. 733–738]
Using the Extract for Fitness
Grains of paradise contain bioactive chemicals that are believed to bring with them health benefits, including specific uses for pre-workout supplementation such as:
- Boosting Metabolism – It has been shown to increase fat loss by improving energy expenditure.
- Reducing Inflammation – Its seeds and fruits have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties. The bioactive ingredients also demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory activity in animal studies by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and expression of pro-inflammatory genes. (x)
Okay, so let’s recap a bit; research investigating the health effects of it have identified several potential pre-workout benefits such as:
- Anti-obesity effects
- Anti-diabetic effects
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Anti-hypersensitive activity
These effects have been confirmed by a number of athletes, notably those involved in bodybuilding and sports, who used the grains as part of a pre-workout formula or stack for improving body composition and workout endurance – in stark contrast to the coveted muscle-enhancing benefits of typical pre and post-workout supplements such as creatine, carnitine and BCAA.
Further, casual organic supplement enthusiasts have also used the grains of paradise seeds as a way of minimizing the development of obesity and cardiovascular complications.
Clinical study information can be found here and here.
Grains of Paradise Extract Benefits
Some of what we’ll cover in this section has been touched on previously, but what’s important to note is that the seeds of grains of paradise, some believe, boast aphrodisiac, digestive and “good luck” properties – in fact, in some diets, black pepper is replaced by the grains because it’s less harsh on the digestive system.
Bulk Supplements Fun Fact: In Africa, some people will chew on the grains to warm themselves up when feeling cold, and also use them in divination rituals.
The following are a few of grains of paradise extract’s health benefits.
- Antimicrobial Properties – The seed extract of grains of paradise contains antimicrobial properties due to its constituents of phenolic compounds, normally used as disinfectants. Several scientific researchers have revealed that Aframomum melegueta extract is broad spectrum, and has an inhibitory effect on the growth of bacteria like Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia. It’s often recommended that it be used on a daily basis in order to see benefits.
- Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders – The seed extract of grains of paradise can be used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach pain, diarrhea, ulcer and intestinal worms.
- Wound Healing – The seeds are often crushed and used for preparing brews for treating and healing wounds; this consists of a high amount of tannin that is distinguished by its stringent property and, as such, is very effective for treating burns and calming inflamed mucous membranes.
- Anti-Oxidizing Properties – Grains of paradise seeds are an excellent source of phytonutrients such as terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin and phenolic compounds; they search for free radicals and offer protections against viruses, allergens, microbes, platelet aggregation, tumors, ulcers and hepato toxins in the body.
- Dermatological Care – It can be used for preparing herbal remedy for treating infectious skin diseases such as measles, chickenpox and smallpox.
Additional benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Analgesic properties
- Digestive properties
- Stimulating properties
- Malaria treatment
- Aphrodisiac properties
Grains of Paradise Side Effects
It might be safe for most adults; however, they can cause irritation of the stomach, intestine and urinary system. Because not enough is known about the use of it during pregnancy and breast-feeding, it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid use. (x)
Bottom Line
Grains of paradise is a plant related to ginger, its seeds used as a spice and as medicine – but it should not be confused with capsicum (both are referred to as “grains of paradise”). It’s also often used to treat conditions such as diarrhea, heart disease, obesity and many more, but there is still a great deal of scientific evidence and study to be done in this area.
Researchers have identified several components inside the seeds of the pungent spice that impart a powerful flavor and aroma to foods, but which are also responsible for the fat-fighting abilities of the spice. These compounds include:
- 6-paradol
- 6-gingerdione
- 6-gingerol
- 6-shogaol
Grains of paradise seed extract is also known as paradoxine, and the metabolic benefits of this extract have been confirmed in numerous human clinical trials; investigators have found that intake of 30 milligrams of paradise seed extract resulted in a 97 calorie-per-day increase in rate of metabolism.
What’s more, the extract has been shown to activate brown adipose tissue and increase whole-body energy expenditure in men.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.