Answer: Yes, cayenne pepper is keto-friendly. Despite its high carbohydrate content, the net carbs are relatively low due to its high fiber content.
Cayenne pepper can be a great addition to a ketogenic diet for a few reasons:
- Low in Net Carbs: Although cayenne pepper contains 56.63g of total carbohydrates per 100g, it is high in dietary fiber (27.2g), resulting in a net carb amount of 29.43g. Net carbs are the total carbs minus the dietary fiber, which is the carb count that matters on a keto diet.
- High in Healthy Fats: Cayenne pepper contains 17.27g of total fat, including 3.26g of saturated fat. Fats are a crucial part of the keto diet as they constitute the majority of the daily calorie intake.
- Zero Cholesterol and Low Sodium: With 0mg of cholesterol and only 30mg of sodium, cayenne pepper is a heart-friendly choice. Keeping sodium low is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
- Rich in Protein: At 12.01g of protein per 100g, cayenne pepper can contribute to meeting your daily protein needs on a keto diet.
- High in Potassium: Cayenne pepper is an excellent source of potassium, providing 2014mg per 100g. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps balance electrolytes in the body, a critical aspect of following a keto diet safely and effectively.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size100g
- Amount Per ServingCalories318
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
17.27g
27%
- Saturated Fat 3.26g 17%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 30mg 2%
- Potassium 2014mg 58%
- Total Carbohydrate
56.63g
19%
- Dietary Fiber 27.2g 109%
- Sugars 10.34g
- Protein 12.01g 25%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.