Nightshades are a group of plants that belong to the Solanaceae family. They are characterized by their distinctive nightshade flowers, which bloom at night, and their toxic alkaloids, which serve as a natural defense mechanism against herbivores. While some people are able to tolerate nightshades with no issues, others may experience adverse reactions. In this article, we will discuss all the reasons why nightshades may be bad for you and list all the foods that belong to this family.
- Alkaloids
Nightshades contain alkaloids, which are a type of chemical compound that can be toxic to humans. Some of the alkaloids found in nightshades include solanine, chaconine, and tomatine. While these compounds are typically found in small amounts, they can accumulate in the body over time and cause health problems.
Solanine, for example, is found in high levels in green potatoes and can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Chaconine, another alkaloid found in nightshades, can cause gastrointestinal distress and muscle weakness. Tomatine, which is found in green tomatoes, can also cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Inflammation
Nightshades contain compounds called glycoalkaloids, which can contribute to inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
- Digestive issues
For some people, nightshades can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This is because nightshades contain a type of carbohydrate called fructans, which can be difficult to digest for some people.
- Allergies
Some people may be allergic to nightshades, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing. Nightshade allergies are rare, but they can be serious.
- Autoimmune conditions
Nightshades contain a type of protein called lectins, which can contribute to autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriasis. Lectins are known to increase intestinal permeability, which can allow undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response.
- Migraines
For some people, nightshades can trigger migraines. This is because nightshades contain a compound called tyramine, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then dilate, leading to a migraine.
- Joint pain
Nightshades have been linked to joint pain, particularly in people with arthritis. While the exact mechanism behind this is unclear, it may be due to the inflammation and lectins found in nightshades.
Now that we have discussed all the reasons why nightshades may be bad for you, let’s take a look at all the foods that belong to this family:
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes (excluding sweet potatoes and yams)
- Peppers (all varieties, including bell peppers, chili peppers, and paprika)
- Eggplant
- Tomatillos
- Goji berries
- Ashwagandha (an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine)
- Tobacco (including cigarettes and chewing tobacco)
- Jimsonweed (a poisonous plant)
- Belladonna (a poisonous plant)
- Cape gooseberries (also known as ground cherries)
- Tamarillos (also known as tree tomatoes)
- Pepinos (also known as sweet cucumber or mellowfruit)
- Naranjillas (also known as lulo)
- Pimentos
Resources:
Nightshade Vegetables: How to Find Out If They’re Bad for You
