What Are They?

Facts About Nightshades

-From plant family Solanaceae which contains multiple genera and species - from toxic herbs to harmless vegetables

-Contain calcitriol and alkaloids

Alkaloids of note are solanine, capsaicin, and nicotine

1. Solanine* (found in potatoes), Tomatine (found in tomatoes)

Solanidine: an end product of solanine metabolism can be

damaging to the body and released in times of stress

2. Capsaicin** (found in hot peppers)

Anti-inflammatory properties, but also an irritant

3. Nicotine (found in tobacco)

Avoiding tobacco does not mean avoiding all nicotine

Nicotine is found in all parts of nightshade vegetables

*Solanine is an alkaloid combined with a sugar.

Solanine is more concentrated in the green part of a plant - watch out for potatoes starting to sprout and fried green tomatoes!

**Capsaicin releases the neuropeptide substance P which plays a part in pain sensation. This explains why when you eat something with hot peppers, the 5th bite is not as shocking as the 1st.

If you are someone who suffers from arthritis or an inflammatory condition (fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease [Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis], Hashimoto's, gout, etc.) try reducing/eliminating nightshades from your diet and see if that makes a difference!

Source:

Boldt, Ethan. "What Are Nightshade Vegetables? How to Find Out If You Are Sensitive to Them?" Dr. Axe Food Is Medicine, 25 Apr. 2018, draxe.com/nightshade-vegetables/.

For more information click on the following link:
https://www.eathealthyandbehealthier.com/eat-healthy-and-be-healthier-1/2019/04/01/a-book-review-of-food-what-the-heck-should-i-eat-by-mark-hyman-md