What makes something a nightshade

Lachman explains that if there does turn out to be any benefit in reducing nightshades, it would most likely be for those with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions like arthritis, psoriasis and possibly inflammatory bowel disease. However, just like any food, it is possible to be intolerant to them. If you think you have a sensitivity to nightshades, Lachman recommends cutting them out for a few weeks while keeping a close eye on symptoms to test for tolerance. Learn more about vaccine availability.

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But, actually, nightshades are a category of vegetables and fruits belonging to the Solanaceae family. What all nightshade foods have in common are alkaloids , nitrogen-containing substances that are found in the leaves, stems and edible parts of the plants. Sweet potatoes are among the foods that are commonly mistaken as nightshade vegetables, but they're not nightshades.

While nightshades offer a lot of beneficial nutrients, including antioxidants , some health professionals believe they contribute to inflammation in the body, and therefore, advise limiting or avoiding nightshades in the diet to reduce inflammation. However, more research is needed before any firm conclusions about such claims can be drawn.

Like lectins found in beans and grains, alkaloids are toxic in high amounts. But simply cooking these foods can significantly reduce the concentration and reduce any real cause for concern. If you know someone who is avoiding eggplant parm or french fries, they may be trying to reduce their intake of glykoalkaloids, the specific type of alkaloid found in nightshades — or to relieve symptoms of digestive distress. One of the most common reasons people avoid nightshades is because they believe the foods will increase inflammation.

While there are no definitive studies out there to prove it yet, some people report feeling less joint pain when they stop eating them. In animal studies like this small study , or this one , potatoes were linked to digestive issues, even more so when the potatoes were fried. This was especially in the animals already predisposed to inflammation of the GI tract, as some people with conditions like Irritable Bowel Disease, or IBD, have.

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