Sarah Brown
Nightshades are a family of flowering plants called Solanaceae, which consists of almost 3,000 species. They are high in alkaloids and lectins, which some people believe may aggravate inflammation and autoimmune issues. The most common edible nightshades include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are fungi and are not considered nightshades. However, there is some confusion on this topic, as some sources, including a book by Tom Brady, claim that mushrooms are nightshades.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are mushrooms nightshades? | No, mushrooms are not nightshades. They are fungi. |
| What are nightshades? | Nightshades are a family of plants called Solanaceae, consisting of almost 3,000 species. |
| What foods are nightshades? | Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants are some of the most common edible nightshades. |
| Are nightshades bad for you? | Most people can eat nightshades with no issues and they can be a healthy part of a balanced diet. However, they contain alkaloids and lectins, which can worsen inflammation and aggravate autoimmune issues for some people. |
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What You'll Learn
Mushrooms are not nightshades
The most common edible nightshades include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergine. Other nightshades include paprika, cayenne-based spices, goji berries, tomatillos, and tamarillos.
Mushrooms, on the other hand, are fungi. They do not belong to the Solanaceae family and do not contain the same levels of alkaloids and lectins as nightshades. While mushrooms are often included in lists of nightshade vegetables, they are not part of the nightshade family.
Some people may have a sensitivity or intolerance to nightshades, which can cause digestive issues, irritate IBS, and cause inflammation. However, for most people, nightshades are safe and healthy foods.
There is conflicting information about the effects of nightshades on arthritis. Some sources claim that nightshades can aggravate arthritis symptoms, while others, like the Arthritis Foundation, say that there is no evidence of a link between nightshades and inflammation.
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Nightshades are high in alkaloids and lectins
Nightshades are a family of plants that are high in alkaloids and lectins. While most people can consume them safely, they can worsen inflammation and autoimmune issues for some. The term "nightshade" refers to a group of plants that includes tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are fungi and are not considered nightshades.
Alkaloids are natural pesticides found in nightshades, such as solanine, capsaicin, and nicotine. These substances can act as a protection mechanism for the plant but may be toxic to those who consume them. For instance, solanine is present in trace amounts in potatoes and is typically safe, but the leafy stalks and green potatoes contain higher levels that can be toxic and lead to poisoning. Some people are sensitive to alkaloids and may experience adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and weakness.
Lectins are toxic proteins found in plants, including nightshades, and are thought to be part of the plant's defense mechanism. Lectins can bind to cells in the gut wall, potentially damaging the gut and impairing nutrient absorption. The peels and seeds of nightshades tend to have the highest concentration of lectins, so it is recommended to peel and deseed nightshade vegetables to reduce lectin content. Proper cooking and preparation methods, such as pressure cooking or fermenting, can also help decrease the percentage of lectins and other potentially problematic components in nightshades.
While nightshades are generally considered nutritious and safe for most individuals, some people with autoimmune diseases or arthritis may experience worsened symptoms due to the presence of alkaloids and lectins. For example, nightshades have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and some individuals report that nightshade consumption triggers their arthritis symptoms. However, there is conflicting evidence, with some studies suggesting that nightshades have anti-inflammatory properties and can improve symptoms of chronic conditions.
To safely consume nightshades, it is recommended to reduce the alkaloid and lectin content. This can be achieved by cooking nightshades instead of eating them raw, allowing them to ripen, and peeling potatoes before consumption. Adhering to an elimination diet can help determine if an individual's body reacts poorly to nightshades. Consulting a healthcare practitioner is advised before making any significant dietary changes or removing nightshades from one's diet.
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Nightshades may worsen inflammation and autoimmune issues
Nightshades are a family of plants that are high in alkaloids and lectins. While most people can safely consume them, they can worsen inflammation and autoimmune issues for some.
Nightshades contain solanine, a chemical that some believe may aggravate arthritis pain or inflammation. However, the Arthritis Foundation (AF) refutes this claim. Nevertheless, individuals who feel that nightshades trigger their arthritis symptoms should avoid them. Solanine is present in trace amounts in potatoes and is typically safe. However, the leafy stalks of the potato plant and green potatoes are toxic, and consuming green potatoes can lead to poisoning.
Nightshades have also been associated with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease. Therefore, nightshades may aggravate joint pain and arthritis in sensitive individuals. According to a 2021 study, adhering to an Autoimmune Protocol Diet that eliminates nightshades may help alleviate autoimmune symptoms.
Some people with functional digestive disorders, such as heartburn, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), report worsened symptoms after consuming nightshades. However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the link between nightshades and IBS. While some sources suggest nightshades can worsen IBS, a small-scale study found that participants with IBS who consumed red pepper powder experienced reduced bloating and abdominal pain.
While mushrooms are often mistaken for nightshades, they are not part of this family of plants. Mushrooms are fungi, and other vegetables that are not nightshades include peppercorns, sweet potatoes, onions, zucchini, cucumbers, coffee, squash, and blueberries.
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Nightshades include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants
Nightshades are a family of plants high in alkaloids and lectins. While most people can safely eat them, they can worsen inflammation and autoimmune issues. The term "nightshade" refers to a group of plants that includes tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Some other nightshades include paprika, cayenne pepper, goji berries, tomatillos, and tamarillos.
Tomatoes are a very high source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, and K. They also contain the antioxidant lycopene, which may reduce inflammation. Tomatoes are known to be a cancer fighter. However, some people blame tomatoes for worsening arthritis symptoms.
Potatoes, including purple, white, red, yellow, and purple potatoes, are also nightshades. They offer nutritional value, including fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. However, the leafy stalks of the potato plant and green potatoes are toxic, and eating green potatoes can lead to poisoning.
Peppers, including bell peppers, hot peppers, and sweet peppers, are nightshades that are high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and folate. Capsaicin, an alkaloid found in peppers, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it has also been shown to have pro-inflammatory effects in some cases.
Eggplants are a popular ingredient in many diets, including the Mediterranean diet, and are a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins B1, B6, and K. They are also called aubergines in British English.
While mushrooms are often thought to be nightshades, they are not. Mushrooms are fungi, and while they can be part of an elimination diet to determine sensitivity to nightshades, they are not part of the nightshade family of plants.
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Nightshades are part of the Solanaceae family
Mushrooms are not nightshades. Nightshades are part of the Solanaceae family, which is a family of flowering plants in the order Solanales. The name "Solanaceae" comes from Solanum, the type genus of the family, and -aceae, a standardized suffix for plant family names in modern taxonomy. The nightshade family consists of over two thousand types of vegetables, spices, weeds, fruits, and other flowering plants.
The nightshade family gets its name from some species' tendency to bloom at night, though this characteristic does not apply to all members. While most people can safely eat nightshades, they can worsen inflammation and autoimmune issues for some. The term "nightshade" is often associated with poisonous species, and indeed some nightshades are highly toxic, such as the belladonna plant, also known as deadly nightshade. However, many nightshades are commonly cultivated and eaten, including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
Nightshades are annuals or perennials and range in size from small herbs to small trees. The leaves and stems sometimes have prickles, and the flowers usually have five petals that are often fused. The flowers are typically white, yellow, or purple and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a berry.
The nightshade family is diverse, with members inhabiting every continent on Earth except Antarctica. They have adapted to live in a wide range of environments, including deserts, tundras, rainforests, plains, and highlands. Nearly 80% of all nightshades are included in the subfamily Solanoideae, most of which are members of the type genus Solanum.
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Frequently asked questions
No, mushrooms are fungi and are not nightshades. However, some people think they are.
Nightshades are a family of flowering plants called Solanaceae, consisting of almost 3,000 species. They are mostly fruits and vegetables but also include spices and tobacco.
Nightshades are safe for most people without autoimmune diseases. However, they are known to be inflammatory for some people and can flare up joint issues, digestive symptoms, and other inflammatory diseases.
