Nightshades: Are They Unsafe to Eat or Just Misunderstood?

Learn more about this family of plants and why some people caution against eating them… and what we think.

Happy Wednesday! Today, we are taking a deeper dive into nightshades: a group of foods that some people recommend avoiding. Learn more about what nightshades are, get our takes on the online chatter (including whether we think certain groups should avoid them), and try our recipes.

What Are Nightshades?

Nightshades are a family of plants called Solanaceae. Many are common, nutritious fruits and vegetables:

• Tomatoes

• Potatoes (not sweet potatoes)

• Eggplant

• Bell peppers

• Chili peppers (including paprika, cayenne, etc.)

• Tomatillos

They also include some non-food plants, such as tobacco and certain toxic plants.

Why Are They Controversial?

The concern usually centers around natural compounds found in nightshades:

1. Alkaloids (like solanine). These are natural plant defense chemicals that, in very large amounts, can be toxic. What gets left out of the conversation is that you’d have to eat a lot for it to be toxic, far beyond normal intake.

2. Inflammation concerns. Some people believe nightshades may trigger inflammation, especially in those with autoimmune conditions, arthritis, or gut sensitivities. However, this is not supported by research.

3. Individual sensitivity. A small subset of people report joint pain and digestive discomfort after eating nightshades. For these individuals, reducing or eliminating them may help, but this is very individual and fairly rare.

Are Nightshades Healthy?

For most people, yes, they are very healthy and a part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

• Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is linked to heart health and reduced cancer risk.

• Bell peppers are extremely high in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production.

• Eggplant contains antioxidants, such as nasunin, which support brain health.

• Potatoes provide potassium, fiber, and energy.

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If you are enjoying this article, you may like these:

Organic Foods: Are They A Must?

Are Seed Oils Bad For You?

Emulsifiers and Colon Health: A Concern?

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Our Takes on Nightshades

Our WEIL Nutrition Corner™ VIPs have access to our takes on this topic, along with three recipes we recommend. Upgrade today for full access to our entire In The News library of content, our guides, recipes, courses, challenges and more.