
What vegetables are in the nightshade family?
Top foods in the nightshade family include:
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes
- Capsicum
- Peppers
- White potatoes
- Gooseberries
- Ground cherries
- Goji berries
- Paprika
- Tomatillos
Is a sweet potato a real potato?
Yet, botanically, potatoes and sweet potatoes are completely unrelated. Potatoes ( Solanum tuberosum) are in the Solanaceae family, related to tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant along with deadly nightshade. Plants in this family produce solanine, which is poisonous.
Which vegetables are nightshade vegetables?
The Culprits: Foods on the Nightshade List
- Eggplant (Fruit)
- Tomatoes (Fruit)
- Tomatillo (Fruit)
- Potatoes (Vegetable)
- Goji Berries (Fruit)
- Pimentos (Fruit)
- Peppers (Bell, Chili, Paprika, Cayenne) (Fruit)
- Tobacco (Leaf) 4
Are sweet potatoes OK on the paleo diet?
Yes. Some paleo eaters and people opposed to the paleo diet think that sweet potatoes are too high in carbs and that they affect blood sugar levels too drastically to be appropriate for the paleo diet. Critics say that all starchy vegetables should be off-limits on paleo because of the sugar they contain.

Which potatoes are not nightshades?
Potatoes (white and red potatoes. However, sweet potatoes are not nightshades.)
Are avocados a nightshade?
Tomatoes and Avocados are fruits and not vegetables. Tomatoes belong to the Nightshade fruit family while Avocados belong to the Laurels family. They have been misplaced and wrongly categorised as vegetables for a long time.
What are the 5 nightshade vegetables?
What are nightshade vegetables?eggplants.peppers.potatoes.tobacco.tomatillos.tomatoes.
Which potatoes are part of the nightshade family?
Common nightshade vegetables that we eat include: white potatoes. tomatoes. eggplant.
Are blueberries a nightshade?
Blueberries are not technically a nightshade plant. But, like nightshades, they contain some solanine. Blueberries have been called a “superfood” because they contain antioxidant compounds.
Are strawberries a nightshade?
Strawberries are not nightshades; in fact, they're part of the rose family! A strawberry is not actually a berry. By technical definition, a berry is a fleshy fruit produced from a single seed.
Are sweet potatoes inflammatory?
They're a Great Anti-Inflammatory Food Sweet potatoes contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds that help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Are carrots a nightshade?
Carrots are not on the nightshades vegetable list either. If a recipe calls for the use of peppers, or other nightshade vegetables, try using raw carrots or onions instead.
Is cucumber a nightshade?
Here's a list of vegetables that people often think are nightshades, but are not nightshades: Black pepper. Coffee. Cucumbers.
Is watermelon a nightshade?
Although there is a plant known as "Watermelon Nightshade" due to it's leaves resembling watermelon vine leaves, watermelons are not a member of the nightshade family. Common nightshade foods include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, bell pepper, tomatillo, chili peppers, paprika and others.
Who should avoid nightshade vegetables?
Overall, there is no hard evidence that nightshade vegetables are bad for your health. Some preliminary research shows these vegetables may not be the best for people with certain inflammatory and auto-immune conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
What are the symptoms of nightshade sensitivity?
People who are allergic to the alkaloids in nightshades may experience one or more of the following symptoms after eating a vegetable from the nightshade family:hives and skin rashes.itchiness.nausea.vomiting.excessive mucus production.achy muscles and joints.inflammation.
Are there any fruits that are nightshade?
Tomatoes are often thought of as being in the vegetable family due to their savory flavor, but they are actually a fruit. Fruit is an edible part of a plant that develops from a flower and contains seeds. Peppers and eggplant are also technically nightshade fruits.
Is Apple a nightshade?
Solanine is concentrated in the leafy greens bugs try to eat, one major reason why we only eat the tomato or pepper fruit, not the rest of the plant. It can also be found in foods that aren't part of the nightshade family, including blueberries, apples, cherries, and artichokes.
What vegetables are not in the nightshade family?
Here's a list of vegetables that people often think are nightshades, but are not nightshades:Black pepper.Coffee.Cucumbers.Garlic.Spinach.Sweet potatoes.Zucchini.
Is broccoli a nightshade food?
And everyone's favorite cruciferous veggie, broccoli, is also not on the nightshade vegetable list. Colorful fruits and vegetables like blueberries and broccoli are often mistaken for nightshades. But these fruits and veggies are actually full of antioxidants.
Where are nightshade vegetables found?
While you’ll find all sorts of potatoes, tomatoes, and other members of the Solanaceae (aka nightshade) family all over the world, nightshade vegetables are most abundant in tropical climates like that of Latin America.
How Do These Toxic Compounds Work Exactly?
Well, they grip onto cholesterol in your body’s cell membranes. Now, the cholesterol is there to strengthen your cell membranes so they’re less permeable to molecules that may want to pass through and cause damage to the cell.
Are Carrots And Onions Nightshade Vegetables?
As mentioned above, plants in the Solanaceae family are referred to as nightshades. However, onions are not in the nightshade family. Onions are members of the Liliaceae family. In fact, red and yellow onions are actually varieties of the exact same species: Allium cepa.
How much nicotine is in ripe nightshades?
And, would you believe, the nicotine content in riper nightshades can range anywhere from 2 to 7 micrograms per kg of the food.
Why do glycoalkaloids strike?
It’s the perfect place for glycoalkaloids to strike because once the cholesterol is attacked, your cells could split or leak. 6 This can lead to some tough health issues.
Why do people become addicted to nightshade?
Now some researchers have discussed the possibility of nicotine being the reason some people become addicted to nightshade foods. Do you feel like you can’t give these foods up? It could be the nicotine .
How much tomatine is in a tomato?
Now, tomatine content changes due to the maturity of the plant. For instance, an immature green tomato could consist of approximately 500 mg/kg of tomatine, while red, riper tomatoes might only have about 5 mg/kg of the glycoalkaloid.9.
What are Nightshades?
Nightshades include a wide range of fruits and vegetables that belong to the Solanaceae family of plants.
Why are nightshades not good for you?
Advertisement. Some people avoid nightshades because they contain alkaloid compounds such as solanine that are toxic in high concentrations. However, fruits and vegetables in the nightshade family that are commonly consumed don’t contain high levels of these compounds and are safe to eat.
What is a goji berry?
Goji berries are a superfood that is on the list of nightshade fruits and contain a number of powerful antioxidants. Researchers say that goji berries belong to the Solanaceae family. They contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other health-boosting compounds. ( 12)
What are the foods that are nightshade?
Advertisement. Nightshade foods are fruits and vegetables that are members of the Solanaceae family of plants. The list of nightshades includes fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes (but not sweet potatoes), eggplant, bell peppers, and goji berries. Many people are concerned about foods in the nightshade family being linked ...
What is a physalis?
Physalis is a yellow berry-like fruit that is on the list of Solanaceae fruits and is similar to tomatoes. Physalis fruits are also called Cape gooseberries, ground cherries, goldenberry fruits or Inca berries. The nutritional benefits of these berries are somewhat modest when compared to other nightshade fruits.
What vegetables have vitamin C?
Bell peppers. Bell peppers also belong on the list of nightshade vegetables and are well-known for their high vitamin C content. Half a red bell pepper (sweet pepper) contains more than enough vitamin C to meet your daily requirements.
What vegetables are not nightshade?
Of course, even if you choose to eliminate all nightshades, there are still plenty of healthy vegetables that aren’t in the nightshade family. Sweet potatoes, mushrooms, cucumbers, and onions are not nightshades. Also, spices like turmeric or cumin aren’t on the nightshade list of foods.
Is This an Emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. If you think you may have COVID-19, use the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker .
What is the name of the fruit that hangs like a paper lantern?
Tomatillos have a papery husk and the fruit hangs like small round paper lanterns from the plant. Tomatillos are typically picked when they are still green and used to lend a citrusy tartness to dishes. 6. Goji Berries (and Other Berries) Goji berries fall into the nightshade family, according to PennState Extension.
What does it mean when you have a nightshade sensitivity?
Third generation, players. When you have a nightshade sensitivity, you are unable to fully digest the nightshade vegetable or fruit, leading to digestive complications and other symptoms. Image Credit: bondarillia/iStock/GettyImages. Some people have a sensitivity to nightshade vegetables and fruits, which means they are unable to digest them fully.
What is a nightshade?
But what exactly falls under the category of nightshades? Nightshade vegetables and fruits belong to the family of Solanaceae plants of the Solanum genus , according to the U.S. Forest Service. This group of plants contains more than 2,000 species that are widely used as food and medicine. Below is a list of common nightshade vegetables and fruits that you should avoid if you suspect that you have a nightshade sensitivity or intolerance.
What are the other nightshade berries?
Other berries in the nightshade family include garden huckleberries, ground cherries and cape gooseberries, but not normal gooseberries or blueberries.
What family is peppers in?
Peppers. All peppers belong to the Solanaceae family. This includes common ingredients like bell peppers, jalapeños, habaneros, cayenne peppers and paprika. Paprika, a spice made from ground, dried peppers is used in a variety of cuisines.
What is the best food to avoid if you are allergic to chile?
When in doubt, it's best to avoid a food or dish altogether if you have an allergy or sensitivity. 5. Tomatillos. Tomatillos, another member of the nightshade family, are often used in Mexican cuisine in dishes like chile verde and salsa verde.
When should nightshade vegetables be avoided?
I mentioned it before, but nightshade vegetables are not necessarily bad. However, if you have an autoimmune disease or chronic inflammation, you may have heard that you should avoid nightshades.
How can I tell if I have a nightshade allergy or intolerance?
Just because you have joint pain does not mean it’s triggered by nightshades, and conversely, just because you don’t have joint pain doesn’t mean you’re in the clear.
How long should I avoid nightshade vegetables?
According to the foods list for the AIP diet ( click here to get a free printable download of this list!), nightshade fruits and vegetables are to be avoided for a minimum of 30 days before reintroduction.
What is a Cape Gooseberry?
Cape gooseberries are a “superfood” that you probably won’t find hidden in any prepared foods. If you’re avoiding nightshades but not on the autoimmune paleo protocol, you might find these in a trail mix.
What vegetables are good for nightshade?
Here is a quick run down of some other common nightshade vegetables: Eggplant. Peppers like bell peppers, sweet peppers, and hot peppers. Potatoes with the exception of sweet potatoes and yams. Tobacco – yes as in chewing and smoking tobacco!
What are the most common seasonings in tacos?
Hot peppers. This includes peppers such as chili peppers, jalapenos, habaneros, chili spices, red pepper, cayenne. These are extremely common seasonings in taco mixes, and any pre-made or packaged foods. Read your labels, and remember – keep an eye out for “spices”!
Can you eat nightshade vegetables on an autoimmune diet?
Because they can be triggers for some people with chronic illness, nightshade vegetables are eliminated during the first phase of the autoimmune protocol diet.
Are Nightshades Bad For Your Health?
While some alkaloids have positive effects on human health, others can affect them negatively. For example, the chemicals found in tobacco, a nightshade plant, can cause cancer.
How much solanine is in eggplant?
For context, one eggplant has about 11 milligrams of solanine. Studies show that potatoes can contain anywhere from 25-275 micrograms of alkaloids. The amount depends on the type of potato and where it was grown. Continued. Tomatoes contain more alkaloids in the stem and vine than in the fruit.
What is the alkaloid in nightshades?
The alkaloid found in nightshades is solanine. It functions as an insecticide while the plant is growing. Eating too much solanine can make you feel bad. When potatoes turn green, they have more alkaloids in them, and they taste more bitter.
What vegetables have alkaloids?
If you're concerned about high alkaloid content in nightshade vegetables but still want to benefit from including them in your diet, there are a few things you can try: In potatoes, the highest concentration of alkaloids is in the skin.
How to store potatoes before eating?
Store potatoes in a dark, cool place to prevent them from producing more alkaloids before you eat them.
What is the difference between nightshade and vegetable?
The Difference Between Nightshade Fruits and Vegetables. Tomatoes are often thought of as being in the vegetable family due to their savory flavor, but they are actually a fruit. Fruit is an edible part of a plant that develops from a flower and contains seeds. Peppers and eggplant are also technically nightshade fruits.
Why are night shades unique?
Nightshades are unique because they contain small amounts of alkaloids. Alkaloids are chemicals that are mainly found in plants. For something to be considered an alkaloid, it must contain nitrogen and affect the human body, usually from a medicinal perspective. Morphine and quinine are two examples of plant-based medicines that contain alkaloids.
What is a Mexican husk tomato?
Tomatillos , known as the Mexican husk tomato. It is a plant of the nightshade family. The fruits are usually small, round and green or greenish-purple in color. The Tomatillos fruit is surrounded by a paper-like husk. As the fruit matures, it becomes husk-filled and has to be separated after harvesting. Fruits can be yellow, green, or even purple in color when ripe.
What is the nutritional value of tomato?
Every 100 grams of tomato has nutritional value Vitamin-B, Vitamin-C, Vitamin-E, Vitamin-K. Tomatoes contain a special element called lycopene and are rich in antioxidants which can help prevent cancer of the lungs, stomach, pancreas, colon, breast, bladder, prostate and other organs. Tomato is a very effective component in controlling high blood pressure and skin diseases. Tomatoes contain a substance called lycopene which gives it a bright red color.
What are the crops of the Nightshade family?
The economically important crops of this Nightshade family are potato, tomato, bell pepper, eggplant, capsicum, chili pepper which are produced as agricultural food grains. And these economically important species include tobacco and Ashwagandha.
What are the nutrients in potatoes?
Potato is a nutritious food that strengthens the body and is especially effective in increasing the performance of the stomach. Potatoes contain a variety of fatty acids, including vitamin B complex, amino acids, and omega-3, which help increase brain function. Potatoes nightshades are a good source of carbohydrates, protein, calcium, vitamin C and vitamin B complex, all of which help fight heart disease and keep blood pressure normal. Potatoes contain potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus, all of which are good for your skin.
What is a ground cherry?
The Ground cherries fruit is small and yellow to orange similar in size, shape and structure to small tomatoes hen ce the name husk tomato. Ground cherries are also known as Cape Gooseberry, Poha Berry, Peachuberry, Ground Tomato, Strawberry Tomato, Golden Berry, Inca Berry. Ground cherries contain beta carotene and antioxidants that convert our body into vitamin A to prevent disease, prevent migraines and protect the reproductive organs from cancer. These can be annual or perennial. It requires full sun and moderately warm to warm temperatures for cultivation. The fruit can be used as a tomato. It can be eaten raw and used in salads. Some are used as dried and raisins.
What is a tamarolo?
Tamarillo, also known as the tree tomato, is bright red or golden, egg-shaped, juicy and flavorful. Tamarillo helps in heart disease, blood pressure control, eye health, metabolism and maintaining the body in good health. Tamarillo is a lot of calories, Vitamin-A, Vitamin-C, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Antioxidants.
Is nightshade good for you?
The Nightshade vegetables are wealthy in nutrients and it provides several health benefits in the human body and animals. Nightshade vegetables are nutritious and healthy, affluent in vitamins and proteins with fiber. Known as tomato cancer fighters, bell peppers and eggplants are appreciated for their nutrient concentration.
