Nightshade vegetables, you've probably heard of them. There are many rumors that nightshade vegetables are not good for health, and that it is better not to eat them. The various antinutrients contained in nightshades can damage the intestinal lining, trigger inflammatory reactions and thus disrupt the immune system. Do you suffer from an autoimmune disease? Then there is a good chance that you are more sensitive to nightshade products than others and suffer from a nightshade allergy. But should we stop eating nightshade vegetables altogether? Take a look.

The name nightshade vegetables is a bit confusing at first. Most products that fall under the nightshade vegetables are fruit. Think of tomatoes, aubergines and peppers. They all belong to the same family: the Solanaceae. This is a group of plants that contain powerful alkaloids, but can also be very toxic. This family also includes inedible plants, such as tobacco and belladonna (deadly nightshade). Goji berries are considered therapeutic in traditional Chinese medicine, but they are also related to this family.

The plant family is known to contain toxins. How can eating some nightshade plants be deadly when nightshade vegetables fall into the same group? One thing is certain, experts have proven that eating nightshade vegetables is not dangerous. When the vegetables ripen in the sun, the amount of solanine (the toxic substance) decreases to a non-toxic level. So if you eat the vegetables when they are ripe, there is nothing to worry about. This group of vegetables is very healthy at that time. They are packed with various healthy nutrients.

People can be allergic to almost any type of food, including tomatoes and eggplant. The Arthritis Foundation says there is no scientific evidence that nightshades cause inflammation or make arthritis worse. It is possible that you are just a bit more sensitive to nightshade products than people in your area and may suffer from nightshade allergy. Do you think you are extra sensitive to nightshade vegetables? Then completely remove these vegetables from your eating habits for 30 days, and then slowly start eating them again. Do you notice a difference in your body and does it have a big effect on how you feel? Then there is a good chance that you are extra sensitive to nightshade products. It is better to eat them less or not at all.

No, because nightshade vegetables are extremely healthy. As long as the vegetables are eaten when they are ripe, the concentration of solanine is too low to poison you. They are ripe so not dangerous to humans at all. The nightshade products are rich in nutrients that provide a lot of health benefits. Keep eating them, but keep them ripe. Do you suffer from a nightshade allergy? Then be careful with the intake of these vegetables. Looking for a way to get more veggies in? Discover our vegetable juices here .