Table of contents:
- What are nightshade vegetables?
- Is it true that nightshade vegetables trigger inflammation?
- Benefits of nightshade vegetables
- Should you avoid nightshade vegetables?
Vegetables are an important source of food for the body. Vegetables contain lots of fiber, vitamins and minerals that can help reduce inflammation in the body. However, it turns out that there are several types of vegetables that are thought to exacerbate inflammation. One type is the nightshade vegetable, which is said to make arthritis worse.
What are nightshade vegetables?
Nightshade vegetables are members of the plant family named Solamaceae. Most species of nightshade plants, such as tobacco, are inedible. Likewise with belladonna plants which are deadly when consumed. However, there are also nightshade vegetables that are edible and very often found in everyday foods, namely:
- Tomato
- eggplant
- Potato
- Paprika or chilies
All nightshade plants contain an alkaloid compound called solanine, which is toxic in high concentrations.
Is it true that nightshade vegetables trigger inflammation?
Some people believe that the solanine in nightshade vegetables can cause inflammation, or make inflammation worse, such as arthritis.
However, although some people find that this type of vegetable aggravates inflammation symptoms, there is still little research to support that solanine has a direct effect on inflammation or worsens arthritis symptoms.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the belief that eating nightshade vegetables can worsen arthritis is a myth.
Reported on the Medical News Today page, it is suspected that some people who feel these symptoms are getting worse are actually caused by different levels of tolerance to foods from the nightshade vegetable family.
In fact, these nightshade vegetable species are high in antioxidants, including carotenoids, which can prevent cell damage in the body.
Therefore, some people believe that this vegetable aggravates their condition, maybe because in fact they have an intolerance or an allergy against nightshade vegetables.
For people experiencing this complaint, it's best to avoid nightshade vegetables. If you don't feel any complaints or symptoms after eating this vegetable, there is no need to avoid this type of vegetable. Because, there are several nutrients that you will not get if you don't want to eat this type of vegetable.
Benefits of nightshade vegetables
Source: Medical News Today
Nightshade vegetables are actually high in nutrients. This vegetable is also easy to process.
For example, bell peppers and chilies, both of which are rich sources of vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin B complex. The capsaicin in it can relieve pain due to arthritis by reducing a certain pain transmitter on the nerves called P. capsaicin. P. Capcaisin is a composition that is usually available in many pain relieving creams.
In addition, potatoes also have many benefits, even though potatoes are a high-carbohydrate food source. Potatoes have a high nutritional content. When eaten in moderation by boiling or steaming, it gives the potato even more benefits.
Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin, manganese, copper and folate.
Next up is tomatoes. Actually, tomatoes are considered a fruit, but are biologically included in the family Solamaceae. It is familiar that tomatoes are an extraordinary source of antioxidants because they contain lycopene, beta carotene, alpha-carotene, and lutein.
Lycopene is the most powerful type of carotenoid that can help prevent certain types of cancer, helps prevent heart disease, and helps boost immunity.
Should you avoid nightshade vegetables?
Source: Foodfash.co
There is not enough scientific evidence that nightshade vegetables can cause inflammation. Even so, that doesn't mean it's wrong. Food allergies and intolerances continue to increase and there are many types around the world, so it is possible that some people cannot accept certain types of food.
The principle is that as long as you eat nightshade vegetables and there are no symptoms that get worse, these vegetables are safe. However, if after avoiding this type of vegetable your symptoms of inflammation improve, chances are you can replace them with other vegetables.
If after eating this type of vegetable you experience:
- Tingling sensation
- Itchy rash
- Swollen face, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizzy
- Fainting
It's best to avoid these types of vegetables, as you may experience an allergic reaction to nightshade.
Meanwhile, if you have upset stomach, upset stomach, and other digestive problems, you may be experiencing a nightshade intolerance. Consult your condition to health workers at the hospital to confirm your condition.
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