The flowering plant family, Solanaceae, is commonly known as nightshades. It consists of poisonous plants and some vegetables that we eat every day. Continue reading to learn more about nightshade vegetables and discover their health benefits.
What are Edible Nightshade Vegetables
The edible nightshade vegetables are a group of vegetables that contain lectins and alkaloids such as solanine, which can be toxic in high doses. Although they contain a large amount of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, they can cause inflammation in the body if consumed in large quantities. It has been reported to cause diarrhoea, nausea, irritable bowel, joint pain, swelling, heartburn, acid reflux, and many other health problems. On the other hand, they are rich in antioxidants that are known to help fight cancer, heart disease, and inflammation.
Health Benefits of Edible Nightshade Vegetables
Edible nightshade vegetables include:
- Tomatoes – High in vitamin C and the antioxidant lycopene
- Peppers (bell pepper, hot pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, sweet pepper) – Rich in vitamins A and C and folate
- Eggplant – A good source of fibre, potassium, and vitamins B1, B6, and K
- Potatoes – A good source of fibre, vitamins C and B6, while the skins are rich in iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and zinc
- Tomatillos – Rich in potassium, fibre, vitamin C, and lutein
- Goji Berry – High in vitamins A and C, fibre, and iron
The health benefits of edible nightshade vegetables include:
- Boosting the immune system – The high vitamin and mineral content helps strengthen the immune system
- Improving digestion – The high fibre content improves digestion and bowel movement
- Improving the gut microbiome – The fibre in nightshade vegetables feeds beneficial gut bacteria, thus improving the gut microbiome
- Fighting inflammation in the body – The phytonutrients in the nightshade vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties
Even though some people may experience health problems when consuming them, the nightshade vegetables offer many health benefits due to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or supposed to replace it. For more information, please contact your General Practitioner.