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are sweet potatoes part of the nightshade family

by Pietro Renner Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Sweet potatoes are among the foods that are commonly mistaken as nightshade vegetables, but they're not nightshades.Aug 26, 2020

Full Answer

Are blueberries in the nightshade family?

Though blueberries are not nightshade family members technically there are a few types of berries that belong to the family of Solanaceae. Goji berries are known as nightshade fruits. Also known as wolfberries, this is a fruit of Lycium barbarum or Lycium Chinese, two of the varieties that belong to the large Solanaceae family.

What vegetables are part of the nightshade family?

The family includes some pretty popular veggies like:

  • Potatoes
  • Tomatoes
  • Eggplant
  • Peppers (including bell, cayenne pepper, and paprika) 1

What foods are considered nightshades?

  • Ashwagandha
  • Bush Tomatoes (native to Australia)
  • Cape Gooseberries (or ground cherries, different from regular cherries)
  • Capsicums
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Chili Pepper Flakes
  • Chili powder
  • Chinese Five-Spice Powder
  • Cocona
  • Curry Powder

More items...

What vegetables are not nightshades?

  • sweet potatoes.
  • yams.
  • cauliflower.
  • mushrooms.

Why is a sweet potato not a nightshade?

Sweet potato is a member of the Convolvulaceae plant family, also known as morning glory. Sweet potatoes, unlike other nightshades such as white potatoes, do not contain the alkaloids related to adverse health effects. Therefore, sweet potatoes are not considered nightshade vegetables.

What are the symptoms of nightshade intolerance?

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.

Is broccoli a nightshade?

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.

Who should avoid nightshade vegetables?

Nightshade foods contain solanine, a chemical which some people believe may aggravate arthritis pain or inflammation. The Arthritis Foundation say that this is not true. However, if a person feels that certain foods trigger their arthritis symptoms, including nightshades, they should avoid these foods.

Are blueberries a nightshade?

Blueberries. Blueberries contain solanine alkaloid like nightshade plants, though they aren't technically a nightshade plant. Blueberries are often touted as a superfood because many believe they contain cancer-preventing ingredients. They're high in antioxidants, which are known to reduce inflammation.

Is Cinnamon a nightshade?

A Cinnamon belongs to the family Lauraceae and is not a nightshade. Nightshades are members of the family of flowering plants known as Solanaceae, which includes jimsonweed, henbane, mandrake, belladonna, capsicums (paprika, chili peppers, etc.), eggplant, potato, tomato, tobacco, and petunia.

Is celery a nightshade vegetable?

This list of nightshade vegetable substitutions should help you adjust to your new diet: Sweet potatoes and yam. Cauliflower. Celery.

Are sweet potatoes anti inflammatory?

Purple-fleshed sweet potatoes are thought to contain super-high levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. As these substances pass through your system, they balance out free radicals -- chemicals that harm your cells.

Is coffee a nightshade?

The coffee bean comes from the Coffea plant (source). This plant is not a member of the Solanaceae family, so it is not a nightshade.

Is cucumber a nightshade food?

Here's a list of vegetables that people often think are nightshades, but are not nightshades: Black pepper. Coffee. Cucumbers.

Is pumpkin a nightshade?

No. The nightshades are the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Pumpkins are in the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes the squashes, cucumbers, melons, and gourds.

Are onions a nightshade?

Plants in the Solanaceae family are informally referred to as nightshade plants. Onions, including red onions, are not in the Solanaceae or nightshade family.

Why are sweet potatoes not nightshade?

Also Know, why is a sweet potato not a nightshade? Sweet potatoes are also a great source of vitamins A and C, copper, vitamin B6, iron and potassium. Interestingly, sweet potatoes lack nightshade alkaloids ...

What are alkaloids in nightshade?

Alkaloids in Nightshade Foods. Alkaloids are a chemically related group of substances found in a variety of foods, including cocoa, coffee, tea, black pepper, and honey (depending on the types of flowers found in the bees' foraging zone).

Is yam a nightshade?

However according to the University of California, San Francisco sweet potatoes and yam are not nightshades. Click to see full answer.

Do sweet potatoes have alkaloids?

Interestingly, sweet potatoes lack nightshade alkaloids that are found in regular potatoes, which have been linked to allergy-related symptoms. Also, what foods are in the nightshade family? Share on Pinterest Nightshade vegetables include bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants. Nightshade vegetables are part of the plant family Solanaceae.

Where are nightshade plants found?

Approximately 50 species of nightshade plants can be found right here in North America.1.

How did Nightshades get their name?

Nightshades get their name from the toxic alkaloids found in several of the species. Now, alkaloids can sometimes contain nitrogen and oxygen and can have certain drug-like effects on people.2Some of the most known alkaloids are strychnine, caffeine, nicotine, and morphine.

What are the pesticides in Nightshades?

Part of the problem when it comes to nightshades are the natural pesticides found within each plant. These are called glycoalkaloids — and much like lectins, they’re there as a plant’s first line of defense against bugs, viruses, bacteria, animals, and even humans.

What are the two glycoalkaloids in potatoes?

Potatoes are such a staple of the Western diet. However, the two glycoalkaloids made in potatoes are alpha-solanine and alpha-chaconine. And of all the glycoalkaloids found in nightshade foods, these are the worst. They happen to be the most toxic.11.

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.

What are the two types of glycoalkaloids?

2. The Tomato. When it comes to tomatoes, you’ll find two types of glycoalkaloids — alpha-tomatine and dehydrotomatine.

How many school age boys got sick from eating potato lunches?

In one case, nearly 80 school-aged boys became sick after eating potato lunches. Seventeen of those boys were admitted to the hospital.13. Now, if you’re relatively healthyand your digestive tract is intact, most of these glycoalkaloids won’t be able to find their way into your bloodstream.

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 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 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 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.

Where do goji berries come from?

These slightly sweet red berries, sometimes called wolfberries, are native to Asia. They can be eaten raw, dried or made into a juice.

Can you eat cooked tomatoes with nightshade sensitivity?

If you have a nightshade sensitivity, it's best to stay away from all raw tomatoes and also from cooked tomatoes in foods like pasta sauce and ketchup. Be sure to read the ingredient lists on soups and condiments such as hot sauces, barbecue sauces and marinades, because they often contain tomatoes. 3. Peppers.

Is a tomatoes a nighthade?

Tomatoes. Another widely consumed member of the nightshade family is the tomato, according to Colorado State University. Although people often refer to the tomato as a vegetable, scientifically, it falls into the category of fruit. If you have a nightshade sensitivity, it's best to stay away from all raw tomatoes and also from cooked tomatoes in ...

What is a nightshade food?

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.

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.

Why do people avoid nightshade?

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 are the foods that are eaten with nightshade?

The most well-known types of edible nightshades are tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes.

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.

Is potato a carb?

Potato is a carb-rich nightshade root vegetable that has a surprising number of health benefits. One baked potato with the skin on contains nearly half of your vitamin C requirements and one-quarter of your daily fiber needs. Potatoes are also a good source of potassium, copper, magnesium, and iron.

Is a nightshade a vegetable?

Because most nightshade fruits are used as vegetables in the culinary world, we will talk about them as vegetables in the nightshade family. In this article, you will learn what exactly nightshades are and which fruits and vegetables belong on the list of nightshade foods.

What are the names of the plants in the Nightshade family?

Most of these plants are poisonous, especially the unripe fruits. In fact, some of the more well known plants in this family include ornamentals such as Belladonna (deadly nightshade), Datura and Brugmansia (Angel’s trumpet), ...

Is it safe to eat nightshade?

List of Nightshade Vegetables. Here is a list of the most common (and maybe not so common) vegetables in the nightshade family. While these are perfectly safe to eat under ordinary circumstances, some people may be sensitive to these plants regardless, suffering allergic reactions. If you are known to be highly sensitive to any ...

Is a nightshade a vegetable?

Many of the nightshade family vegetables fall under the species of Capscium and Solanum. Although these do contain toxic aspects, they still bear edible parts, like the fruits and tubers, depending on the plant. Several of these plants are cultivated in the home garden and are known as nightshade vegetables.

Common Edible Nightshades Fruits And the Vegetable list

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, very delicious and nutritious vegetables. Even 200 years ago, tomatoes were considered poisonous in the United States because the plant belonged to the poisonous nightshade family.

Health benefits of nightshades vegetables

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.

Do Nightshade vegetables cause inflammation?

Many people believe that solanine in nightshade vegetables can cause inflammation and arthritis in the body. It can even make arthritis pain and inflammation worse. But there is no research that shows that eating nightshade vegetables has a direct effect on inflammation and arthritis.

Nightshade allergy

Nightshade vegetables are rich in nutrients. But some people have food allergies and may even have allergies to nightshade vegetables.

What is the family of potatoes?

Potatoes belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceace), which also includes many other important crops like peppers, tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, tobacco, and more. Critical to the world’s food supply, potatoes are the fourth most farmed crop. Potatoes are only distantly related to sweet potatoes. They are also called “spuds,” which probably ...

What are yams and sweet potatoes?

What you know as yams are most likely not actually yams. In fact, your “classic” potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams are all in different plant families. However, they all are widely cultivated for their nutritious starchy belowground plant structures called “tubers.” Tubers function as storage organs for the plants, providing energy for regrowth (the “eyes” or sprouting buds of your potatoes when they sit in your kitchen for too long). Potatoes and yams technically have modified belowground stems (“stem tubers”) while sweet potatoes have “root tubers.”

Why are sweet potatoes called yams?

So why are sweet potatoes sometimes confusingly called yams? The name probably dates back to colonial times when slaves from Africa noted the similarities between some varieties of sweet potatoes to yams in Africa.

Where did potatoes originate?

Having been cultivated for centuries, there are thousands of potato varieties worldwide. The cultivated species was domesticated from wild relative potato species in South America (Peru) 7,000–10,000 years ago. Interestingly, discoveries on the origin of potatoes was based on DNA from 200-year-old herbarium specimens!

Where are yams grown?

Yams are widely cultivated worldwide, especially in West Africa, where 95% of the crop is harvested. Yams can be stored for very long periods of time, making them an important crop for seasons when food is in short supply. Yam tubers can be as large as five feet long!

Do sweet potatoes have tubers?

Potatoes and yams technically have modified belowground stems (“stem tubers”) while sweet potatoes have “root tubers.”. Yam is a common name for several vine species in the genus Dioscorea (plant family: Dioscoreaceae). They are. monocots (related to grasses and lilies).

What family is sweet potato?

The sweet potato belongs to the Convolvulaceae family, whose other famous member is the Morning Glory flower. Yams are a tropical root native to Africa, and are members of the Dioscoreaceae family.

What is the difference between a Japanese yam and a white sweet potato?

Then there is the White sweet potato, which is actually most similar to a Japanese yam, with a purplish skin and white flesh that is starchy, mild, ...

Why is yam called yam?

According to the Library of Congress, when the sweeter, softer, orange-fleshed version of the sweet potato began to be commercially produced here in the mid-20th century, the name “yam” was given to distinguish it from the firmer, white-fleshed variety of sweet potato. African slaves were the first to refer to these sweeter types ...

Where do yams come from?

Yams are a tropical root native to Africa, and are members of the Dioscoreaceae family. Most varieties of true yams are actually far too large to sell whole in supermarkets, and are usually sold in plastic-wrapped chunks weighing a pound or two.

Do sweet potatoes have alkaloids?

Interestingly, sweet potatoes lack nightshade alkaloids that are found in regular potatoes, which have been linked to allergy-related symptoms. Some dietitians even recommend switching from regular to sweet potatoes to help with inflammatory joint-related conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Is sweet potato healthy?

This variety of sweet potato is very popular in Caribbean and Latin American countries. From a health perspective, all of these sweet potatoes, despite their sweetness, are actually quite healthy. Sweet potatoes are almost twice as high in dietary fiber as ordinary russet baking potatoes, and that fiber slows digestion and helps stabilize blood ...

Can you buy yams in the US?

In the United States, real yams are only generally sold in international supermarkets, but can also be bought canned. So what about all those “yams” you buy in the grocery stores around here? The “yams” you buy that look like sweet potatoes — but are labeled yams — are, in fact, a version of sweet potato!

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