Hello everyone! It is a beautiful day here in Auckland and so I thought I would take my laptop out to the terrace, along with my delicious freshly made green smoothie, and talk to you about nightshade plants. I had a lot of feedback from my last blog about my comments on tomatoes and red peppers as well as why nightshades are bad for you. So, I thought I would clear some things up, provide some information, and talk about why I made those comments in the first place.
First of all, what are nightshades anyways? Well, tomatoes, white potatoes, red and green bell peppers, the "hot" peppers such as chili and paprika, as well as eggplant and petunias belong to the Nightshade Family, which is a botanical genus called the Solanaceae species. This species also includes tobacco, poisonous belladonna, and the toxic plants herbane, mandrake, and jimson weeds.
"Used in shamanism, witchcraft, and even poisonous murder, nightshades have a history of both mystical danger and scientific caution. Some nightshade plants are ingredients in potent narcotic medicine and sleeping pills. It is reported that nightshades contain high levels of alkaloids which cause the bones to excrete calcium, other minerals, and trace elements from the body. Many enlightened doctors and nutritionists recommend that those suffering from arthritis symptoms eliminate nightshades." - New Life Journal
Tomatoes, when initially introduced in to society in Europe, were thought to be a deadly poison. This still semi rings true, the vines, leaves, and roots of the tomato plants are toxic and even fatal to animals if consumed. Some people also get horrible rashes from touching these parts of the tomato plant. Regardless, in Spain and Italy tomatoes became a very popular vegetable and in modern day America, ketchup, tomato sauce, etc. is consumed daily, sometimes more than once.
"Potatoes have a similar story to tomatoes. When white potatoes, also called "Earth's Apples," made their journey from Peru to Europe, they were also thought to be poisonous. Yet, this popular tuber has become a staple throughout Europe and the United States. White potatoes contain solanine, which has been shown to cause a very toxic effect in susceptible people, contributing to arthritis, calcium depletion, and stiff joints, as well as painful wrists, ankles, and knees. In his book Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada, John Kingsbury documented that when solanine was eaten in large amounts by either humans or livestock, death was the outcome. When calcium is depleted from the body by potatoes, nervousness and sleeplessness may result because calcium is our natural tranquilizer. Solanine from potatoes accumulates in the body and the harmful effects may take years to appear in those who have sensitivity." - New Life Journal
The problem? Tomatoes and potatoes work by expanding and weakening the bones, joints, teeth, gums, and all body organs, especially for those who are sensitive and allergic to them.
Holistic practitioners often recommend avoiding nightshades in the diet, especially to patients suffering from arthritis or other types of pain and inflammation. In a study published in the Journal of the International Academy of Preventive medicine, of the 5000 arthritis sufferers who eliminated Nightshade, seventy percent reported relief from aches, pains, and disfigurement. The nightshades most often warned against are tomatoes, bell peppers, potatoes and eggplant. Avoiding tobacco, another nightshade, goes without saying in health-conscious circles.
How and why do nightshades contribute to inflammation and pain? Nightshade plants are known for producing a range of alkaloid chemicals, which may be toxic – from irritating to lethal. These chemicals can also contribute to allergic reactions.
Basically, if you have a problem with inflammation (like myself) or any type of auto immune problem, which causes inflammation (allergies), or joint pain, arthritis, bursitis, etc. then try to eliminate nightshade vegetables from your diet and see if there is in fact a difference.
If you have any more thoughts, comments, or questions on nightshade plants I recommend speaking to a holistic nutritionist, doing some of your own research either at the library or on the net, or even at your local bookstore (chapters, whitcoulls, etc.) or talk to your doctor. Here is a quick article about nightshades and alkaloids: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=62
As for me, I'm going to ditch the tomatoes and eat some cool cucumbers and beautiful beets instead! xJ
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