Nightshade Vegetables-Herbals

Nightshade Vegetables
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What is it?
 Alkaloids- substances found within these foods; can impact nerve-muscle
function, digestive function in animals and humans, may help with joint function;
can be mildly irritating to fatal in small quantities; can be desirable, toxic or both
o Cooking lowers alkaloids by 40 to 50%
o Cooked forms of the foods are easier to tolerate
o Avoid sprouted spots on potatoes
 Solanaceae- means to soothe, is an important source of food, spice,
and medicine
 Foods- potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, paprika, tomatillos, tamarios,
pepinos, cayenne pepper, pimentos, sweet peppers, hot peppers
Signs and Symptoms
 Possible increase in arthritis pain, joint pain or inflammation, disruption of
muscle-nerve function, digestive problems
Fact
 Steroid alkaloids- shown to have greatest side effects
o found in potatoes, especially potatoes with sprouts or green spots
 Cooking- Lowers alkaloid content 40-50%
 There is no scientific evidence that these foods increase arthritis flair ups
What can I do?
 Store potatoes in a cool, dark place
 Remove all sprouts or green spots from potatoes
 Store potatoes no longer than 3 weeks
 See your Health Care Provider- inform he/she if using for medicinal purposes
 See FFF RD- on line for help
 Commercial Recommendations- claims not supported by scientific evidence
 AVOID- if pregnant, breast feeding or trying to limit caffeine