{"id":626692,"date":"2024-02-08T15:15:29","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T20:15:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626692"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:10:07","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:10:07","slug":"are-nightshades-bad-for-you-dispelling-the-myths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/are-nightshades-bad-for-you-dispelling-the-myths\/","title":{"rendered":"Are nightshades bad for you? Dispelling the myths"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nightshades are a type of flowering plant called Solanaceae, so named because many flower and grow at night or in the shade. There are more than <\/span>2,700 species in the nightshades family<\/span><\/a>, many of which are common foods such as potatoes and tomatoes. The name “nightshade” has a negative connotation because some plants in the Solanaceae family are toxic. However, many nightshades are not dangerous, and the ones we commonly eat are actually good for you, in most cases. <\/span><\/p>\n

Are nightshades bad for your health?<\/span><\/h2>\n

For most people, edible nightshades are not harmful and are actually quite healthy. “<\/span>In fact, they are part of a healthy diet for the majority of the population and provide numerous health benefits due to their high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,” says <\/span>Danielle Crumble Smith<\/span><\/a>,  a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching<\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

While the news and popular nutrition chatter have shown a surge in discourse about the dangers of nightshades, “<\/span>There are no studies linking nightshades to being detrimental for health,” says <\/span>Yelena Wheeler<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian in Los Angeles, California. While “there was a study that did show <\/span>some detriment from nightshades for those with inflammatory bowel disease<\/span><\/a>, but it was not based on human trials, and the quantity of nightshades was higher than recommended.” For the vast majority of people, edible nightshades do not pose a risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>IBD vs. IBS: Compare causes, symptoms, treatments, & more<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Wheeler says that although there are anecdotal reports of those with inflammatory conditions having adverse effects from consuming nightshades, there are no human studies providing any concrete data. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nightshade allergy symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n

Rarely, people may have nightshade sensitivities and intolerance, which is not the same as being allergic. “<\/span>True allergies to nightshades are quite rare,” Smith says.<\/span> Symptoms of food sensitivities vary widely but may include:<\/span><\/p>\n