➡️What are nightshades? Nightshade vegetables belong to the family of plants with the Latin name Solanaceae. White potatoes, tomatoes, peppers (including spices like chili powder and cumin), and eggplants are all common nightshades. Many are rich sources of nutrients and serve as staple foods for various cultures. However, there is some evidence to suggest that some people may be better off eliminating nightshades from their diet. The claim that harmful substances found in these vegetables may contribute to inflammatory bowel disease and other autoimmune conditions.

➡️Why are they called nightshades? The term “nightshade” may have been coined because some of these plants prefer to grow in shady areas and some flower at night.

➡️Why should nightshades be initially avoided on AIP? Nightshades can be problematic for many people due to their lectin, saponin, and/or capsaicin content. They tend to be even more problematic for those with autoimmune disease and of all the foods restricted in the autoimmune protocol, are probably the least likely to be successfully reintroduced, especially tomatoes and chilies.

➡️Which paleo platery selections contain nightshades? Since nightshades are an AIP reintroduction we clearly note them in our item descriptions. There are peppers and tomatoes in our Chicken Enchiladas, green and red peppers in our Stuffed Peppers, and tomatoes in our paleo BBQ sauce. Our broth is a special order from Bones & Marrow and is made without tomatoes or black pepper (not a nightshade but seeds are also avoided when starting AIP).

(Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nightshade-vegetables#nutrients, https://www.thepaleomom.com/the-whys-behind-autoimmune-protocol/, https://unboundwellness.com/nightshades/)