List of Nightshade Vegetables & Fruits
- The bell pepper, Italian pepper, chile pepper, eggplant, potato, tomato and tomatillo are culinary vegetables that fall in the nightshade family. Although, this list appears straightforward and easy to avoid, individuals on a nightshade-free diet, also need to avoid these foods in modified forms. For example, potatoes are present in potato starch, otherwise known as modified food starch, a common ingredient in many processed foods and a common filler in medications and vitamin supplements.
- Some culinary fruits that are considered nightshades include the gooseberry, the goji berry, the pepino and the tamarillo. The gooseberry is a fruit that can be used for culinary purposes, such as desserts. But, it also has medicinal purposes and features prominently in homeopathic remedies. Goji berries are antioxidant berries that have more recently become used in goji berry juice, a popular health drink. The pepino is an exotic fruit, often used as a dessert and the tamarillo is a relative of the tomato, usually eaten as fruit.
- Cayenne, chili powder, curry and paprika are spices that are considered to be a part of the nightshade family. Ketchup and hot sauces should be avoided by individuals on a nightshade free diet. These spices and sauces are commonly found in Mexican cuisine, and are present in many popular soft drinks and snack foods. These spices and sauces can also be found hiding out in breading and seasoning for meat.
- Nightshades are also found in other various places. Tobacco is a nightshade. Therefore, cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco could be harmful to individuals on a nightshade-free diet. Several drugs and pesticides also contain nightshades. Some of these are belladonna, atropine, and scopolamine. People who are attempting to avoid the consumption of nightshades, should tell their pharmacist of their nightshade sensitivity prior to taking prescription medication, over-the- counter drugs, vitamin supplements or mineral supplements.
