nightshades and lectins..

[helterskelter]

nightshades (tomatoes, peppers) and lectins (sugar binding proteins) cause a lot of commotion in these circles. from a weightloss perspectice, is there a reason to join in the commotion?

[chadwick]

Well, I would ask the following question: if you had a Ferrari, would you think it is in good condition if there are no exterior scratches even though the engine is about to break down?

From a purely weight-loss perspective, nightshades are not going to do you harm. Even the claims about solanine poisoning are really not much cause for concern IMO, as long as you are careful (do not eat green potatoes or tomatoes). But I am indifferent towards vegetables as a whole--eat them if you like, do not eat them if you do not like.

In terms of lectins, this is a more difficult question. First of all, you should try to eliminate them obviously--and this should take priority over weight-loss. Secondly, lectins are found in greatest abundance in grain products which you will eliminate anyways (lectins are one of the reasons, aside from insulin etc). There are lectins found in some nuts and seeds, beer, etc. Just have to be smart about it.

[helterskelter]

Well, I would ask the following question: if you had a Ferrari, would you think it is in good condition if there are no exterior scratches even though the engine is about to break down?

From a purely weight-loss perspective, nightshades are not going to do you harm. Even the claims about solanine poisoning are really not much cause for concern IMO, as long as you are careful (do not eat green potatoes or tomatoes). But I am indifferent towards vegetables as a whole--eat them if you like, do not eat them if you do not like.

In terms of lectins, this is a more difficult question. First of all, you should try to eliminate them obviously--and this should take priority over weight-loss. Secondly, lectins are found in greatest abundance in grain products which you will eliminate anyways (lectins are one of the reasons, aside from insulin etc). There are lectins found in some nuts and seeds, beer, etc. Just have to be smart about it.

ok, potatoes contain starch, no good, but why are tomatoes so bad for you, and why should i eliminate lectins? they are also called sugar binding proteins which sounds relevant from a weightloss perspective. i avoid grain but eat dairy, ie i eat lectins.

[chadwick]

Green potatoes and tomatoes can contain high amounts of solanine. From wikipedia:


Commercial varieties of potatoes are screened for solanine levels, and most have a solanine content of less than 0.2 mg/g. However, potatoes that have been exposed to light and started to green can show concentrations of 1 mg/g or more. In these situations a single unpeeled potato can result in a dangerous dose.

In potato tubers 30–80% of the solanine develops in and close to the skin.


While ripe (red or yellow) tomatoes do not contain significant amounts of solanine, the amount of solanine in unripe (green) tomatoes is quite high. A dose of 25 mg is about the dose where symptoms of nausea start to show. Depending on the variety of tomatoes the amount of 25 mg solanine may be reached with less than 80 g of raw green tomatoes, and the potentially life-threating dose for adults of 400 mg may be reached between 1.25 kg to 4.5 kg of raw green tomatoes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solanine

Even ripened versions of these vegetables (or fruit?) contain a little bit of solanine--but I generally am not worried about it. I only eat tomatoes though (just do not like potatoes!).

[tribecalledfit]

Probably the most interesting article I've read about nightshade plants is this one -here- (http://www.organicfoodee.com/inspiration/craig/nightshadefoods/) by Craig Sams. Can you believe the story about the guy eating a tomato on the courthouse steps in 1820, while the constable waited to arrest him for attempted suicide? I was shocked to hear just how recently some of these foods (particularly tomatoes) were introduced into our diet.

[tribecalledfit]

On another note, I do enjoy my bell peppers (of all colors, but particularly the red ones). They're a favorite for dicing and throwing into morning egg dishes. Recently I've noticed them displayed prominently on Mark's Daily Apple, as if to represent the veggie component of a "healthy primal diet" -- and then I learned from the Craig Sams article that they're nightshade members and should probably be avoided.