Tomatoes and Inflammation????

Tomatoes are a popular fruit/vegetable enjoyed by many however, they have been under investigation over the last few years in terms of their health value. Tomatoes are very nutritious, proving to be a good source of vitamin C and potassium, fiber, beta-carotene, and lycopene. Tomatoes are also a member of the nightshade family. Nightshade vegetables belong to a plant family called Solanaceae which include tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, to name a few. Spices such as paprika and cayenne pepper are also made from nightshade plants. There has been much talk about eating nightshades because they contain compounds called alkaloids that are allegedly inflammatory. This has caused many to wonder whether the benefits of consuming tomatoes outweigh the potential costs. Here is where we will decipher fact from fiction….this theory is a MYTH! 

The agreement among many researchers is that nightshade vegetables DO NOT cause inflammation. It is always possible that one may have a sensitivity or intolerance to any food, including nightshade vegetables which is often a reflection of the overall level of inflammation in the body. 

Overall, the tomato is a food packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They actually help to reduce the risk of inflammatory disease and help to improve certain health conditions that may be caused by inflammation. So, what’s that saying? A tomato a day keeps the doctor away maybe? Eat your tomatoes friends! 

Stay tuned for some of our favorite recipes that incorporate tomatoes!!