Ask The Nutritionist • Nightshades
It’s time for another Ask The Nutritionist article. You ask, I answer! Together with CAP Beauty, we explore your food curiosities and dive deep into the world of nutrition, macro and micro. This month, readers want to know -
Meredith, please tell us, what's the deal with nightshades? Cassie has a deep love for eggplant but should she be avoiding?
Photo By: John Von Pamer
It always depends on the individual. For some, it’s a wonderful vegetable to include. For others, nightshades will aggravate the system. I typically recommend steering clear if one has arthritis, joint pain, autoimmune disorders and leaky gut (to be safe) as nightshades have the potential to irritate the gut lining and create inflammation.
If you are an otherwise healthy person, enjoy organic eggplant when it is in peak season from July to October.
Consuming local produce is also ideal because of its increased vitality (aka, the more quickly we can get ripe fruits and veggies into the body, the better). Did you know New Jersey grows 66% of the world’s eggplants? That definitely classifies as local for us living in nearby states.
If you're just crazy about nightshades and want to ensure you're upping your immunity and taming inflammation, we've rounded up some winners below to aid in your defense.
WUNDERWORKSHOP GOLDEN TURMERIC POWDER
Awake with wunder. Straight from the heart of Sri Lanka this small batch Organic Turmeric is savory inspiration. Add a deliciously golden touch of essential vitamins, minerals and inflammation soothing antioxidants to any culinary creation with a pinch of this golden powder and watch your health soar.
Alkalize and energize with the power of the rainforest. This incredible green alchemy from Anima Mundi is brimming with some of the most potent greens and alkalizers on Earth. Organic Graviola, Chanca Piedra, Moringa, Spirulina and Chlorella are profoundly cleansing and boast deeply nourishing anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. Just a teaspoon a day will align your systems and empower your body for truly high vibrational living.
NORDICNORDIC LINGONBERRY POWDER
Sourced from the purest forests of Finland, NordicNordic’s Lingonberry Powder delivers antioxidants on high. This raw and tangy superpowder can be added to smoothies, sprinkled onto breakfast bowls or cooked into cereals to fight inflammation with high concentrations of bioactive Vitamin E, fiber, manganese and resveratrol. A single package contains over 7000 berries, seeds and skin intact. Diversify your diet and supercharge your health with this wild Arctic superfruit.
Superfood studded honeys are a CAP Beauty favorite. Packed with turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper and coconut oil, Countertop’s Golden Honey supports the immune system, protects the gut, banishes inflammation and balances blood sugar with a powerful blend of spices in enzyme rich, probiotic and anti-bacterial raw honey. Eat by the spoonful, stir into tonics or add to warm water or nut milk for an instant golden latte.
A highly concentrated blend of roots and herbs for a powerful immune boost, this tonic blend includes apple cider vinegar, heirloom garlic, onion, ginger, horseradish, cayenne, sea salt and oregano oil. Take preventatively or at the onset of symptoms for a natural, enzymatic and nutritious remedy that packs a Kung Fu kick.
Our new gold standard. Turmeric, Ginger and Black Pepper unite to soothe inflammation, ease joint pain and help tame indigestion for a bright and glowing aura. Perfect for Golden Mylks and Turmeric lattes. Take your tonic higher.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek advice from your health provider before altering your routine.