Are you hesitating to eat the Lima Beans due to the rumor of it belonging to the Nightshades list?
Go through the article if you do not want to throw away the Beans and clear the doubt.
What Are Nightshade Vegetables?
Nightshade vegetables are any member of the Solanaceae family with the genus Solanum. The Nightshade can also refer to any herb, shrub, or tree from the family.
Moreover, people assume Zucchini and Cucumber is a Nightshade. But that is just a rumor, as they belong to the Cucurbitaceae family.
Meanwhile, the Solanaceae members are Nightshade because of alkaloids. It has a tarnished reputation for being unsafe and causing inflammation.
However, alkaloids have both positive and negative effects. The positive is for human health, where it acts as an antioxidant.
In contrast, Tobacco, a Nightshade plant, causes Cancer because of the nicotine alkaloid. Also, the solanine alkaloid can trigger nausea and diarrhea if consumed in more quantity.
However, no substantial scientific evidence is available regarding the health hazards Nightshade poses to humans.
Thus, you can enjoy the Nightshade vegetables but in moderation. It is because some might be sensitive to Nightshades, triggering symptoms like bloating, gas, or headaches.
All parts of Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) from the Solanaceae family are highly toxic, causing hallucinations. So the so-called “deadly Nightshade” credit can be given to this plant.
Are Lima Beans Nightshades?
Like tomatoes and peas, Lima Beans are botanically a fruit, but most of us enjoy them by cooking, and so is a vegetable.
Another reason why Lima Beans are not Nightshades is the absence of alkaloids. Instead, they contain lectin protein.
The lectin could make people mistake Lima Beans for Nightshade since Nightshade vegetables also contain it. And it has been linked with inflammation.
However, the different family origin of Lima Beans keeps them away from the list of Nightshade vegetables.
Also, Lima Beans lectins are less harmful than the alkaloids in Nightshades. But it is better to consult a doctor before consuming Lima Bean to check if you are allergic to it.
From Editorial Team
Information To Know About Nightshade!
The glycoalkaloid Solanine is a natural pesticide that Nightshade family member uses as a defense to resist bugs, virus, and bacteria.
Meanwhile, the unripe member of the Nightshade family has a bitter taste due to alkaloids.
Moreover, people with autoimmune diseases replace them from their diet. So if you are one, better use other alternatives.
