Nightshades are some of the most common and nutrient-dense foods available. But we’ve all heard about the possible harmful effects of nightshades on our health. Although this isn’t always the case, many people are worried about them.
When we talk about sweet potatoes, one of the first questions that come to mind is, “is sweet potato a nightshade?” The answer is no. But let’s look at why that is and how sweet potato compares to normal potato, which is a nightshade.
What Is A Nightshade?
Before we get into sweet potatoes, let’s define nightshades.
Nightshades are a group of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other plants that belong to the Solanaceae family.
Some nightshades are inedible and toxic while a few of them are edible and we consume them often such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, potato, etc.
Many people are worried about nightshade because it contains alkaloids, which are believed to have adverse effects.
Alkaloids are organic compounds that plants secrete to keep pests and predators at bay.
What Is Sweet Potato?
Sweet potato is a tuberous root vegetable that is starchy and sweet. In many cultures, sweet potatoes are a staple food.
They are high in vitamins, minerals, fibers, and antioxidants and come in a variety of sizes and colors, including orange, purple and white.
Is Sweet Potato A Nightshade?
Let’s get to the bottom of your question: is sweet potato a nightshade?
Sweet potatoes don’t have the alkaloids that normal potatoes do.
Sweet potato is a member of the Convolvulaceae plant family, also known as morning glory. Sweet potatoes, unlike other nightshades such as white potatoes, do not contain the alkaloids related to adverse health effects. Therefore, sweet potatoes are not considered nightshade vegetables.
Are White Sweet Potatoes Nightshades?
Similar to classic orange sweet potatoes, white sweet potatoes also belong to the Convolvulaceae plant family or commonly known as morning glory. That’s why it is not a nightshade and does not contain toxic alkaloids.
How Does Sweet Potato Compare with Potatoes?
While both sweet and standard white potatoes are tuberous root vegetables, they vary in appearance, taste, and nutrients.
Both are common foods in many cultures and are grown all over the world.
Despite their common name ‘potato’, they are unrelated and belong to different plant families.
Sweet potato belongs to the morning glory or Convolvulaceae family and regular potatoes are nightshades or Solanaceae family plant.
While both are nutrient-dense, sweet potatoes are often regarded as the healthier option.
Sweet potatoes, particularly orange and purple varieties, have a higher vitamin A, vitamin C, and antioxidant profile than standard potatoes.
Conclusion
- Nightshades are a group of plants scientifically known as Solanaceae.
- Some nightshades are poisonous and inedible, while others, such as onions, eggplant, peppers, and potatoes, are edible and consumed often.
- In certain people, alkaloids present in nightshade vegetables can induce allergic and inflammatory reactions.
- No types of sweet potatoes are nightshade vegetables. While normal potatoes are nightshades.
- Sweet potato, belongs to the Convolvulaceae plant family, also known as morning glory.
- When it comes to health, sweet potatoes are always a healthier alternative than regular potatoes because of their higher nutritional profile.
