The Questionable Tomato - Our Ancestors Thought It Was Toxic - Alkaloids and Lectins

The tomato is the most popular garden vegetable today. This could be because they are easy to grow in the family garden, and just a few plants provide an adequate harvest. This was not always the case. Two hundred years ago, our ancestors thought that tomatoes were toxic. Tomatoes are the fruit of a nightshade plant and are native to South America.
Question #1, Is the tomato a fruit or vegetable? I remember when I first learned that tomatoes were a fruit, even though it is eaten like a vegetable. We were told this was true because the tomato had seeds on the inside. This did not seem like a logical argument to me, since there are other vegetables that have seeds inside such as green beans and peas. Finally, I uncovered the biological rule for this classification and it is as follows: If the plant has flowers, fruits and seeds then it is a reproductive plant and, therefore is a fruit. On the other hand, if the plant has parts, such as, stems like celery stalks, roots similar to carrots, and leaves such as lettuce, then it is considered a vegetative organ and is a vegetable.
Question #2, Do tomatoes contain lectins which are toxic proteins and can damage the gut? I recall hearing about this a few years ago, even though, tomatoes are among the richest dietary sources of lycopene. Diets high in this phytonutrient have been shown to protect skin against sun damage, lower the risk of prostate cancer, and reduce the risk of strokes. This information troubled me because for as long as I can remember my family has always grown and eaten tomatoes. Botanically, tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, along with eggplants, peppers and potatoes. Many health experts believe you should avoid the nightshade plant family altogether. According to these experts tomatoes contain lectin which can bind to cells on your gut wall, damaging the gut and preventing you from properly absorbing nutrients. Research has begun to show that some people are more sensitive to lectins than others. The peels and seeds of nightshades are where the lectin content is at its heaviest. Therefore, at the very least you’ll want to make sure to peel and deseed these vegetables. You can also pressure cook or ferment them for the same results.
Question #3, Can tomatoes contain alkaloids that may have irritating effects on the body, such as aggravated joint pain and inflammation? This can be worrisome, even though no scientific studies currently support these findings, The Arthritis Foundation reports that many patients do find this to be the case. Alkaloids have a bitter taste and deter insects from making a meal of the plant. They’re mostly found in leaves, but some occur in the fruit. Good news, these alkaloids may not affect everyone. However, some people can be very sensitive to them because they can’t digest them properly. People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease should avoid eating foods from the nightshade family for this reason.
If you have no health problems, tomatoes shouldn’t cause difficulty. On the other hand, if you’re someone who suffers from a gastrointestinal sensitivity or bad heartburn, it could be a good time to avoid the nightshades and see what effect that has for you.
Sources:
www.livescience.com/33991-dif...
www.livescience.com/5014-surp...
www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition...
www.toxicology.usu.edu/endnote...
Thank You for watching!
The Refreshing Point
Good day and Good Health
The Questionable Tomato - Our Ancestors Thought It Was Toxic - Alkaloids and Lectins

[@beckysilky2868]

I love tomatoes 😮😮 this video answered a lot of questions I've always had.
Thank you so much.

[@therefreshingpoint4106]

You're very welcome! I also enjoy tomatoes. I actually planted some Indian Heirloom tomatoes today. I can't wait! I am pleased to hear that the information was useful. As always, all the best to you Becky! 😁

[@chuckcummins9149]

Thanks .... for sharing opinions, especially showing both sides of the coin .... could not agree with you more ...so many other links only tell you more is always better, not so ...same is true with sugar, fats, etc
quality, not quantity the true answer ... this, I believe alone keeps you the true frontrunner you are.
Lutein 24mg ( eyes) after almost two years. .my night vision is incredible ....however, your thoughts on supplements verses foods ... for a future date .... appreciated 😎🌴

[@therefreshingpoint4106]

Yes, you need to also use discernment when researching these topics. I usually find good and bad qualities for most foods. I try to focus on the one that provides the most facts and research. However, some times you end up in the middle and then it is best to present both sides. We are also all different and what works for one individual may not work for another. So when all the facts are represented I find that it is most helpful. Thank you for sharing! I will look into your request soon. If using supplements, I try to use whole food supplements whenever possible. 😁

[@littlevoice_11]

Cooked tomatoes are meant to be best.