Tomatoes

Tomatoes, along with potatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers, are members of the nightshade family. Tomatoes are abundant in fiber and vitamin C, with one tomato supplying around 20% of the recommended amount. They're also high in potassium, folate, and vitamin K1. Lycopene, an antioxidant, is one of the most researched chemicals in tomatoes. It has been demonstrated in tests to decrease inflammation and heart disease, and it may even protect against cancer. Tomatoes contain lectins as well, yet there is no indication that they have any detrimental impact on people. The existing research has been done on animals or in test tubes.

Tomato lectins were discovered to bind to the gut wall in one investigation of rats, although they did not appear to cause any harm. Another study in mice reveals that after eating tomatoes, lectins pass the stomach and reach circulation. Some people do seem to respond to tomatoes, however, this is more likely due to pollen food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome. Some individuals believe that tomatoes and other nightshade foods cause inflammation, such as arthritis. So far, no official research has shown this connection. Lectins have been related to rheumatoid arthritis, but only in people who have the disease-causing gene.