Monday, August 25, 2014

Nightshades: To eat or Not to eat?


 Saturday afternoon we spent time with some of Brian's childhood peeps from Lowville.  Lots of laughs and stories from the "good old days"!  I was gifted a beautiful bracelet...perfect shades of healing pink. Thank you Kyra...keep up the good work.  You are becoming a living teacher for those around you.

 In the morning we went to the Farmers Market. We spent time wandering through the rows of beautiful fruits and veggies. Nightshades were among the many items to be had.
So, what's the deal with nightshades? Potato, tomato, eggplant and peppers are all in the nightshade family. All those wonderful spices like paprika and cayenne fall into this category, too.  There are a couple of thousand different plants and veggies that you'll have to look at with discretion. Have you ever smelled a tomato or potato plant or tasted your fingers after handling the leaves.  Yuck!! They are just plane weird. 


From an Ayurvedic stand point, nightshades block your ability to maintain a Sattvic mind and body. What?  What that means is - if you're trying to be calm and spiritual - nightshades will interfere.  Sattvic foods are wholesome organic foods that are prepared with loving intention.  These Sattvic foods bring peace and harmony to the mind and body.  Nightshades are stimulating and can be agitating to a sensitive person. They are considered Rajasic or stimulating, and can be very Tamasic or dulling depending on how they are prepared. Think about how acidic a tomato can be - maybe creating a heating sensation in the body.  Potatoes can be heavy and make you feel like "nap time" after eating fries with your dinner.  This is where mindful eating comes into play.  Start witnessing your post-digestive reactions to foods...you might be surprised by what you discover. 

From a scientific point of view ...well...nightshade have a  alkaloid in them that is a natural defense against insects.  The problem is that these alkaloids will have a negative affect on the digestive, nervous and muscular systems of the body.  Potatoes and tomatoes both have steroid alkaloids and they can cause joint stiffness and imbalance there nervous system.  Basically the suggestion is that if you have inflammatory joint issues or pain - you might want to think about limiting or eliminating nightshades from your diet.  The steroid alkaloids depress/block your cholinesterase enzymes.  When these enzymes are blocked you may see muscle trembling, nervous system agitation and  breathing issues.  Cooking nightshades lowers these alkaloids, but if you are very sensitive you might need to make some changes.  

So - do I eat nightshades?  You betcha....but with caution.  That's why this weekend I treated out family to a gorgeous eggplant.  I plan to make Baba Ganoush and share it with my Mom and Dad. For the recipe click here - http://naomikenealysbonusdays.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_24.html
Really easy recipe that just calls for friends to share it with.  Eggplant is Tamasic/heavy, but also is alkalizing. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy them. Balance it with some fresh veggies and enjoy them while they are in season.  
Thanks Kyra!

 I allow the family to have eggplant several times a year as a treat.  Treating ourselves is a Bonus, and then we don't feel denied. I space it out enough that it doesn't bother my joints. Everyone has a unique constitution, and taking the time to discover your particular strengths and weaknesses is a gift.   If you're not sure how your body reacts - stop eating all nightshades for a month.  Then add one at a time - giving yourself several days to see what effects might turn up. Everything in moderation!!

Blessings to All!
Warm eggplant kisses!
Namaste`
Naomi

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