Allergies Occur To Peanut Tree Nuts And Coconut
Allergic reactions to peanut and tree nuts are relatively common. In contrast, allergic reactions to coconut are relatively rare. Few cases of allergic reactions from eating coconut products have been reported, including one case of severe stomach upset in a baby fed infant formula containing coconut. The other cases reported have been those of serious allergic reactions . Of these cases, some have been found to be allergic to tree nuts like walnut and hazelnut, as well as coconut. Allergic responses have been found to similar proteins present in both types of foods, a concept known as cross-reactivity. Other cases have only been allergic to coconut.
May Boost Heart Health
Argan oil is a rich source of oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated, omega-9 fat .
Oleic acid is also present in several other foods, including avocado and olive oils, and is often credited with heart-protective effects .
One small human study noted that argan oil was comparable to olive oil in its capacity to reduce heart disease risk through its impact on antioxidant levels in the blood .
In another small human study, a higher intake of argan oil was associated with lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol and higher blood levels of antioxidants .
In a study on heart disease risk in 40 healthy people, those who consumed 15 grams of argan oil daily for 30 days experienced a 16% and 20% reduction in bad LDL and triglyceride levels, respectively .
Although these results are promising, larger studies are necessary to better understand how argan oil may support heart health in humans.
Summary
Argan oils fatty acids and antioxidants may help reduce heart disease risk, though more research is needed.
But Cashews Arent True Nuts Either Are They
Botanically speaking, most nuts are actually seeds. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and others are the seeds of drupe fruits. But weve come to know them as culinary nuts. In cuisine, we think of nuts as any large, oily, edible kernels found within a shell. And when we read about top allergen studies, they are typically referring to these culinary nuts as tree nuts.
Scientists in the U.S. have found that nine nuts account for the majority of tree nut allergies. They include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
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What Do The Scientists Say
On the upside, research has shown refined peanut oil can be safely consumed by the vast majority of individuals with peanut allergies. Unrefined oil, conversely, has shown to cause reactions in some cases.
The most relevant study of note was conducted in 1997. In this study, 60 individuals with severe peanut allergies consumed both highly refined and unrefined peanut oil. Of those that consumed refined oil, zero participants had an allergic reaction of those that ingested unrefined oil, six showed symptoms.
Still, some reports claim refined oils were the cause of allergic reactions, likely due to defects in the manufacturing process. Two studies, in 2000 and 2017, were conducted to refute these claims and quantify the risk of allergic reactions to highly-refined oils. These researchers confirmed the findings of the 1997 study with one reporting, peanut oil, and by extrapolation other edible vegetable oils, presents no risk of provoking allergic reactions in the overwhelming majority of susceptible people.
At Allergy Amulet, weve done some testing of our own on highly-refined oils and so far, we have not detected trace allergenic material in our samples. Our Allergy Amulet assays are designed to detect the allergenic ingredient if the allergen in the oil is present at levels high enough to trigger a reaction in the most sensitive food-allergic individuals.
Scott and the Allergy Amulet Team
What Can I Do
Be informed
Consult your allergist or physician in order to obtain the advice and support needed to help manage your condition. Contact your allergy association for further information.
If you or anyone you know has food allergies and would like to receive information about food being recalled due to improper allergen labelling, sign up for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s e-mail Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts notification service available. When you sign up you will automatically receive timely food recall notifications.
Before eating
Allergists recommend that if you do not have your auto-injector device with you that you do not eat. If an ingredient list says a product contains or may contain tree nuts, do not eat it. If you do not recognize an ingredient, if there is no ingredient list available or if you don’t understand the language written on the packaging, avoid the product.
Watch out for allergen cross-contamination!
Cross-contamination is the accidental transfer of an ingredient to a product that does not normally have that ingredient in it. Through cross-contamination, a food that should not contain the allergen could become dangerous to eat for those who are allergic.
Cross-contamination can happen:
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Potential Benefits Of A Th2 Response
I dont like to label things as good or bad because the reality is always more complex and nuanced. For example, a Th2 cell response helps expel parasites from our gut, so ingesting MCT oil might be a good idea if you have a parasitic infection. Also, Th1 and Th17 cells may convert to Th2 cells, decreasing the Th1 and Th17 response. As you can see, theres a balance at play.
Should I Avoid Coconut And Nutmeg If I Have A Tree Nut Allergy
Coconut and nutmeg are not considered tree nuts for the purposes of food allergen labelling in Canada and are not usually restricted from the diet of someone allergic to tree nuts. A coconut is a seed of a fruit and nutmeg is obtained from the seeds of a tropical tree. However, some people allergic to tree nuts have also reacted to coconut and nutmeg. Consult your allergist before trying coconut- or nutmeg-containing products.
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How Are Severe Allergic Reactions Treated
Currently there is no cure for food allergies. The only option for managing the risk is to completely avoid the specific allergen. Appropriate emergency treatment for anaphylaxis includes an injection of epinephrine, which is available in an auto-injector device. Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop an allergic reaction from progressing and must be administered as soon as symptoms of a severe allergic reaction appear. Antihistamines, if used, should be given AFTER epinephrine has been administered. The injection must be followed by further treatment and observation in a hospital emergency room. If your allergist has diagnosed you with a food allergy and prescribed epinephrine, carry it with you all the time and know how to use it. Follow the advice of your allergist on how to use an auto-injector device.
Is Coconut Allergy A Nut Allergy Is Coconut Allergy A Tree Nut Allergy
If you are allergic to peanut or tree nuts, you might have found the topic of coconut allergy to be confusing.
Coconut allergy is not considered a nut allergy.
Coconut allergy is not considered a tree nut allergy.
The terms nut allergy and tree nut allergy does not include coconut.
However, people with hypersensitivity reactions to coconut should be tested for tree nut allergies .
Also, people who are allergic to tree nuts should consult an allergist before eating coconut .
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What Is The Most Common Tree Nut Allergy
Tree nut allergies are among the most common food allergies in both children and adults. The six tree nut allergies most commonly reported by children and adults are allergies to walnut, almond, hazelnut, pecan, cashew and pistachio. Most children who are allergic to one or more tree nuts do not outgrow their tree nut allergy.
Can You Eat Argan Oil If You Have A Nut Allergy
People with nut allergies should avoid argan oil. Studies carried out on humans to evaluate anaphylaxis caused on the consumption of tree nuts and peanuts. Argan oil is derived from the nuts of the argan tree and therefore people suffering from nut allergies in the past should avoid the intake of argan oil.
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May Moisturize Skin And Hair
The oleic and linoleic acids that make up the majority of argan oils fat content are vital nutrients for maintaining healthy skin and hair .
Argan oil is often directly administered to skin and hair but may also be effective when ingested.
In one study, both oral and topical applications of argan oil improved the moisture content of the skin in postmenopausal women .
Although there isnt any research on the specific use of argan oil for hair health, some studies indicate that other plant oils with a comparable nutritional profile may reduce split ends and other types of hair damage .
Summary
Argan oil is popularly used to moisturize skin and hair. Some research indicates the fatty acids in argan oil may support healthy, hydrated skin and reduce hair damage.
Is Coconut A Tree Nut
Ive received many comments on recipes labeled as nut-free that contain coconut. Its not a mistake. Botanically speaking, the coconut is a drupe , not a nut. Coconut can be a confusing food because it contains the word nut in its name. But a coconut is not a true tree nut and doesnt contain nut proteins.
This information has been confirmed by two leading organizations, Food Allergy Research & Education and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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Pack This Healthy No Nut Granola In School Lunches
I love finding healthy foods that are also easy to pack in a lunchbox. It’s difficult to find variety sometimes! Like many schools, my son’s school is a nut-free zone. I started making this granola so he could safely take it to school.
This granola is great with some yogurt, or on it’s own as a sweet snack. My son’s favorite part of this recipe are the raisins and banana chips.
Coconut Allergy And Cross Contamination
If you have a coconut allergy, coconut sensitivity, or follow a coconut-free diet for any reason, cross-contamination is a risk that should be considered.
Cross-contamination may be encountered in many settings, especially where coconut items are being served. Take caution in restaurants that serve dishes made with coconut as well as on buffets and salad bars that contain coconut and foods made with coconut.
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Not Necessarily Linked To Tree Nut
In a national registry of 5,149 people with peanut or tree nut allergies, only four patients reported having an allergy to coconut. A more recent study of 40 children with positive tests or known allergy to peanuts or tree nuts showed no increased risks for having positive tests or allergy to coconut.
Your allergist would consider your personal allergy history in deciding whether to add coconut to your diet or to perform any testing. However, be aware that tests are often positive to coconut in people who could actually tolerate it. So a physician-supervised feeding test may be necessary for a conclusive answer.
When it comes to coconut oil, there is almost no medical literature on allergic reactions to it. This may reflect the likelihood that the processed forms of coconut oil contain little or no protein, although this has not been studied.
Still, for those with verified coconut allergy, avoidance of coconut oil should be considered because it may have residual protein.
Finally, its important to note that people with peanut or tree nut allergies who choose to eat coconut must be diligent to avoid cross-contact with tree nuts or peanut being avoided.
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Argan Oil Allergy: The Liquid Gold May Not Be Always Safe
For example, argan oil is derived from a nut, however, there are few allergies to argan oil, in comparison to say, almond oil. The key is to know your body chemistry, know the plant, quality of ingredients, source of plant material and the location and environment of product processing. Lets compare the nut & nut-free aromatherapy carrier oils If youre allergic to nuts, you shouldnt choose carrier oils derived from tree nuts, such as almond or argan oil. Do a patch test A patch test allows you to see how your skin reacts to a substance.. Nut oils Black walnut hull extract Walnut hull extract Non-food products that could have tree nuts: Alcohol. Beauty products with tree nut oil such as argan oil. Birdseed. Beanbags which may be stuffed with walnut shells. Alternative names for tree nuts
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Is Your Oil Refined Or Unrefined
Navigating oils goes a bit deeper, as they generally fall under one of two subcategories:
Highly-refined/refined: These oils are most common in commercial kitchens and are typically used for cooking or frying. Because this type of oil undergoes heavy processing, refined oils are broadly considered not to contain significant quantities of the allergenic food proteins that trigger allergic reactions.
Unrefined/crude: These oils undergo minimal processing. Unrefined oils are generally used as a finishing oil and are known for their potent flavor and smell. Another way to identify whether the oil is unrefined or crude is to look for labels like gourmet, cold-pressed, extruded, small-batch, or aromatic. These oils generally contain very small quantities of allergenic food proteins.
Its unusual to find unrefined oils outside of fine dining environments , but remember, it’s always better to ask! And if you’re not 100% sure, err on the safe side and assume the oil is crude or unrefined. In my opinion, this one falls very squarely in the “better safe than sorry” category.
What Does Argan Oil Allergy Look Like
If you have tree nut allergy, then it is important that you test the argan oil on some part of the skin before extensively using it. There are many reports of Argan Oil allergy which looks like contact dermatitis. Though the research done till now is not that conducive, scientists are still warning people with nut allergies practice caution before incorporating Argan Oil into their hair care or skin care regime.
When you first use argan oil and your skin or scalp does not agree to it, you will see that your skin will breakout and there would be rashes on your body in the proximity of where you applied the oil. So if you are using it on your hair, there might be small rashes, breakouts or acne on your skin. In the beginning you may feel like ignoring it, but on the long run it may become quite problematic. Small bumps which are painful and may look like pimples-these are the sure shot symptoms of nut allergy, and especially from those which you may be using on your skin or hair.
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Is Quinoa Allergen Free
But for some people, eating quinoa may cause stomachaches, itchy skin, hives, and other common symptoms of food allergies. The seed and its coating contain the compound saponin, which could cause these symptoms. If youre allergic to quinoa or sensitive to saponin, it doesnt mean you have to miss out on tasty recipes.
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Can I Eat Coconuts If I Am Allergic To Nuts
Coconut is not a nut its a part of the palm tree family, but according to recent studies performed by the FDA, people with tree nut allergies may have an allergic reaction to products that contain coconuts. Allergic reactions to nuts are caused by the proteins found in specific tree nuts. Although the reasons why are not fully understood, coconuts do not contain the same proteins but can cause a similar allergic reaction. If you have a nut allergy, talk with your doctor before consuming coconuts.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
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Testing For A Coconut Allergy
What does this mean about coconut’s role in your diet if you’ve been diagnosed with another tree nut allergy? First of all, try to avoid coconut after a positive allergy test to another tree nut. It’s best to err on the side of caution because there is a possibility of cross-reactivity and tree nut reactions can be severe.
If You Have A Nut Allergy You Might Want To Check Your
Peanut oil is often used under the name arachis hypogaea in shampoos and creams, if you have a nut allergy, When other oils undergo a heating or refining process, although argan nut is not on the list of the priority allergens, However, Extraction is key to the production process, mild and safe to use on the skin and hair, but sad to say, you will often find it in Morocco, (30 > , be careful about using this oil, People that show allergic reaction to argan oil are those who are also allergic to nut oils, you should always test using argan oil on your body to see how you react Richer than olive oil in vitamin e so it is incredibly soothing Celebrities who use Argan Oil Cuban/American actress Eva Mendes swears by natural beauty methods and says argan oil is my total skin secret Heidis Hacks for Argan OilThe nut contains one to three oil-rich argan kernels, Shea ButterArgan Oil Side Effects, There have been cases in which argan oil caused an allergic reaction.In general
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Frequently Asked Fridays: Does Fda Consider Coconut An Allergen
Approximately 32 million Americans suffer from food allergies. In response, Congress passed the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 which requires food labels to list all ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. The law identifies eight major food allergens, one of which is tree nuts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut, and thus an allergen that must be declared. This can be confusing for some, as coconuts are not typically considered to be nuts and there are few instances of people being allergic to both true tree nuts and coconuts. Despite this, coconut remains on the list, so food facilities labeling products containing coconut must list it in the ingredients appropriately.
FALCPA Requirements for Declaring Allergens
FALCPA is applied to eight food groups that were chosen because they account for over 90% of all food allergies in the United States. They are:
- Milk
- Wheat
- Soybeans
Coconut and Allergen Labeling
While coconuts grow on trees and contain the word nut in their title, Coconuts are botanically a drupe, a fruit with several hard layers. Despite this, they still fall under FDAs designation of tree nuts for the purpose of FALCPA. This can be confusing for labelers who may have not thought of coconut as being an actual nut or as a major food allergen.
