Is Coconut Safe For People With Tree Nut Allergies
I follow several food blogs, and after seeing repeated mentions of coconut oil, I became interested in trying it. Tropical Traditions graciously provided me with a few jars of their product to sample, and I turned to the for tips on how to use it. My readers know that my son is tree nut allergic, and they identified an issue Is coconut safe for people with tree nut allergies? I knew that my son had eaten coconut before, I remembered reading that it isnt a tree nut, but I wanted to be sure.
I searched online and found a dialogue from the Fall 2005 issue of Allergic Living magazine Ask the Allergists column with Dr. Wade Watson. He was asked by a mother of a peanut and tree nut allergic boy if coconut is a tree nut.
Dr. Watsons answer was: Coconut is a member of the palm family, which is not related to nuts or peanuts. Coconuts are large seeds adapted for water-born dispersal and remain viable after having floated in the sea for six months or more. If your son is allergic to peanuts or tree nuts, there is no reason for him to avoid coconut. I checked with Gwen Smith, the editor of Allergic Living magazine, to see if this answer remains correct, and she assured me Dr. Watson stands by that advice.
As with any ingredient, watch out for may contain nuts or tree nuts statements on labels, which reflect cross-contamination during processing. Otherwise, coconut gets the green light for people with tree nut allergies.
Virgin Coconut Oil:
Is Almond Extract Safe If You Have Nut Allergies
Verywell / Zorica Lakonic
Certain almond extracts actually may be safe for people who are allergic to tree nuts. This is because almond extract isn’t always made from almonds.
Imitation almond extract would be safe for someone with a nut allergy, while real almond extract shouldn’t be consumed by someone with a nut allergy.
However, you should use extreme caution in trying anything that lists almond extract as an ingredient if you’re allergic to nuts. Don’t try a product that contains almond extract unless you’re sure you’re getting the safe kind of almond flavoring.
Tree Nuts And Peanuts
Theres often confusion between peanuts and tree nuts. Peanuts are legumes, not nuts still, between 25 and 40 percent of individuals who are allergic to peanuts also react to at least one tree nut, according to studies.
Allergists generally advise people who are allergic to tree nuts also to avoid peanuts because of the risk of cross-contact and cross-contamination between tree nuts and peanuts in food processing facilities. If you or your child is allergic to either peanuts or tree nuts, ask your allergist whether you should avoid both products.
The prevalence of these allergies in children appears to be growing, according to a 2010 study that compared data from telephone surveys of 5,300 U.S. households in 1997, 2002 and 2008. In the 2008 survey, 2.1 percent of respondents reported having a child with an allergy to peanuts, tree nuts or both. In the 2002 survey, 1.2 percent of subjects said they had a child with one or both of these allergies five years earlier, in 1997, only 0.6 percent of respondents reported having a child with one or both of these allergies.
Allergies to tree nuts and peanuts are among the most common causes of anaphylaxis in the United States. An allergist will advise patients with these allergies to carry an auto-injector containing epinephrine , which is the only treatment for anaphylactic shock, and will teach the patient how to use it. If a child has the allergy, teachers and caregivers should be made aware of his or her condition as well.
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Is Coconut Safe For Childrens With Nut Allergy
What are tree nuts? Tree nuts range from cashew nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, pistachio, and walnuts to lichee and pine nuts. They come in a range of shapes and sizes. Tree nuts are some food allergens linked to anaphylaxis, which is a serious reaction that starts up quickly and can also be fatal. A tree nut allergy could last a lifetime, while under 10 percent of children outgrow this allergy.
Causes of nut allergies: Children suffer nut allergies when they test hypersensitive to the protein content in tree nuts. If a child mistakenly eats a tree nut that he is allergic to, his immune system suffers a huge reaction. When the childs immune system doesnt work well, it takes the proteins to be dangerous to the body, causing the body to create antibodies.
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The chemical reaction this causes leads to several medical conditions like skin reactions, inflammation in the face, lips or throat, asthma and digestive problems. The chief chemical that causes the symptoms of nut allergy is histamine because its introduction in the body causes the inflammation of soft tissue.
Should children with nut allergy eat coconut? Just because the word nut suffixes the word coconut doesnt mean that the coconut is a nut. In fact, it is a member of the palm tree family. Despite this, there are studies that prove that children and adults with tree nut allergies may have an allergy to foods containing coconut.
Why Peach Pits Taste Like Almonds
Most food allergies fall into one of eight categories, and tree nuts are one of those categories. Although almonds are included in the “tree nut” group for the sake of allergic labeling, they are not tree nuts at all. Instead, they’re what are called drupes.
Drupes actually are a type of fruit with an outer fleshy covering over a hard-shelled nut. Nutmeg is a drupe, as are walnuts and pecans.
Drupes that we think of as “fruit” include peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and apricots, and are referred to as “stone fruit” . Almonds are in the same family as peaches, apricots, plums, and nectarines.
That’s why the compounds released from peach and apricot pits taste the same as those released from bitter almond oil, and why it’s possible to use fruit pits to make an almond-flavored extract. Those compounds from fruit pits are bioidentical to those in almonds.
The chemical benzaldehyde is the primary component of bitter almond oil. It was first extracted from almond oil. However, it’s less expensive to make it from other chemicals than it is to extract it from almonds or fruit pits.
Almond allergy may predispose a person to other tree nut allergies. Other tree nuts include hazelnuts, brazil nuts, pistachios,cashews, walnuts, and pecans.
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Can Peanut Allergy Cause Arthritis
While some people think food allergies are linked to childhood hyperactivity and to arthritis, theres no evidence to support this. Complications of peanut allergy can include anaphylaxis. Children and adults who have a severe peanut allergy are especially at risk of having this life-threatening reaction. Peanut Allergy.
Can You Eat Coconut With A Tree Nut Allergy
As explained in this article, you can indeed eat coconut with a tree nut allergy. But if you notice that you have a strong reaction to coconut, make sure to have this tested. Although very rare, coconut allergy can occur. If you find yourself to be sensitive to coconut, discuss this with your medical doctor.
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Is Honey Safe For Nut Allergies
If you are allergic to Walnut and Pecan, you are also safe. They are pollinated via wind. Since most allergies are protein based, and pollen contains many of the proteins produced by the parent plant, there is a chance that honey or pollen from those plants could be a problem.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Nut Allergy
Symptoms can range from a mild runny nose to the life threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis, which include throat swelling, shortness of breath, and shock. The same person can have different nut allergy symptoms at different points in time. People with a nut allergy may experience the following symptoms after exposure to some or all types of nut:
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Is A Coconut A Real Nut
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Then, is coconut classed as a nut allergy?
Coconut is not a botanical nut it is classified as a fruit, even though the Food and Drug Administration recognizes coconut as a tree nut. While allergic reactions to coconut have been documented, most people who are allergic to tree nuts can safely eat coconut.
Similarly, how common is coconut allergy? Allergies occur to peanut, tree nuts and coconutIn 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.
Herein, why is coconut called a nut?
Coconut is a seed because it is the reproductive part of the tree, coconut is a fruit because it is a fibrous one-seeded drupe and coconut is a nut because a loose definition of a nut is nothing but a one-seeded ‘fruit’.
Where do coconut seeds come from?
The coconut seed is especially well adapted to increasing its range by the method of ocean dispersal. The seed floats when its outer layers dry out. The buoyant coconuts drift on ocean currents and end up on tropical beaches where they germinate and take root.
What Are The Side Effects Of Argan Oil
When taken orally, argan oil can cause stomach problems such as nausea, gas, and diarrhea. It may also cause a loss of appetite or bloating, as well as skin reactions such as rashes or acne breakouts in some people. People who take the argan oil oral supplement may experience more severe side effects in very rare cases.
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Is A Coconut A Tree Nut
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In respect to this, is a coconut considered a nut?
Answer. Botanically speaking, a coconut is a fibrous one-seeded drupe, also known as a dry drupe. However, when using loose definitions, the coconut can be all three: a fruit, a nut, and a seed.
Also, how common is a coconut allergy? Allergies occur to peanut, tree nuts and coconutIn 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.
Furthermore, does the FDA consider coconut a tree nut?
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.
Which nut is not a tree nut?
Tree nuts considered as priority allergens include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts , pistachio nuts and walnuts. Peanuts are part of the legume family and are not considered a tree nut.
Is Shea Butter Allergic
Shea butter appears to have a low risk of causing an allergic reaction. However, an allergic reaction to a fragrance, preservative, or coloring agent found in items containing it is possible. The ASBI recommends purchasing certified premium grade A shea butter that has undergone quality and safety testing.
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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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Soaping With Allergies: Nuts Gluten & More
October 7, 2015Filed Under: Tips & Tricks
One of the benefits of making your own bath and beauty products is having complete control of the ingredients. Whether you have sensitive skin, allergies or prefer to avoid particular ingredients, creating products from scratch allows you to fully customize for your personal preferences. If you or somebody you know has severe allergies to products such as nuts or gluten, creating your own bath and beauty products can be especially appealing. If you have concerns regarding specific ingredients and how it will affect your allergies, its always best to consult with your doctor.
Tree nut allergies are one of the most common allergens in both adults and children. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios and Brazil nuts. Peanuts are also a common nut allergy, but are technically considered legumes. According to FARE , people who are allergic to tree nuts are more likely to be allergic to other types, and should avoid all nuts.
Some oils are derived from nuts. If you are allergic to nuts, you may want to completely avoid using oils from nuts in your bath and beauty products. Its important to talk to your doctor to help make the right decision for you.
Nuts are a common food allergy, and nut based oils are a common ingredient in many soap recipes. Some people with nut allergies may choose to avoid these oils.
While fragrance oils are thoroughly tested to be skin safe, they can occasionally cause skin irritation.
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Possible Sources Of Tree Nuts
- Alcoholic beverages, such as Frangelico, amaretto liqueurs and others
- Baked goods such as biscotti, cakes, cookies, crackers, donuts, granola bars, pastries and pies, baklava, baking mixes
- Barbecue sauce
- Candies, such as calisson, mandelonas, marzipan, some chocolates, chocolate bars
- Cereals, granola, muesli
- Health and Nutritional supplements, such as herbal remedies and vitamins
- Herbal teas
- Hot cocoa and cocoa mixes
- Ice cream, gelato, frozen desserts, sundae toppings, frozen yogurt, pralines
- Main course dishes such as butter chicken, chicken korma, mole sauce, pad thai, satay, chili, other gravy dishes
- Natural flavourings and extracts
- Nut-flavoured coffees, hot cocoa, specialty drinks
- Peanut oil
- Snack food like chips, popcorn, snack mixes, trail mix
- Spreads and Nut butters
- Vegetarian dishes
Allergic Reactions To Tree Nuts
An allergic reaction usually happens within minutes after being exposed to an allergen, but sometimes it can take place several hours after exposure. Anaphylaxis is the most serious type of allergic reaction.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis generally include two or more of the following body systems:
- Skin: hives, swelling , itching, warmth, redness
- Respiratory : coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, throat tightness, hoarse voice, nasal congestion or hay fever-like symptoms , trouble swallowing
- Gastrointestinal : nausea, pain/cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
- Cardiovascular : paler than normal skin colour/blue colour, weak pulse, passing out, dizziness or lightheadedness, shock
- Other: anxiety, sense of doom , headache, uterine cramps, metallic taste
If you have an allergy to tree nuts, keep an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions .
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Is Coconut Safe For Kids With Nut Allergy
The most common food allergy among children and adults is one to tree nuts and peanuts. However, children begin to eat other foods before they eat nuts and they grow out of these. Still, only 1/5 of children with nut allergies get over them. This means that four out of five children with nut allergies grow up with these allergies. While with some, these allergies lose their severity, in others it becomes chronic.
Can You Eat Coconut If You Have Nut Allergy
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Also, is coconut really a nut?
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Is Avocado a tree nut?
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Is Argan Oil Ok For People With Nut Allergies
Because argan oil is cold pressed, it is more likely to cause an adverse reaction in people who are allergic to nuts. Some protein allergies may break down during the heating or refining process of other oils.
What Oils Are Safe For Nut Allergies? Peanut oil is a type of vegetable oil. Peanut oil that has been refined is likely to be safe for the vast majority of persons who have a peanut allergy. A scientific investigation conducted in Southampton in 1997 came to this result.
Can Someone Be Allergic To Argan Oil? There has only been one case of allergic contact dermatitis produced by topical argan oil. Olive oil contains palmitic and stearic acids, which are saturated fatty acids similar to oleic and linoleic acids that can cause allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases.
What Should You Avoid If You Have A Nut Allergy? Foods to Stay Away From If You Have Nut Allergies Almond, cashew, peanut, and other nut butters Pastes made from nuts. Marzipan, almond paste, and nougat are examples of them. Nut oils.. Plant or vegetable protein hydrolyzed.. Peanut flour. Almond extract is an example of a nut extract.
