It is such a dying shame that the simple peanut, one of the world’s most versatile palate-ticklers, is also a major contributor to cases of allergic reactions worldwide. From sauces to toppings, appetizers and entrees, the humble Peanut may be found as an ingredient to add flavor or volume to the dish. Culinary wonders such as the famous Asian Satay would be incomplete without its intimate relationship with the complimentary Peanut Sauce. Even mouth-watering pastries like cakes and ice cream would taste too sweet without the balance brought about by the miniscule munchable.
Mother Nature’s little brown bullet is one of the main allergens because certain amino acids and proteins found in the peanut may be interpreted by the body’s immune system as a foreign threat. The immune system then sends out a flush of antibodies called Immunoglobulin E, which triggers the release of certain chemicals to begin different bodily defense mechanisms. One of these chemicals, Histamine, causes complications with the respiratory system, nausea and stomachaches from an irritated gastrointestinal tract, hives on the skin, and many other discomforts.
There have been a significant number of deaths each year related to food allergies and, more specifically, those involving peanuts. Severe allergic reactions cause the body to go into a seizure called an Anaphylactic Shock. Because Anaphylaxis is a multi-system emergency shutdown, it may cause heavy bodily damage if left untreated and eventually, death to the patient.
Because the allergic reaction takes place on the chemical level, it is difficult to say what type of reaction will occur with a certain amount of the peanut’s proteins. To some it may take a handful to actually cause the slightest reaction, while some may even die after being kissed by someone who has just had his fill of the allergen.
Just like many other diseases, there are a number of factors that contribute towards the notoriety of the peanut as one of the world’s most common allergen-based killers. One of the most common cases would be a product or brand’s negligence to correctly label their ingredients. Because of the rising number of peanut-related allergies, food products should be labeled properly and accurately to prevent any possible mishaps. Of course, there is also the case of the negligent buyer, who, despite the proper labeling of the food product, fails to read the list of active ingredients. This carelessness on the consumer’s part may be the last mistake he will ever make.
Whatever the reason, whatever the season, the peanut still makes a big part of everyone’s diets in its own small way. With the proper awareness, the peanut’s everyday fame will remain not as a killer but one of the world’s most versatile tummy ticklers.
Johnny is a free lancer publisher of http://www.folkremedy.net/ and he loves to share knowledge on natural remedies on different types of allergies.