Cashew nuts are often wrongly referred to as nuts, although they belong to the drupes. In people with histamine intolerance, cashews native to Brazil can cause allergy-like symptoms similar to those from nuts. The cause is the high histamine content that the nuclei release.

High histamine content in cashew nuts

Almost all foods contain histamine in varying concentrations. Some foods, including cashew nuts, release a particularly large amount of histamine.

Most people can digest this substance, which is produced when a protein building block is broken down, well. Some can tolerate at least small amounts, while others should not enjoy cashews at all.

In the case of an intolerance, more or less severe symptoms appear.

Have histamine intolerance clarified by a doctor

Whether someone suffers from an intolerance can only be determined by a doctor. Diagnosis is by blood and stool tests.

If the result is positive, those affected should refrain from eating cashew nuts altogether.

Common complaints after eating cashew nuts

  • stomach pain
  • gas
  • a headache
  • nausea
  • itching
  • sniffles

The symptoms that arise from eating the seeds are similar to the symptoms of an allergy. They are usually not life-threatening, but can be very uncomfortable.

Affected people usually do not tolerate yeast products, cheese, nuts, smoked products or other foods that have been preserved.

Cashew nuts are slightly toxic when raw. The fact that they are roasted after harvesting and thus preserved at the same time also increases the histamine content.

Cashew nuts are slightly poisonous

Cashew fruits in particular contain a high proportion of the toxic oil cardol. In contact with the mucous membranes, it causes severe chemical burns.

Some of the toxic oil is also found in the kernels. They must be treated before consumption to break down the toxins. Eaten raw, they can cause symptoms of poisoning.

The kernels are roasted, fried or otherwise heated. The poison is neutralized by the heat. The kernels only get their aromatic taste when they are heated. However, the roasting process also releases more histamine.

tips and tricks

Alcohol, coffee, cocoa, tea and energy drinks prevent the breakdown of histamine in the body. This can increase the concentration in the blood and intensify the symptoms. To be on the safe side, you should avoid these drinks if you want to eat cashew nuts.

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Vegetable garden