Peanut Allergy
Peanut allergies are among the most common and severe food allergies, affecting as man as 2% of individuals in Europe and North America. In the past 20 years, rates of peanut allergy have increased 350%. Unlike tree nuts, peanuts are legumes, but they can still cause similarly severe reactions, including anaphylaxis. Symptoms usually manifest rapidly on exposure and can range from mild hives and itching to life-threatening airway constriction. While some children eventually outgrow a peanut allergy, more than 80% will carry it throughout their lives. As peanut allergies are the #1 most common cause of food reaction fatalities, strict avoidance of peanuts and products that may have been cross-contaminated is essential. It's also crucial to carefully read labels, as peanuts can be present in processed foods, snacks, and even in unexpected items like sauces and baked goods.
Helpful Peanut Allergy Tips
Foods to Eat in Abundance
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood
Plant-based proteins
e.g. beans, lentils, chickpeas
Whole grains
e.g. rice, quinoa, oats
Seeds
e.g. sunflower, chia, pumpkin, sesame
Foods to Avoid
Peanuts and peanut products
(e.g., peanut butter, peanut oil)
Processed foods with “may contain peanuts” labels
Baked goods containing peanuts or peanut flour
Candies and snacks with peanuts
e.g. peanut brittle, chocolate with peanut butter
Peanut-based sauces
e.g. satay, peanut dressing
Cook Time
5m
6h