In some countries like Germany, only treated cashew nuts are on sale. They are roasted to loosen them from the tough shell. Another roasting process removes the brown skin that surrounds the seeds. The peel contains a toxic oil. The cashew nuts themselves can cause discomfort in people with histamine intolerance.
Cashew Nuts Are High In Histamine.
Almost all foods contain histamine in varying concentrations. Some foods, including cashew nuts, are exceptionally high in histamine release. Most people can digest this substance, which is produced when a protein component is broken down well. Some can tolerate at least small amounts, while others should generally not enjoy cashew nuts. In the case of an intolerance, more or less severe symptoms arise.
Have Histamine Intolerance Clarified By A Doctor
Whether someone suffers from an intolerance can only be found out with certainty through a doctor. The diagnosis is made through blood and stool tests. If the result is positive, those affected should refrain from consuming cashew nuts entirely.
Frequent complaints after consuming cashew nuts
- stomach pain
- Flatulence
- a headache
- nausea
- itching
- sniff
The discomfort caused by eating the seeds is similar to the symptoms of an allergy. They are usually not life-threatening but can be perceived as very unpleasant. Those affected usually cannot tolerate yeast products, cheese, nuts, smoked foods, or other foods that have been preserved.
Cashew Nuts Are Slightly Poisonous When Raw.
The fact that they are roasted after the harvest and thus made durable at the same time increases the histamine content.
The cashew fruits, in particular, contain a high proportion of the toxic oil Cardol. It causes severe burns when it comes into contact with the mucous membranes. Some of the poisonous oil is also in the kernels. They need to 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 heat neutralizes the poison. The kernels only get their aromatic taste when they are heated. However, the roasting process also releases more histamine.
Alcohol, coffee, cocoa, tea, and energy drinks prevent the breakdown of histamine in the body. This can further increase the concentration in the blood and worsen the symptoms. To be on the safe side, you should avoid these drinks if you want to eat cashew nuts that you planted, bought or you can by in nutstop.com amongst others.