8 Allergenic Vegetables
Food allergies are nothing more than an exaggerated immune reaction in the body to substances that are able to trigger reactions in the body. People who are allergic to vegetables have IgE antibodies in their bodies that cause an allergic reaction. This antibody can form even if the vegetable has been eaten without problems in the past.
A study in Spain called Alergológica 2015 showed that 7.5% of people who see an allergy doctor are allergic to pollen, fruit and vegetables.
Symptoms vary, vary in intensity, and affect one or more organs. Symptoms can occur when a person eats allergenic food, whether it is in its natural state or processed.
It is important to remember that not everyone reacts the same way to different ingredients in food. Every person’s body is different, and what affects one person may not affect another.
Allergic reactions to foods of plant origin are usually caused by a particular substance or molecule.
In this article, we will share a list of vegetables that can cause allergic reactions.
Allergic vegetables
1. Carrots
Believe it or not, some people are allergic to carrots. If you are allergic to pollen, you are probably also allergic to carrots.
This is due to the structural similarity of their ingredients. Pollen proteins are similar to carrot proteins.
Proteins that cause carrot allergies are not lost even when cooked. The allergen is responsible for the allergic reaction, which cross-reacts with the carrot.
Some of the more common symptoms are:
- Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness)
- Accelerated heart rate
- Anxiety
- Complexity
- Dizziness
All of these symptoms can lead to coma and in some cases death. They appear quickly after eating, so immediate first aid is vital.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the foods most closely associated with LTP allergy (lipid transport proteins). Eating this vegetable is a common cause of allergies.
- Leaf lettuce also causes anaphylaxis, and special care should be taken when eating it because its leaves contain various pathogenic bacteria that can cause disease.
Even if you are not allergic to lettuce, wash it thoroughly with boiled water or vinegar anyway to completely kill these bacteria.
3. Celery
Celery allergy is common as it is similar to birch pollen allergy. Crude or cooked celery can cause reactions ranging from rash to anaphylaxis.
In addition, eating this vegetable and exposing it to ultraviolet radiation can cause:
- Phytophotodermatitis
- Swelling of the throat
Although celery-induced reactions in humans have not been well studied, it is recommended to stop eating it if any symptoms occur.
4. Spinach
Spinach allergy is one of the most common allergies. Spinach is rich in histamine, a chemical that acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter in the body.
Histamine is released in large amounts in inflammatory processes, which is why it is also one of the biggest causes of allergies.
5. Onion
Onions contain a certain mineral (sulfur), which e.g. improves blood circulation. But sulfur is also one of the allergens.
Symptoms of onion allergy appear immediately and include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Urticaria (also from contact with onions)
- Swelling of the respiratory tract
- Anaphylaxis (in some cases)
6. Garlic
Although little garlic allergy has been reported, it does exist. If you are one of the people allergic to garlic, be careful. In some people, the symptoms are very mild, while in others they can be fatal.
The most common symptoms of garlic allergy are:
- Skin irritation
- Swelling of the tongue and in some cases the sound gap
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anaphylaxis
7. Spices
Pepper, mustard, curry, cumin and anise are also allergenic substances in some people.
These allergies are a little more difficult to diagnose because often these spices are present in mixtures and there are few reliable tests.
Possible symptoms include:
- Cold in the head
- Asthma (allergen inhalation)
- Skin reactions (eczema on contact)
- Conjunctivitis
If you do not use these spices regularly and you do not know if you are allergic to them, it is best to avoid them or use only very small amounts.
8. Asparagus
Asparagus, like onions and garlic, belong to the genus of lilies.
A study of asparagus allergy showed that people who touched, inhaled or ate this vegetable suffered from symptoms such as:
- Cold in the head
- Asthma (inhalation)
- Urticaria (contact)
- Anaphylaxis
If you have eaten this vegetable and suffer from any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor immediately. This will prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
