by Sharon Mazaka

Created on: January 31, 2011   Last Updated: February 01, 2011

As Americans we consume nearly 1.7 billion pounds of peanuts a year. Peanuts have an excellent source of vitamin B12. Vitamin E, magnesium, chromium, manganese and peanuts are an inexpensive source of protein.  But how could something so good for people especially children be so dangerous when consumed even in small amounts?

In 1978, the first research was done on peanut allergies. The study showed fourteen children were allergic to peanuts. Studies done in 2003 now show approximately 1.2 to 1.5 percent of children is affected by peanut allergies and approximately three million Americans suffer from a peanut allergy. No one is quite sure how this allergy has become one of the leading food allergies over the last ten to twenty years but there have been many different theories on this subject.  The most common ones are pregnant women eating peanuts during pregnancy. Children being introduced to peanuts and peanut butter before the age of three (there immune and gastrointestinal tract isn’t able to handle the process of an immunology response to peanut protein) and genetics.©

 
Peanut Allergy is usually a severe allergic reaction to a consumption of peanuts. Sometimes only consuming a small amount of the peanut protein can cause a severe reaction. Some people have a mild allergic reaction to peanuts while others have a severe reaction. © Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to peanuts include, itching, hives, swelling of face, throat and tongue, abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of consciousness and shock. These symptoms represent (Anaphylaxis) a severe rapidly progressive, potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction. Some people only experience a mild anaphylaxis and can use an antihistamine (such as Benadryl). For severe anaphylaxis the drug of choice is Injected epinephrine (the Epiphen).  ©   

 A Peanut allergy is not just restricted to peanuts; people can also be allergic to almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, cashews, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. These nuts grow on trees, where as peanuts are fruit and grow in the ground. Peanuts are apart of the legume family which include lentils, soybeans, peas, black-eyed peas, chick peas, lima beans, kidney beans, green beans, and garbanzo beans. The best way to avoid an allergic reaction is to not eat tree nuts or legumes.

Another way a peanut allergy can appear is through cross- contamination. When making a sandwich it is important to make

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>