At the recent Anaphylaxis Campaign conference in November 2011 we learnt from Dr Rebecca Knib of the University of Derby about an interesting study into families where one or more child had allergies. Both parents were analysed as well as the children to find out what the impact of food allergy was on anxiety in the family. Interestingly the mother of the family seemed to be … [Read more...]
Coriander allergy – watch out for ‘spices’!
Coriander allergy is quite rare and can often be linked to oral allergy syndrome. This means that people who react to different kinds of hayfever triggers such as birch, mugwort or ragweed may also be allergic to particular foods which cross react due to being very similar in make up or from the same plant group. Oral allergy often develops in adults or late teens and … [Read more...]
Is nutmeg actually a nut?
Is Nutmeg a nut? and should the nut allergic community avoid it? I don't think so. Nutmeg isn't actually a nut and I can eat nutmeg without any problems. So what is nutmeg? The nutmeg tree is used to produce nutmeg, just as the name suggests, but did you also know that mace is produced from the same seed as nutmeg? Something I never knew before researching this spice. Nutmeg … [Read more...]
Should you avoid chestnuts with nut allergy?
If you are allergic to nuts you may have been told to avoid chestnuts along with all the other nuts. You may never have even eaten them in your life. But do you need to continue avoiding them? What are chestnuts? The definition in dictionary.com explains: "any of the several deciduous trees constituting the genus Castanea, of the beech family, having toothed, oblong … [Read more...]
Could ultrasound revolutionise gluten free baking?
The market for free from food is currently booming worldwide. Every week I hear of new companies making gluten free cakes, dairy free chocolate etc.; this is great news for all those with allergies, coeliac disease, food intolerances or other conditions which are alleviated by avoiding certain foods. "Allergy is widespread and affects approximately one in four of the … [Read more...]