Tag Archives: food allergy and anaphylaxis

Tree Nuts And Their Role in Heart Health

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According to the Huffington Post, researchers at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center found that when tree nuts, including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts, and pistachios, are consumed on a regular basis, the risk of developing metabolic syndrome is decreased by 5% and the risk of developing heart disease is decreased significantly. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic reports that when eaten along with other heart-healthy foods, nuts can reduce the risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attack. If you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease or have cardiovascular disease, tree nuts should most definitely be a part of your heart healthy diet.

Tree Nut Facts

Tree nuts and most types of nuts, including ground nuts, contain unsaturated fats, which are considered “good” fats. The unsaturated fats in nuts lower your LDL cholesterol levels. High LDL cholesterol levels are one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease. One type of healthy fat that most nuts contain is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids work as a blood thinner, and they help regulate your heartbeat. So, these healthy fats help prevent dangerous blood clots and threatening heart rhythm disruptions.

In addition to the unsaturated, healthy fat that nuts offer, they are also high in fiber. Fiber lowers LDL cholesterol levels and even helps prevent diabetes. To top it all off, most kinds of tree nuts are rich in Vitamin E, which has been shown to halt the development of plaque in heart arteries.

Keep in mind that you’ll get the most nutritional benefit from raw, unsalted nuts. Heavily salted nuts aren’t the best option if you’re concerned about your blood pressure. The best thing about nuts is that they don’t require any preparation to eat. If you’re craving a snack, you can just open up a bag of almonds or walnuts and enjoy the delicious flavor and heart healthy benefits!

Sources:

  • “Tree Nuts Stave Off Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Obesity, Claims Study,” Krysty Hazell, Huffington Post UK
  • “Nuts and your heart: Eating nuts for your heart health,” Mayo Clinic

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Food Allergy Traps And Triggers

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine defines a food allergy as an exaggerated immune response triggered by a certain substance. Food allergies run the gamut in severity from mildly irritating to life threatening. Our immune systems are designed to protect against potentially threatening substances. People with allergies have developed antibodies to certain foods, so their immune systems interpret the allergen as harmful. Some of the main allergy culprits are wheat, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, and eggs but it is possible to also suffer from a citrus allergy or an allergy to any other food.

Three Common Food Allergies:

  • Wheat – Wheat allergies are among the most common allergies, especially in children. Symptoms include swelling, hives, congestion, indigestion, and even anaphylaxis. It’s important to note that celiac disease, a sensitivity to gluten in foods, and wheat allergy trigger different responses in the body. Though they are both related to wheat, gluten sensitivity symptoms and wheat allergy symptoms will likely differ.
  • Milk – A milk allergy is not always limited to cow’s milk. In some cases, this allergy extends to the milk of sheep, goats, and buffalo. This allergy is most common in children, with most outgrowing the allergy by the age of 3. The immediate symptoms may include hives, wheezing, and vomiting. Other symptoms may take more time to develop and may include digestion problems. A milk allergy may be confused for lactose intolerance.
  • Peanuts – Peanuts can cause the most severe allergic reactions. For people that are very allergic, even a small amount of exposure can be life threatening. Additionally, allergies can increase in severity as time goes on. Symptoms include hives, itching or tingling in the nose and throat, digestive problems, chest tightening and shortness of breath. Peanut allergies are one of the leading causes of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that is characterized by a constriction of airways, shock swelling of the throat, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

It’s always important to seek medical attention in the event of an allergic reaction, especially if it is severe. There are plenty of ways to successfully deal with food allergies once they have been diagnosed.

Source:

  • “Food Allergy”, U.S. National Directory of Medicine

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