Peanut Allergy! Peanuts Are Among The
Top Eight Allergy Foods!
The peanut is native to Brazil where
they have been cultivated for 2000 years. They came to
North America by way of Africa with the slaves. Peanuts
grow in a peculiar way. The white blossoms are
fertilized and then the pods lowered several inches on
strings where they enter the ground. The ‘nut’, actually
a bean, is developed under ground where it is harvested
by pulling up the plant. A plant will have many such
strings hanging to the ground as the plant matures.
Although peanuts are generally considered to be a
healthful food, peanuts are among the eight most common
foods that produce allergic reactions. Two percent of
the population is allergic to them, so peanuts and
peanut products should be introduced cautiously to
children.
It is best to not expose children to
peanuts until they are four years old. Such small
amounts; as the residue from an improperly cleaned
utensil is sufficient to trigger a violent reaction.
Even the smell of peanuts is sometimes enough to evoke
the problem. Peanuts and honey are two of the few foods
that are generally considered to be healthful, but that
should not be given to babies.
Peanuts and peanut products are used in so many
food products, baked goods, and as fillers in processed
foods. This makes the process of keeping peanuts from
small children a difficult task, requiring home
preparation of foods a wise choice until the child is
old enough to safely try peanuts in a small amount
before admitting them to the child’s diet. This may seem
to be an over emphasized problem, but the reactions can
be very severe, even leading to death.
Peanuts are a quarter to a third protein and up to half
fat, making them an energy powerhouse.
(R.D.)
|
Lose
weight on the most Popular Diets Online:
Smile!