All about the allergen: peanut
Hereby the number 1 of the 14 legal food allergens in Europe: the peanut.
Who doesn't know him? The peanut, also called groundnut, monkey nut, groundnut or oil nut. The Dutch grew up with a peanut butter sandwich and we also like to eat a bowl of peanuts with drinks or tasty satay sauce.
On the other hand, the peanut is notorious as one of the products most people are allergic to in the world. The allergic reactions to peanut can also be very severe and can even lead to anaphylactic shock.
But what exactly is a peanut? Below is a summary of the most important points.
What is a peanut?
A peanut is often mistaken for a nut, but from a botanical point of view the peanut is actually a legume. The reason that peanuts are still counted among the nuts is because they are very similar in taste and composition.
Where does the peanut grow?
The peanut plant originates from South America and peanuts in the Netherlands mainly come from China, Argentina and the US. We are therefore very proud that we have grown first peanuts in collaboration with farmer Anniek!
The peanut grows underground, hence the name groundnut.
Nutritional value of peanut
Peanuts consist of about 50% fat (of which 85% is unsaturated fat). In addition, they also contain a lot of protein – about 25%. The other 25% are carbohydrates (and a little bit of water), of which about one third is fiber.
This means that peanuts fit in a healthy diet. The advice for adults is to eat at least 15 grams of unsalted nuts (including peanuts) per day . In the Netherlands we eat an average of 3 grams, so that could be better!
Number 1 food allergen
The peanut is number 1 on the food allergen list in Europe and responsible for 20-25% of all food allergies. In addition, the number of people with a peanut allergy has doubled in the past 10 years.
Peanut Allergy in Children
2% of children in Western countries are allergic to peanuts and unfortunately only 20% outgrow a peanut allergy. That is why it is so important to give this allergen on time to reduce the chance of an allergy!
Cross reactions with peanut
Cross reactions in people with peanut allergies and the following products can be encountered:
- 5% risk of allergy to other legumes (peas, lentils, beans, soy, lupine)
- 7% risk of allergy for nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews)
What does a label say if it has peanut in it?
The following peanut names can be found on a label:
- Groundnut
- Peanut
- Earth or Arachide
- Protein hydrolyzate
- Groundnut
- Natural aroma
- Oil
- Oil Nut
- Peanut
What is peanut in?
Peanuts are found in many products, so you should always read the label carefully. See below a list that may contain peanuts:
- Aromas and herbal preparations
- Baking and roasting products
- drink nuts
- Built
- Chili con carne
- Chocolate/bonbons
- Curries
- Desserts
- Dressings
- Gado-gado
- Ice cream
- Ready-to-eat dishes
- Katjang
- Cook
- Herb mixes
- M&M's/chocolate peanuts
- Margarine
- Marinade
- Mixtures of seeds and kernels
- Nougat
- Cereal/muesli
- Oriental dishes (Chinese and Thai cuisine)
- Vegetable fat/ oil
- Salad
- Sambal
- Sate
- Sauces
- Seroendeng
- Snacks
- Candy
- Soups
- Cake
- Vegetarian meat substitutes
- Meat(s)/sausage
- salts
Heating at peanut
A roasted peanut is often more allergenic than cooked, but the allergen remains stable when heated.
In addition to ordinary peanuts, the oil from the peanut, peanut oil, is also eaten. Freshly pressed oils such as wok oil contain peanut allergens. Highly heated oils (refined oils), usually used for ointments and in medicines, are safe.
So the Vitamin D drops for your baby & child that some brands contain peanut oil are safe.
Sources:
Nutrition center
Food Allergy Foundation
Metis Food Consultancy
Metis Food Consultancy
Royal Dutch Society ter bevordering der Pharmacie