What You Need to Know About Tree Nuts

What You Need to Know About Tree Nuts

What You Need to Know About Tree Nuts

What precisely constitutes a tree nut and which foods to stay away from may be on your mind if you have a tree nut allergy or you know someone who does. One of the most typical food allergies is tree nuts, which affects 0.5% of adults and 1.4% of children in the US. We will discuss what nuts are classified as tree nuts, other names they may go by, and potential sources of tree nuts in both food and non-food items in this blog post.

Describe tree nuts.

Tree nuts, which include almond, cashew, walnut, and pistachio trees, are the edible seeds or fruits of several species of trees. They differ from seeds like sesame and sunflower seeds as well as legumes like peanuts, which are underground plants. Some people may experience allergic reactions to tree nuts, ranging from minor ones like itching and hives to severe ones like anaphylaxis, a condition that can be fatal and necessitates rapid medical attention.

What are not considered as tree nuts?

For the purposes of food allergen labelling in Canada, several items that could sound like tree nuts are really not classified as tree nuts and are typically allowed in the diets of those sensitive to tree nuts4. These consist of:

Coconut: A coconut is a fruit that grows on a palm tree. Its seed is a coconut. From a botanical or allergic standpoint, it has no connection to tree nuts.5. Nutmeg: The seeds of a tropical tree related to the mace family are used to make nutmeg. Both botanically and allergy-wise, it has no connection to tree nuts.

However, some persons with tree nut allergies have also had an adverse reaction to coconut and nutmeg. Before consuming coconut or nutmeg-containing items, speak with your allergist.

Which tree nuts are the most popular?

There are numerous varieties of tree nuts that can give some people allergic reactions. The most typical examples are:

Walnuts Cashews

Filberts (hazelnuts)

Almonds Macadamia nuts

Brazilian nut

Pinon and pignolia nuts

Peanuts and pecans

What other names are there for tree nuts?

On menus or food labels, tree nuts may go by other names. Names like these include:

Mandelonas: A confection made of peanuts with a nut flavour that may have trace amounts of tree nuts.

An other name for cashews is anacardium nuts.

Another term for macadamia nuts is the "Queensland nut."

Any kind of shelled nut is referred to as "nut meats" in this context.

What potential sources are there for tree nuts?

Many food and non-food products contain tree nuts, whether in the form of whole nuts, fragments, oils, flours, butters, or extracts. 

The following are a few potential sources of tree nuts:

Alcoholic drinks, including Frangelico, amaretto liqueurs, and others.

Biscotti, cakes, cookies, crackers, donuts, granola bars, pastries & pies, baklava, and baking mixes are examples of baked foods.

barbecue ketchup

Calisson, Mandelonas, Marzipan, certain chocolates, and chocolate bars are examples of candies.

muesli, granola, and cereal

Supplements for health and nutrition, such as vitamins and herbal cures

flavoured teas

Mixtures of hot cocoa and cocoa

Gelato, frozen desserts, pralines, sundae toppings, and ice cream

Butter chicken, chicken korma, mole sauce, pad thai, satay, chilli, and various gravy are examples of main course foods.

Natural flavourings and extracts

Nut-flavoured coffees, hot cocoa, specialty drinks

Although peanuts are not considered to be tree nuts, some peanut oils may have trace amounts of tree nuts due to cross-contamination during processing.

Sauce pesto

supper dishes and salad dressings

tobacco flavourings

Food for a snack such as chips, popcorn, snack mixtures, and trail mix

Spreads and nut butters (such as Gianduja and Nutella)

dietary options

Other sources

Some of these products, such as beanbags and kick or hacky sacks, may be filled with crushed nut shells.

Bird seed: Whole or crushed tree nuts may be an ingredient in certain bird seed.

Some of these goods, including lotions, soap, body scrubs, sunblock, and cosmetics for the skin and hair, may include tree nut oils or extracts as moisturisers or perfumes.

Massage oils: As transporters or aromatherapy ingredients, some massage oils may contain tree nut oils or extracts.

Pet food: Tree nuts may be an ingredient or flavouring in some pet foods.

products for sandblasting: As abrasives, some sandblasting products may incorporate crushed walnut shells.

Note: The listings above are not exhaustive and are subject to change. Always carefully read the ingredient labels, and if you have any questions or concerns, get in touch with the manufacturer. Unless your allergist has told you otherwise, avoid any product that includes or may contain tree nuts if you have a tree nut allergy. If you notice any symptoms of an allergic reaction, carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times and seek emergency medical attention.

Conclusion : 

In conclusion, one of the most prevalent dietary allergens that can cause severe responses in certain people is tree nuts. It's critical to understand what nuts are classified as tree nuts, what other names they might go by, and where tree nuts might be found in both food and non-food products. You may avoid inadvertent exposure and live a safe, healthy life by being aware of your surroundings and using caution.

Content Source Courtesys : 

1. blog.hubspot.com

2. grammarly.com

3. byjus.com

4. wordstream.com

5. indeed.com

Content Source Courtesy : 

https://foodallergycanada.ca/allergies/tree-nuts/#:~:text=Tree%20nuts%20considered%20as%20priority,not%20considered%20a%20tree%20nut.

https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/everything-you-need-to-know-about-tree-nut-allergy#:~:text=Tree%20nuts%20include%20almonds%2C%20Brazil,pistachio%20and%20pecan%20with%20walnut.