Beans Histamine Information

Beans are a rich source of protein and fiber. Their effect on histamine levels may not be as prominently documented compared to certain other foods. Nonetheless, they may interact with histamine in a couple of interesting ways. Certain types of beans, such as kidney beans, chickpeas, and lentils, are known to contain high levels of biogenic amines, including histamine (1). Ingestion of these beans could therefore potentially raise histamine levels in sensitive individuals. However, more research is needed in this area to ascertain this impact because a lot of factors can influence the histamine content in beans, such as cultivation process, storage conditions, and preparation methods. While some beans might fall in the category of histamine liberators, it's crucial to highlight that this effect is not uniform across all varieties of beans. Certain types of beans could potentially act as histamine liberators, stimulating the release of histamine stored in various cells in the body (2). Furthermore, beans are high in fiber and could potentially contribute to gut health. A healthy gut might play a part in reducing histamine levels by fostering a beneficial microbiome that produces the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), which helps in the breakdown of histamine (3). Nevertheless, it's worth noting that every individual's physiological reaction to food could vary significantly. While one person might be able to handle histamine in beans, another could experience an allergic reaction. This information is preliminary; further research is required to determine direct and specific impacts on histamine levels due to beans consumption. Until more data is available, it's vital that those with known histamine intolerance or sensitivities consult a healthcare provider before making any dietary changes. References: 1. Mah JH, Hwang HJ. Effects of food processing on the content of histamine in fish and fermented fish products: a review. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2019;24(3):227-235. 2. Maintz L, Novak N. Histamine and histamine intolerance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(5):1185-1196. 3. Pugin B, Barcik W, Westermann P, Heider A, Wawrzyniak M, Hellings P, Akdis CA, O'Mahony L. A wide diversity of bacteria from the human gut produces and degrades biogenic amines. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease. 2017;28(1):1353881.