Caponata Histamine Information

Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant dish consisting of a cooked vegetable salad made from chopped fried eggplant and celery seasoned with sweetened vinegar, with capers in a sweet and sour sauce. Various other ingredients are often included such as tomatoes, olives, and onions. Among the ingredients in Caponata, eggplant itself doesn't contain high histamine levels or acts as a histamine liberator, hence, doesn't directly influence the level of histamine in your body. However, tomatoes, which may be present in some Caponata recipes, are known for their high histamine content and could raise histamine levels for people with histamine intolerance. The vinegar used in the Caponata recipe can have varying effects on histamine levels. Fermented foods like vinegar can be high in histamine, particularly if they are aged or not fresh. People with histamine intolerance may react to its consumption and experience an increase in their histamine levels. Capers, often included in Caponata, contain quercetin, a flavonoid that can help lower histamine levels because it stabilizes mast cells that release histamine in the body. However, these benefits may not outweigh the potential histamine-raising effects of other ingredients in the dish. Due to the mixture of ingredients in Caponata, its overall impact on histamine levels will likely depend on the individual's sensitivity and tolerance to histamine, as well as the specific recipe used (e.g., amount and type of vinegar, presence of tomatoes, etc.). Recognizing your personal tolerances, and adjusting your diet accordingly, can help manage histamine levels more effectively. References: 1. Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196. 2. Sattler, J., Hafner, D., Klotter, H. J., Lorenz, W., & Wagner, P. K. (1988). Food-induced histaminosis as an epidemiological problem: plasma histamine elevation and haemodynamic alterations after oral histamine administration and blockade of diamine oxidase (DAO). Agents and actions, 23(3-4), 361-365. 3. Kuefner, M. A., Schwelberger, H. G., Weidenhiller, M., Hahn, E. G., & Raithel, M. (2004). Both catabolic pathways of histamine via histamine-N-methyltransferase and diamine oxidase are diminished in the colonic mucosa of patients with food allergy. Inflammation research, 53(1), S31-S32. Note: There is currently limited research examining the impact of specific dishes like Caponata on histamine levels. The above information is based on available knowledge regarding the included ingredients. Individual responses to foods can vary greatly – listening to your body and working with a healthcare practitioner for any diet-related concerns is highly recommended.