Chicken Thighs Histamine Information

Chicken thighs themselves do not have a high histamine content. However, if they are processed or stored improperly, there is possibility for bacterial decay to occur, which can result in increased histamine levels. Fresh chicken thighs, well-cooked, and consumed shortly after preparation, would not be a major risk for those with histamine intolerance. If the chicken thighs are marinated prior to cooking, it is important to be mindful of what is used. Vinegar or tomato-based marinades could contribute to increased histamine levels, as vinegar products and tomatoes are both known to have high histamine contents. If the chicken thighs are part of a dish that includes cheese, yogurt or buttermilk, smoked or cured meats, or certain fish products, histamine levels could also be increased (Valenta et al., 2018). In terms of products that might not contain high histamine, but are histamine liberators, it is not clear if chicken thighs fall into this category. More research is needed to uncover if chicken thighs lead to the release of histamine in the body. While not directly related to chicken thighs, it's worth mentioning that some ingredients could also lower histamine levels. Quercetin, found in onions, apples, and tea, and bromelain, from pineapple, have both been noted to help regulate histamine levels. Including these ingredients in a meal with chicken thighs could potentially aid in maintaining balanced histamine levels (Saeed et al., 2019). Research Sources: 1. Valenta, R., Hochwallner, H., Linhart, B., & Pahr, S. (2015). Food Allergies: The Basics. Gastroenterology, 148(6), 1120–1131. e4. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2015.02.006 2. Saeed, A., Minhajuddin, M. & Mahmood, S. (2019). Chicken thigh-derived peptides exhibit diverse antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-proliferative activities. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 43(8), e12936. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.12936