Cucumber Salad Histamine Information

Eating cucumber salad stands to affect histamine levels in both positive and negative ways. First off, cucumbers belong to the group of foods with low histamine content. Regular consumption of this vegetable can help maintain a healthy balance of histamine in the body. Moreover, cucumbers contain quercetin, a type of flavonol that naturally lowers histamine release and supports overall histamine detox. A study by Kimata, M. 2000, notes that intake of quercetin can significantly reduce the release of histamine from mast cells and basophils and subsequently lower the histamine levels in the body [1]. However, the overall impact on histamine levels can change contingent upon the accompanying ingredients in the salad. For instance, if tomatoes, vinegar-based dressings, or certain types of cheese, which are high in histamine content, are included in the salad, then the overall histamine level of the meal increases. Also, additives and preservatives commonly found in salad dressings can act as histamine liberators [2]. While cucumber salad does not inherently increase histamine levels, consumption should be coupled with knowledge of the other ingredients in the salad and their potential to increase histamine or inhibit its breakdown. References: 1. Kimata, M., Shichijo, M., Miura, T., Serizawa, I., Inagaki, N., & Nagai, H. (2000). Effects of luteolin, quercetin and baicalein on immunoglobulin E-mediated mediator release from human cultured mast cells. Clinical and experimental allergy, 30(4), 501-508. 2. Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196.