Eggplant Parmesan Histamine Information

Eating Eggplant Parmesan has differing impacts on the histamine levels of an individual, largely as a result of the particular ingredients in use. Eggplants themselves contain low levels of histamine, and they are not listed among known histamine liberators or foods that delay the breakdown of histamine. They may, therefore, have a negligible direct impact on histamine levels (Source: Histamine Intolerance, Allergies and Reintroductions by Meadhbh S. Houston.) Parmesan, as a cheese product, could potentially have a more significant impact. Even though cooking reduces the histamine content in food, some histamine in Parmesan cheese could survive even after being baked or heated. Aged cheeses like Parmesan have high content of histamine, as they undergo bacterial fermentation that produces this amine (Source: "Histamine and Histamine Intolerance," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Generally, eggplant parmesan does include tomato-based sauce. Tomatoes are known to have high histamine content and are potential histamine liberators as well. Therefore, the inclusion of tomato sauce could potentially increase the histamine load for people eating it (Source: "Histamine and Histamine intolerance", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). In terms of ingredients typically used in Eggplant Parmesan that could lower histamine levels, certain herbs and spices such as basil and garlic may have such effects. Studies suggest that both garlic and basil have an inhibitory effect on enzymes that metabolize histamine in the body (Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; Biochemical Pharmacology). However, it's important to acknowledge the complex interplay of ingredients in any one dish. While some components of the dish may increase histamine, others may work to decrease it, and individual tolerance needs to be considered. It is crucial to remember that preparation methods may contribute to histamine content, with incorrect storage and preparation potentially leading to histamine build-up. Mindful of the above, the overall impact of Eggplant Parmesan on histamine levels would likely vary greatly based on individual intolerances, the particular recipe, and preparation methods in use. Sources: Histamine Intolerance, Allergies and Reintroductions, Meadhbh S. Houston (https://nutritionbycarrie.com/2017/12/histamine-intolerance-diet.html) "Histamine and Histamine Intolerance," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/85/5/1185/4633007) Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf800444e) Biochemical Pharmacology (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1787008)