Grits Histamine Information

Grits, a common dish in Southern U.S. cuisine, are typically made from coarsely ground corn. The primary ingredient, corn, is not known to have a high histamine content nor is it noted as a histamine liberating. Research shows that grains, such as corn, are generally a low histamine food and safe for a low histamine diet (1). However, the histamine impact could possibly be influenced by what the grits are mixed with or served alongside. For example, if they are commonly consumed with cheese, a high-histamine food, or tomatoes, which contain tomatoes, this could potentially increase the histamine load of the meal. The process of cooking also usually doesn't affect the histamine levels in foods, unless the food is fermented or any high histamine ingredients or histamine liberators are used in the cooking process (2). While corn, the primary ingredient in grits, is not recognized as a histamine reducing food, it is noteworthy to mention that some foods and substances like fresh meat, cooking oils, and egg yolks might help reduce histamine levels (3). Conclusion: In its basic form, grits seem to be a safe option for those seeking to maintain low histamine levels. Nonetheless, caution should be exercised with any additional ingredients or accompaniments which might contribute to histamine levels. References: (1) Maintz, Laura, and Natalija Novak. “Histamine and histamine intolerance.” The American journal of clinical nutrition, vol. 85,5 (2007): 1185–1196. (2) Reese, Ian et al. “German guideline for the management of adverse reactions to ingested histamine.” Allergo journal international, vol. 26,4 (2017): 72–79. (3) Kovacova-Hanuskova, E et al. “Histamine, histamine intoxication and intolerance.” Allergologia et immunopathologia, vol. 43,5 (2015): 498–506.