Harissa Paste Histamine Information

Harissa paste, a North African chili paste, has potential effects on histamine levels due to its ingredients. Typically, Harissa paste is made from a blend of hot chili peppers (which are not generally high in histamines), garlic, olive oil, and spices like coriander, saffron, and caraway. One ingredient, however, which may impact histamine levels, is garlic. Some research suggests that garlic may inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells, potentially reducing the overall histamine level in the body [1]. On the other hand, garlic is also listed by some sources as a histamine liberator, meaning it could potentially promote the release of histamine. Evidently, there's conflicting information about garlic's effect on histamine levels. Olive oil, another key ingredient in Harissa paste, has been found to hinder the production of inflammatory eicosanoids, which are produced in response to histamine. This could potentially reduce the overall histamine load in the body [2]. Finally, the spices in Harissa paste, such as coriander, have not been thoroughly researched for their effects on histamine levels. In summary, while certain ingredients in Harissa paste may affect histamine levels, any impact will likely be minor and dependent on an individual's tolerance to these ingredients. More research is needed to fully explore these effects. References: 1. Arreola R, Quintero-Fabian S, Lopez-Roa RI, et al. Immunomodulation and anti-inflammatory effects of garlic compounds. J Immunol Res. 2015;2015:401630. doi:10.1155/2015/401630. 2. Rigacci S, Stefani M. Nutraceutical Properties of Olive Oil Polyphenols. An Itinerary from Cultured Cells through Animal Models to Humans. Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(6):843. doi:10.3390/ijms17060843.