Kebabs Histamine Information

Kebabs, a popular food item consumed worldwide, can potentially trigger histamine reactions in people with underlying histamine sensitivities or intolerances. Common kebab ingredients include meat (beef, chicken, or lamb), vegetables like tomatoes, and herbs/spices for flavoring. Some of these ingredients are known to contain high levels of histamine. Beef and lamb, for example, are known to develop high histamine content if they are not handled, processed, or stored properly. Furthermore, aged and preserved meats, commonly found in certain types of kebabs, typically have high histamine content due to the microbial actions during the aging and preserving processes (Koeth, RA et al., 2013). Tomatoes, another common ingredient in kebabs, are known to contain high histamine levels (Maintz, L and Novak, N., 2007). Tomato-based products such as ketchup, often accompanying kebabs, can also contribute to the overall histamine load. Herbs and spices, which are an integral part of the delectable flavor of kebabs, must also be scrutinized. While most herbs and spices are considered to have minimal histamine content, their interaction with other ingredients can cause histamine liberation. For instance, consumption of alcohol, an often-accompanying beverage, may inhibit the enzyme working to break down histamine, intensifying the histamine reaction (Kuefner, MA et al., 2009). Contrarily, the inclusion of certain ingredients in kebabs may counteract histamine levels. Among them, various herbs and spices such as thyme and oregano are known to provide antihistamine effects (Kalpaklioglu, AF and Kavrut, Ö., 2007). References: - Koeth, RA et al. (2013) Intestinal microbiota metabolism of L-carnitine, a nutrient in red meat, promotes atherosclerosis. Nature Medicine 19, 576–585. - Maintz, L and Novak, N. (2007) Histamine and histamine intolerance, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185–1196. - Kuefner, MA et al. (2009) Histamine oxidase - an underestimated potential diagnostic marker in gastrointestinal disorders?. Clinical Laboratory, 55(3-4), 154-161. - Kalpaklioglu, AF and Kavrut, Ö. (2007) The effects of climate on respiratory allergic diseases in Izmir, Turkey, compared with two other cities, Allergy and Asthma Proceedings, 28(1), 46-51.