Keftedes Histamine Information

Keftedes, a traditional Greek meatball dish, primarily contains ingredients such as lamb or beef, herbs, onions, bread, and occasionally cheese. Given the ingredients in the dish, we can provide some insights on potential histamine impact. Red meat, used in keftedes, can contain moderate levels of histamine products, particularly if it has been aged or is not fresh. Therefore, this ingredient may contribute to an increase in histamine levels. However, the specific impact is dependent on the quality and freshness of the meat. Certain herbs used in keftedes may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in the modulation of histamine levels, although more research is necessary to confirm this effect. The potential role of onions in histamine levels is complex, with various potential impacts. Onions are high in quercetin, a plant flavonoid that is known to stabilize mast cells and potentially prevent the release of histamine, possibly reducing histamine levels. However, it should be noted that this effect depends on individual characteristics and more research is needed. Regarding cheese, it's only the long-ripened, hard varieties that have a significant histamine content. If a keftedes recipe includes such cheese, it could potentially raise histamine levels. The bread used in the keftedes is unlikely to significantly contribute to histamine levels unless yeast is used in its production. It's also important to consider both the cooking method and the accompanying dishes served with keftedes, as they may impact histamine levels. For instance, deep-frying or grilling at high temperatures can provoke histamine production. In conclusion, the impact of eating keftedes on histamine levels largely depends on the specific recipe and the accompanying dishes. Ingredients such as aged meats or long-ripened cheese can increase histamine levels, whilst onions may potentially lower them. Nevertheless, the coupling of both histamine-rich and potential histamine-lowering ingredients may balance each other out. It's essential for individuals with histamine intolerance to be conscious of these variables. References: Histamine and histamine intolerance, Maintz L, Novak N, Am J Clin Nutr, 2007; The Role of Quercetin, Flavonols and Flavones in Modulating Inflammatory Cell Function, Nair MP et al., Inflamm Allergy Drug Targets, 2010; Red and Processed Meat and Colon Cancer, Domingo JL et al., Environ Res, 2020 Please note this information is based on existing research and the direct impact of keftedes on histamine levels might not have been specifically studied. This product has not been researched well enough to publish any specifics; our team is working hard on this. Data will be available soon.