Kitfo Histamine Information

Kitfo, a traditional dish from Ethiopia, is mainly made from raw beef mince, spiced with a chili powder-based spice blend and niter kibbeh, a clarified butter infused with herbs and spices. Considering the main ingredients, it seems that Kitfo may have an impact on histamine levels due to its meat origins. However, definitive studies or concrete evidence detailing the exact impact of Kitfo on histamine levels are not widely available at this moment. The main component of Kitfo, beef, falls under the category of fresh meat, which typically contains relatively low amounts of histamine compared to aged or processed meats like salami and ham. However, depending on the freshness of the meat and its handling, histamine could potentially increase. Niter kibbeh, clarified butter infused with herbs and spices, is another essential ingredient of Kitfo. Although dairy products like butter are typically low in histamine content, some spices may be histamine liberators or inhibitors of histamine breakdown. This depends on the specific kinds of seasoning used and individual responses to them. Moreover, if Kitfo is consumed with accompaniments such as bread (which may contain yeast), wine, or cheese, it could potentially increase the histamine burden considering these accompaniments are high in histamine or could stimulate histamine release. Regarding histamine-reducing properties, the spices in Niter kibbeh may provide some benefits, depending on their type. For instance, turmeric and ginger have been suggested to have histamine-lowering effects. However, without knowing the specific spices used in a particular preparation, it is challenging to draw concrete conclusions. In general terms, due to the lack of specific research, we cannot definitively assess the impact of consuming Kitfo on histamine levels. This product has not been researched well enough to publish any information, and our team is working hard on this. Data will be available soon. References: 1. "Histamine and Histamine Intolerance", American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007. 2. "The health impact of fermented foods: gut health, immunology, cognitive & cardiovascular benefits", Food & Nutrition, 2020 3. "Turmeric, a novel treatment for mast cell-mediated allergic symptoms", Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 2008. 4. “The effect of ginger on human health,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2018.