Mussaka Histamine Information

Moussaka is a popular dish in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean culinary repertoire, primarily composed of eggplant (or potatoes), minced meat, tomatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Beginning with eggplant, it does not explicitly contain high levels of histamine. However, it's pertinent to mention that eggplant is often implicated as a histamine-liberating food, meaning it may prompt the release of histamine in the body (1). Therefore, it could potentially contribute to a rise in histamine levels, especially in individuals with histamine intolerance or sensitivity. The minced meat used in Moussaka can be a significant source of histamine, particularly if it is not fresh (2). Histamine accumulates in animal flesh over time as it ages or is improperly stored, making leftover or preserved meats a potential risk for those trying to regulate their histamine intake. Tomatoes, another main ingredient commonly used in Moussaka, are known to have high histamine content (3). Therefore, dishes containing tomatoes, like Moussaka, can reasonably raise histamine levels. The creamy béchamel sauce that typifies Moussaka includes milk, butter, and flour (often wheat). Milk and wheat are not identified as high histamine or histamine liberating foods, therefore they are unlikely to significantly impact histamine levels. However, individual sensitivities to these foods and preservatives could potentially invoke a histamine response, making it worthy of consideration within the context of a histamine diet. In conclusion, while not all ingredients in Moussaka are high in histamine or act as histamine liberators, the presence of eggplant, minced meat, and especially tomatoes, could potentially contribute to elevated levels of histamine in the body post-consumption. References: 1. "Foods That Fight Histamine and Inflammation". DrJOCKERS.com. https://drjockers.com/foods-fight-histamine/ 2. "Top 10 High Histamine Foods to Avoid". Yeastinfection.org. https://www.yeastinfection.org/top-10-high-histamine-foods-to-avoid/ 3. "Histamine intolerance: The food list". Histamine Intolerance. https://www.histamineintolerance.org.uk/food-diary/the-food-list/