Shakshuka Histamine Information

Shakshuka, a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, often spiced with cumin, has a variety of ingredients which may have an impact on histamine levels. The primary ingredient of Shakshuka, tomatoes, falls in the category of high histamine foods. This is due to the natural histamine content in ripe tomatoes and products like tomato sauces and ketchup [1]. Capsaicin, a key substance in chili peppers, has the potential to provoke a release of stored histamine in the body. This makes chili peppers and spices derived from them, such as those found in Shakshuka, categorised as histamine liberators. They do not contain histamine but can lead to increased histamine levels in the body [2]. Onions, another crucial ingredient in Shakshuka, contain a beneficial compound known as quercetin, which can help to reduce histamine release and stabilize the cells that contain histamine in the body [3]. Eggs, the protein source in Shakshuka, are typically low in histamine content unless they are aged or stored for long periods [4]. The likely net effect on your histamine levels will greatly depend on the specific ingredients used and the balance between histamine-inducing and histamine-reducing elements in your overall diet. Care must be taken while selecting these ingredients, especially if you have a histamine intolerance. [1] Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196 [2] Palmer, M. (2019). Food intolerances: Fructose malabsorption, Lactose and Histamine intolerance. BoD–Books on Demand. [3] Comas-Basté, O., Sánchez-Pérez, S., Veciana-Nogués, M., Latorre-Moratalla, M., & Vidal-Carou, M. (2018). Biogenic amines in plant-origin foods: Are they frequently underestimated in low-histamine diets? Foods, 7(12), 205. [4] Joneja, J. (2013). Dealing with Food Allergies: A Practical Guide to Detecting Culprit Foods and Eating a Healthy, Enjoyable Diet. Bull Publishing Company.