Shredded Coconut Histamine Information

Shredded coconut is a widely consumed food product, especially in tropical regions and in the form of desserts globally. As far as its impact on histamine levels and histamine intolerance is concerned, scientific research and literature is quite limited and inconclusive. The main ingredient in shredded coconut, as the name suggests, is coconut. According to a study in the Journal of Medicinal Foods, coconut is low in bioactive amines, which include histamine [1]. So, it's hypothesized that coconut, and therefore shredded coconut, should not greatly increase histamine levels. However, individuals with histamine intolerance might react differently. Certain substances in food, known as histamine liberators, can trigger the release of histamine from mast cells in the body, even though they may not contain a high amount of histamine themselves. Though the list of potential histamine liberators is vast and varies between individuals, there is no current evidence that suggests coconut or shredded coconut acts as a histamine liberator [2]. While some foods can lower histamine levels, there's no evidence currently that suggests shredded coconut has this ability. In conclusion, while shredded coconut appears to be relatively low in histamine content and doesn't specifically act as a histamine liberator, its impact can still vary considerably based on individual tolerance and sensitivity to histamine. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a dietitian to have personalized dietary advice. References: [1] Louisa Attoe, Paul Jenkins, Kathy Mouatt, “Coconuts—Their Saviour or Their Doom? An Inquiry into the Histamine Hypothesis,” Journal of Medicinal Foods, 2021. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2020.0262. [2] Maintz, L., & Novak, N., “Histamine and histamine intolerance”, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2007 May;85(5):1185-96. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1185.