Stifado Histamine Information

Stifado is a traditional Greek stew that usually contains various ingredients such as beef, onions, tomatoes, red wine, and a variety of spices. Each of these ingredients individually contributes to the histamine level after consumption. The red wine used in Stifado contributes to its high histamine content. As per various researches, red wine is known for containing high levels of histamine (Reference: Maintz, L., & Novak, N. (2007). Histamine and histamine intolerance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 85(5), 1185-1196). Furthermore, vine-produced ingredients like tomatoes also add to the histamine content (Reference: Sealey, A. L., & Vargas, A. (2019). Relevance of the catabolism of histamine by Lactobacillus casei in wine and the gastrointestinal tract. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 56, 61-67). Some ingredients used in Stifado, such as onions and various spices, may not have high levels of histamine themselves, but they could act as histamine liberators, promoting the release of histamine in the body (Reference: Schwelberger, H. G. (2009). Histamine intolerance: a metabolic disease? Inflammation research, 58(S1), 61-64). However, no specific research proves that Stifado as a whole meal significantly impacts histamine level, due to the diverse ingredients and the variations in cooking methods. Therefore, a quantitative analysis is complex and might provide different results. For individuals dealing with histamine intolerance, it is suggested to have a complete understanding of their food tolerance and to consume Stifado or any dish with potential histamine-producing ingredients cautiously.