Sesame allergy is basically due to sesame seeds and sesame oil which are used in preparing most of the dishes especially in Asian and Arab countries. This seed comes in two varieties one is milky white in colour and another one is black in colour. Although sesame allergy is not so common but it’s on a rise. Over the past few decades there has a significant increase in the number of sesame allergy cases. Sesame seeds and oil are widely used by baking industries and also in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Sesame is one of the main ingredients used while preparing Asian and Middle Eastern dishes and the growing popularity of such food is responsible for causing sesame allergy. The age long trend of having burgers on a daily basis in America and other European countries wherein sesame seeds are used as dressing on the buns, are also responsible for the growing number of sesame allergy cases.
Sesame oil is considered to be healthy and is used in making salads, vegetarian recipes as well as it is used in making soaps, skin lotions and other cosmetic products.
Foods that contain Sesame Seeds and Oil
If you are allergic to sesame then avoid eating the following foods
- Middle east food – tahini sauce, hummus, halvah, flat bread, kebabs, falafel
- Bakery items – biscuits, buns, cookies, bagels, bread crumbs, bread sticks
- Snack items – candy bars, granule bars, trail mix, rice cakes, chips , dips
Symptoms of Sesame Allergy
- Redness of skin
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Hives
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Cough
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breathing problem
Avoiding Sesame Allergy
If you are allergic to sesame following tips can be uses in order to avoid sesame allergy
- Check the label of food product before buying; make sure that the food items you purchase are sesame free. Read the ingredients list thoroughly before buying it.
- If you are buying the product from abroad be careful, as very country has its own labelling rules.
- Sesame is present not only in food products but also in non food products like cosmetics. Make sure your cosmetic products are sesame free.
- Read out the compositions on the medicines carefully as some medicines are made using sesame.
- The other names of sesame are til, benne seed, sesamol, sim sim.
Note: Consult the doctor immediately when you experience sesame allergy symptoms.