Lentils belong to legumes family and can be included in beans and peanut family. If you’re hypersensitive to peanuts, then probably you’ll get lentil allergy. Before that, let’s check out nutritional profile of this pulse.
After soybeans, lentils has highest ratio of protein per calorie. Nutrients like fiber, proteins, folate, thiamin, phosphorous, iron and zinc are packed in lentils. Regular consumption of lentils will decrease obesity, diabetes and heart problems.
But, besides being huge benefits proteins in this pulse may trigger allergic reaction. Lentil allergy symptoms can be mild or severe depending on the adverse reaction.
Lentil Allergy
Allergens like Len c1, a 12 to 16kDa protein, Len c2, a 66 kDa protein are characterized as allergens in lentil.
When you ingest these proteins, immune system releases antibodies and histamines to thwart them out. In the process, different allergic symptoms are triggered, which include skin rashes, respiratory problem and oral allergy syndrome. Studies show that heating of legumes (lentil) will decrease the IgE antibody binding.
Symptoms include:
- Asthma
- Rhinitis
- Breathing problem
- Oral allergy syndrome
- Swelling of tongue, face and throat
- Hives
- Rashes and itching over skin
- Anaphylaxis
Allergic reaction may be seen even if the person inhales steam of cooking lentils.
Lentil belongs to legumes family, so if you’re hypersensitive to proteins in lentil, then probably you’ll be allergic to other food products with identical protein structure. According to experts, 50 percent of people who’re sensitive to lentils are allergic to chickpeas and peas.
Diagnosis and Prevention
If you see any of uncommon symptoms included above, consult doctor or allergist for diagnosis. Allergist will carry different test with various ingredients to determine the allergen.
Next step after treating lentil allergy is to avoid similar food items. Prevention is the most important aspect of treating food allergy.
Alternatively, you can take beans, edamame, soy nuts and alfalfa. Discuss with your allergist before taking these plant based food.