Peanuts are actually legumes. Many children are allergic to both peanuts and tree nuts. In fact, about 35% of children with a peanut allergy will develop a tree nut allergy.
Cashews are in the same family as pistachios and incidentally the seed of a mango!
Almonds are in the plum family along with apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and prunes.
Pecans are in the same family as walnuts.
Coconuts have been thrown into the mix, but coconuts are actually in the palm family — they don’t cross react with tree nuts! It can be confusing though, because coconuts have been called a tree nut by the FDA for the purpose of labeling.
Nutmeg is a spice that is derived from seeds, not nuts. It may be safely consumed by people with a tree nut allergy.
Pine nuts are actually seeds, but have caused anaphylactic reactions in some patients.
In general though, when a person is allergic to specific tree nuts, I recommend avoidance of ALL tree nuts and peanuts. This is because of the possibility of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process and because people aren’t that great at identifying nuts!
To find out if you are allergic to nuts or peanuts, make an appointment with an allergist.
Source: http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/tree-nut-allergy
Meet Dr. Michelle Yasharpour
Dr. Michelle Yasharpour is a board-certified Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology expert, ready to help diagnose and treat your allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis/eczema, contact dermatitis, immunodeficiency, urticaria/hives, sinusitis, rhinitis, anaphylaxis, angioedema, and more.
Michelle was a wonderful doctor, and taught me so much about my own allergies. She's a kind, brilliant physician, and operates with upmost professionalism.
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