Increasing numbers of children are diagnosed with food allergies each year in the United States, and approximately 4 percent of the U.S. population has diagnosed food allergies. Although the most common allergy is to dairy products, allergies to meats and other ingredients are possible. Even children with food allergies to non-meat products may observe a a vegetarian diet for safety and health benefits.
Meatless Meals for Dairy and Egg Allergy
Allergies to pork, chicken or beef are not in the top eight or nine in countries worldwide, but dairy and egg allergies top the list of common allergens. Although unusual, cross-reactions between milk and beef products can occur in up to 8 percent of dairy-allergic children, and similar reactions have been observed between egg and poultry products in highly allergic individuals. For those few people who experience strong allergies, meatless meals are necessary for a safe diet.
Vegetarian Protein Alternatives With Allergies
Vegetarian cooking offers an alternative to pure or allergen-adulterated meat products. For people who are not allergic to peanut, treenuts, seeds or soy, vegetarian meals can easily provide healthful daily protein requirements. Walnuts and lean fish provide high amounts of fatty acids necessary for cellular health, and seeds like sunflower or flax provide good sources of fiber and vitamin E. People with allergies to nut or seed products can still obtain adequate protein with meals containing higher amounts of beans and peas. All of these vegetarian options are lean, or low in non-nutritious fats, as well.
Seed Allergy Cautions in Vegetarian Cooking
For the growing number of people being diagnosed with seed allergies, even vegetarian cooking can be dangerous without extra safety measures. Many processed non-meat products contain ingredients like sunflower oil and flax or sesame seeds. Sesame and sunflower seeds can cause life-threatening anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals, so well-labeled ingredients are crucial to safety even during vegetarian cooking.
Fresh Ingredients for Vegetarian Cooking
Perhaps one of the most beneficial aspects of vegetarian cooking for people with allergies is the fresh cooking mindset. By cooking meals that center around fresh vegetables, fruits and beans or peas, people with allergies reduce the amount of harmful hormones and chemicals often used in processed and packaged meats. Although a direct connection between these food additives and conditions like allergies has not yet been made, avoiding these chemicals is undoubtedly beneficial for overall health in anyone.
References
- Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network: Other Common Allergies
- Science Daily: Vegetarian Diets Can Help Prevent Chronic Diseases, American Dietetic Association Says; July 3, 2009
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Vegetarian Foods
- MyPyramid.gov: Inside the Pyramid: Why Is It Important to Make Lean or Low-Fat Choices From the Protein Foods Group?
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