Can I Eat Avocado Oil If I Have an Oral Food Allergy to Avocados?
Pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS) is also called oral allergy syndrome (OAS). It happens because proteins in some fresh fruits and vegetables are similar to proteins in pollen (such as tree, grass, weed) or latex. Your body canβt tell the difference. Your immune system gets confused. This is known as cross-reactivity.
The proteins responsible for PFAS can be denatured (changed) by processing, especially with high-heat treatment. Avocado oil can come in 2 forms: highly refined and cold pressed. This is based on the manufacturing process.
- Highly refined oil: The proteins that could cause an allergic reaction are usually removed. This happens during processes such as extraction and heat treatment.
- Cold-pressed or gourmet oils: This process does not remove proteins that could cause an allergic reaction.
Generally, people with PFAS to avocados can eat highly refined forms of avocado oil without having a reaction. This is not the case with cold-pressed or gourmet oils.
Talk with your doctor before adding avocado oil to your diet. Make sure you know the type of avocado oil used (refined or cold-pressed). You can get this information by reading product labels and asking the manufacturer. If in doubt about the specific type of avocado oil, do not eat the product.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelorβs degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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