Recent research suggests that the way peanuts are processed may be contributing to their allergenicity—or potential to cause allergy symptoms. Chemistry and food science play a significant role in how food preparation impacts the likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction. In this case, how peanuts are cooked—whether roasted, boiled, or fried—can alter their allergenic proteins and affect allergy rates.
The Science Behind Peanut Allergies
When someone with a peanut allergy eats peanuts, their immune system overreacts, producing IgE antibodies that release histamine and cause symptoms like swelling or difficulty breathing. Typically, cooking food can break down proteins that cause allergies. For example, eggs and milk are less allergenic when baked. (Did you know, 70% of individuals with a milk and egg allergy can tolerated the foods when baked?) Similarly, cooking fresh fruits can reduce the allergy symptoms associated with oral (or pollen food) allergy syndrome.
Roasting vs. Boiling: A Key Difference
In the U.S., peanuts are commonly roasted, which increases their allergenic potential. In contrast, peanuts in China are usually boiled, and research shows that boiling peanuts results in lower levels of allergenic proteins. This difference in preparation helps explain why peanut allergy rates are much higher in the U.S. than in China, even though both countries consume similar amounts of peanuts.
A Possible Solution for Immunotherapy
In addition to reducing allergies in the general population, boiled peanuts could improve oral immunotherapy (OIT), a treatment that helps patients build tolerance to allergens. Many current OIT treatments use roasted peanut flour, which is more allergenic. Early research indicates that using boiled peanuts in OIT could offer a safer and more effective approach.
References
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U.S. National Library of Medicine: Clinical Trials, “Boiled Peanut Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Peanut Allergy: A Non-Inferiority Study,” Study start date: April 29, 2019, Completion date: May 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03937726
April Presnell, “Boiled Peanut Oral Immunotherapy Continues to Show Promise as a Safe and Effective Allergy Treatment” from the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, https://www.aaaai.org/about/news/news/boiled-peanut
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