Sunday, September 21, 2014

Do You Enjoy Dry-Roasted Peanuts?

Their days are probably numbered.

"Dry-roasted peanuts 'worst for allergies': Findings will help scientists develop nuts that prevent reactions."

Peanuts cause allergic reactions chiefly when they have been dry-roasted, a study suggests.

Tests carried out by Oxford University researchers found that eaten raw the nuts had little effect on the immune system.

They are now working on safe, dry-roasted peanuts to help prevent an allergy that affects one in 50 children.


If the traditional dry-roasted peanuts aren't banned outright, they'll probably be altered in a way that makes them less tasty to eat, although this being America, the packaging will no doubt read New and Improved!

4 comments:

Paul, Dammit! said...

I guess there's no denying that peanut allergies are growing in frequency for some reason.

Still, I can't help but wonder how many of those are actually diagnosed via lab test, rather than, say, an article in Cosmo? Judging by the proliferation of gluten-free products that outstrips incidence of Celiac disease, I'd say that it's a significant distinction. And worse, exaggerated claims of allergies are already well-documented (although the borderline Munchausen-by-proxy that explains it is not), which saps the empathy necessary for the kids with insanely sensitive allergic responses who really need it.

Bob said...

@Paul, Dammit!: My late mother claimed to be allergic to most medications, always providing a long list to each new doctor that she consulted. She seemed to take almost a perverse pleasure in it.

Old NFO said...

Dang... I like em... I think the reason allergies in general are increasing is kids no longer play outside and get dirty!

Bob said...

@Old NFO: re: dirt, I think you're right. I also think that kids have been coddled with antibiotic cream when they get a scrape. Kids who get a scrape should have to deal with the pain and screaming that comes when Merthiolate is applied to the scrape. :)