Did you know a peanut is not a nut? They’re actually legumes. The team of allergists at Central Missouri Medical Associates in Columbia, MO, knows that keeping a food allergy in check requires the right treatment as well as knowledge. That’s why they offer clarification on legumes and nuts, so you or a loved one can avoid an episode.

The Difference Between Peanuts & Tree Nuts

As a legume, peanuts grow underground — like lentils and peas. Conversely, cashews, almonds, and walnuts grow on trees. As they grow, nuts develop a hard shell with an inner edible kernel. The outer shell of legumes is very easy to crack in comparison.

People can have allergies to both peanuts and tree nuts, but legumes are a much more common allergen. If you’re unsure about which you’re allergic to, your allergist can perform testing to provide further insight. 

How to Manage Your Peanut or Nut Allergy

Because legumes and tree nuts are common ingredients, it can be tough to avoid them. Always check the label, which should state whether a product contains nuts and or was produced in a facility that handles nuts. If you have a child with a nut allergy, take steps to ensure cross-contamination doesn’t occur during meal preparation.

It also helps to know which foods have the greatest risk. Ice cream often contains nuts or traces of nuts, especially when served at an ice cream parlor. Other sweets also often contain nuts, including cookies and candies. While it seems unlikely, some sauces even use nuts as a thickening agent. No matter what steps you take, make sure you’re always prepared for a potential reaction by carrying your allergy medication and EpiPen® with you at all times.

If you’re currently managing a food allergy and have questions, the allergy specialists at Central Missouri Medical Associates are glad to provide clear and concise answers. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with an allergist in Columbia today, feel free to call (573) 815-2299. You can also see the complete listing of services for yourself by visiting the website.