Can you eat eel with a shellfish allergy
In this brief guide, we will address the query, “can you eat eel with a shellfish allergy?” We will also discuss whether eel belongs to the fish classification and how to eat eel in a safe, and delicious, way.
Can you eat eel with a shellfish allergy?
The answer to “can you eat eel with a shellfish allergy?” is no, if you happen to suffer from shellfish allergy it is better to avoid any fish -or shellfish- consumption as they exhibit a protein known as parvalbumin, which is the fish and shellfish allergen.
Are eels fish or shellfish?
The unique, and bizarre, looks of an eel can leave you thinking “What is even an eel?” Is it a fish? A shellfish? Well, eels are crazy-looking fish, and there are about 800 different eel species that belong to divergent fish classifications.
Where can you find eels?
Eels are present in both saltwater and freshwater, and most eel species can be found at sea, and in oceans across the globe. They belong to the catadromous type of fish, which means they spend most of their lives in freshwater, and when they are ready to breed, then they migrate to the sea.
They are predatory fish and carry a carnivorous diet, some species might even tend to be cannibalistic. There are approximately 800 species of eels, with their very own features, can you even imagine that amount of eels?
Is it safe to eat eel?
Yes! Eels are very popular in Japanese cuisine and there are many dishes with eels as their main ingredient. They can be served in a grilled or fried manner. But it is important to say that eel has a special preparation, as they contain certain toxins that can be dangerous for human consumption.
Eel texture can be compared to squid, so if you enjoy eating squid, you may also like eel meat. As the chewy and tender eel meat has great adsorption levels, many chefs marinate them to improve its unique flavor.
What could happen if I do not cook eel properly?
Consuming uncooked eel is toxic, and lethal, to humans. A protein found in eels´ blood exhibits toxic features when eaten, even a minuscule amount of it may lead to death. Its effects are muscle cramping, including in the heart which can be fatal.
You must consume eel only in respectable places as your life can be at risk! We encourage you to try eel meat, here you can find some dishes to look for the next time you go out.
What triggers fish allergy?
A curious fact about fish allergy is that it can be developed until you have reached adulthood, around 40% of people suffering from fish allergy only have problems until they become adults!
This does not mean that a child can not develop a fish allergy, as fish allergies can appear as early as childhood. Fish allergy is primordially caused by the protein parvalbumin.
What is parvalbumin?
Parvalbumin is a protein found in the white muscle tissue of fish, it can also be present in red muscle tissue but its level is lower. That is why in 2005, scientists reported that tuna -with mainly red muscles- exhibit lower levels of parvalbumin, and therefore a less number of people have reported tuna as the cause of their allergies.
Now, focusing on eels, as they belong to the classification of fish, then they also exhibit certain levels of parvalbumin and can be the cause of an allergic reaction.
If you want to learn more about this fish allergen, then we encourage you to click here to read more.
What are the symptoms of fish allergy?
Fish allergies can exhibit reactions from mild to severe in different organs and parts of the body. Some of the most common are a tingling feeling in the mucosa in the mouth and throat after exposure to the allergen, and anaphylactic shock which can lead to a breathing or circulatory collapse.
Some other symptoms that may happen during an allergic reaction are:
- Diarrhea
- Throwing up
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Rhinitis symptoms
Allergies are quick and can range from a light symptom to a state in which your life could be at risk! So, if you suspect you are allergic to fish, it is better to avoid eating any kind of fish and visit your doctor, so you can have some medication with you if you happen to exhibit symptoms.
Other FAQs about Fish that you may be interested in.
How long can fish be kept in the refrigerator?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “can you eat eel with a shellfish allergy?” We have also discussed other queries related to the subject at hand.
Hope you found this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Citations
https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergies/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/shellfish
https://www.ecarf.org/en/information-portal/allergies-overview/fish-allergy/
