can you eat escargot with a shellfish allergy
In this brief guide, we will address the query, “can you eat escargot with a shellfish allergy?” We will also discuss what shellfish allergy is about and what can you -or not- eat if you happen to suffer from this condition.
Can you eat escargot with a shellfish allergy?
No, if you suffer from shellfish allergy it is better that you cut escargot from your diet, as it belongs to mollusks, which are a subclassification of shellfish. As shellfish allergy may have severe symptoms, eating any kind of shellfish can have deadly consequences.
In the next paragraphs, it will be further explained why you should not consume escargot when you have a shellfish allergy.
What is a shellfish allergy?
Shellfish allergy is caused by the protein tropomyosin, which is the main allergen present in shellfish muscles. This allergy is responsible for severe responses by the body’s immune system.
What are the effects of a shellfish allergy?
Various symptoms can be caused by shellfish allergy, from mild to severe. Shellfish allergy is one of the top ten allergens, only in the USA!
Some of the symptoms caused by this allergy are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomachache
- Cramping
- Difficulty to breath
- Swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips
- Dizziness
These symptoms may be exhibited within minutes to an hour after having eaten shellfish. An anaphylactic shock may be the most severe symptom, as it can lead to an airway constriction because of a swollen throat, or even due to the presence of lumps in your throat.
What is tropomyosin?
Tropomyosin is the main allergen present in shellfish, whether crustacean or mollusk species. It influences the control of muscle fibers’ contraction. This allergenic protein can be found in different invertebrate species.
As tropomyosin keeps its stability even when heat-treated, then even when cooked and high-pressure processed, tropomyosin keeps its allergenic properties.
If you want to learn more about this allergenic protein, you should visit this link.
What is shellfish?
Shellfish are small species that live in water and are provided with a shell exterior. Shellfish are classified into two groups: crustaceans and mollusks. Most of them live in saltwater, but a few of them reside in freshwater.
Shellfish can be acquired all over the world, but some areas have their very own shellfish species.
What species are considered shellfish?
Shellfish can be classified as mollusks or crustaceans, some examples of these can be:
- Crab
- Lobster
- Shrimp
- Oysters
- Clams
- Escargot
- Surimi
- Prawns
- Langoustines
Shellfish flavor can vary from sweet to salted, this can be modified depending on the chosen cooking method.
Is escargot a shellfish?
Escargot, also called sea snails, belong to the group of mollusks, and are provided with a shell, therefore escargot is also a shellfish.
So yes, escargot is a type of shellfish and then they can also be the cause of allergic reactions due to a shellfish allergy.
Where can escargot be found?
Snails were a vital component of the diet of ancient civilizations. Nowadays, it is still consumed in a large list of countries.
Escargot is very popular in international cuisines, such as:
- Germany
- Great Britain
- Italy
- Morocco
- Malta
- Cyprus
- Portugal
- Spain
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- France
Is escargot safe to eat?
Yes, escargot has been consumed throughout ancient history. According to official statistics, around thirty thousand tons of escargot are consumed in France every year, and this is only in one country!
The increase in snail consumption has caused a rise in escargot pricing.
What are the nutritional facts of escargot?
85 grams of escargot can provide you with the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Content | % Daily Value* |
| Total Fat | 1.2 g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | |
| Cholesterol | 43 mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 325 mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1.7 g | 1% |
| Protein | 14 g | |
| Vitamin A | 1.7% | |
| Vitamin C | 0% | |
| Iron | 17% |
- Based on a 2000 calorie diet.
According to this data, snails – for escargot – are a good source of protein with little amounts of fat. Along with its other compounds, the consumption of escargot can help your immune system fight illness.
But even with these important nutrients, if you happen to suffer from a shellfish allergy, there is no reason to consume any species that belong to the mollusk or crustaceous groups.
It is advisable to go see your doctor to help with your symptoms, even more, if you have certain conditions that can aggravate them, such as asthma.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “can you eat escargot 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.
