Myth # 26 : " But I ' m allergic to vegetables ."
Myth # 26 : " But I ' m allergic to vegetables ."
As ridiculous as it might seem or sound , there actually is a rare disorder called Oral Allergy Syndrome ( OAS ) that causes its sufferers to feel an intense burning &/ or itching sensation whenever certain fruits & vegetables are eaten . This disorder , also called Fruit Pollen Syndrome , is not dangerous like many of its food-allergy cousins , and yet it does cause great discomfort to those living with it .
Fortunately , for the very few who do suffer from this challenging condition , there is more than a bit of good news ... First of all , OAS allergic reactions tend to be specifically tied to the fruits &/ or vegetables that are directly associated with each person ' s particular pollen allergen .* This means that a person with OAS can avoid discomfort by simply identifying & avoiding the few fruits & vegetables that cause his or her painful reaction . As a backup precaution , peeling the offending fruits or vegetables ( or placing them in a microwave for about 30 seconds ) is often enough to neutralize an adverse reaction . Heat also neuters most pollen-related reactions , so even lightly steaming vegetables will often allow those with OAS to eat them without pain .
Most importantly , remember that even if you are a true sufferer of OAS , it is not necessary for you to eat animal products in order to survive – it is only necessary for you to make the effort to find which cruelty-free foods you can eat … and then simply eat those foods .
Current status of this Myth : Ameliorated Justification it provides for eating animals : NONE
(* For example , if you ' re allergic to birch pollen , you might be prone to an oral allergy to apples , pears , peaches , plums , apricots , cherries , hazelnuts , and kiwis … Ragweed pollen has a high degree of cross-reactivity with the gourd family — watermelon , cantaloupe , zucchini , and cucumber … An allergy to the weed mugwort can spell trouble with vegetables and spices of the parsley family , including carrots , celery , dill , and cumin … Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower , lettuce , green onions , and cabbage – as well as citrus , tropical , and berry fruits – typically do not cause any allergic reactions at all .)
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