Oxford University studied the effect roasted peanut on the immune system. In the study, mice were exposed to peanut protein on their skin or in their stomach. Mice that were given roasted peanuts for consumption showed a strong immune response -the body's way of fighting things that appear foreign or unusual - than those mice that were given raw peanuts for consumption.
In humans, however, immune responses vary. Some reactions are mild they only caused skin minimal skin rashes. Other immune responses were alarmingly dangerous as the worse cases of anaphylaxis.
According to the researchers who conducted the experiment, the high temperature used to roast nuts is most likely responsible for the chemical changes that, in turn, prompt the allergic reactions.
According to Prof Quentin Sattentau, the team leader of the research group, the findings of the research is the first time in their knowledge that a potential trigger for peanut allergy (high temperatures from roasting) has been directly exposed to us. They say that peanuts are one of the most common causes of fatal allergic reactions to food.
Roasted peanuts are commonly less eaten in East Asia- where peanut allergies are rare. East Asian diet prefers for boiled peanuts than roasted or fried. Scientist believes that the findings may explain the lower allergy rates in East Asian populations were boiled, raw or fried peanuts are a more common part of the diet than roasted ones.
Prof Sattentau said: "We know that children in families with other allergies are more likely to develop peanut allergy. However, our research is at an early stage and we think that it would be premature to avoid roasted peanuts and their products until further work has been carried out to confirm this result."
Scientists are now exploring methods to get rid of the particular chemical changes that may be responsible for kick-starting the immune system.
