Unveiling The Truth: Is Goat Cheese A Haven For Low Histamine Seekers?
What To Know
- Goat cheese that is aged for a longer period of time will have a higher histamine content.
- Goat cheese that is stored at room temperature will have a higher histamine content than goat cheese that is stored in the refrigerator.
- However, it’s important to choose goat cheese that is made with raw milk, has been aged for a short period of time, and is stored properly.
If you’re someone who struggles with histamine intolerance, you know the importance of choosing foods that are low in histamine. Goat cheese is a popular dairy product that is often touted as a histamine-friendly option. But is goat cheese really low histamine?
Understanding Histamine Intolerance
Histamine is a compound that is naturally produced in the body. It plays a role in various bodily functions, including digestion, immune response, and sleep. However, some people have a condition called histamine intolerance, which means their bodies have difficulty breaking down histamine. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and skin problems.
The Role of Dairy in Histamine Intolerance
Dairy products are a common source of histamine. This is because milk contains a protein called casein, which can be broken down into histamine by bacteria. Additionally, some dairy products, such as cheese, are aged, which can further increase the histamine content.
Goat Cheese vs. Cow’s Milk Cheese
Cow’s milk cheese is generally higher in histamine than goat cheese. This is because goat’s milk contains less casein than cow’s milk. Additionally, goat cheese is often made with raw milk, which has a lower histamine content than pasteurized milk.
Factors Affecting the Histamine Content of Goat Cheese
The histamine content of goat cheese can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The type of goat’s milk used: Raw goat’s milk has a lower histamine content than pasteurized goat’s milk.
- The aging process: Goat cheese that is aged for a longer period of time will have a higher histamine content.
- The storage conditions: Goat cheese that is stored at room temperature will have a higher histamine content than goat cheese that is stored in the refrigerator.
Choosing Low-Histamine Goat Cheese
If you’re looking for a low-histamine goat cheese, there are a few things you can do:
- Choose goat cheese made with raw goat’s milk.
- Opt for fresh goat cheese or goat cheese that has been aged for a short period of time.
- Store goat cheese in the refrigerator.
Other Low-Histamine Dairy Options
In addition to goat cheese, there are a few other low-histamine dairy options available, including:
- Sheep’s milk cheese
- Buffalo milk cheese
- Kefir
- Yogurt
Wrap-Up: Navigating Histamine Intolerance with Goat Cheese
Goat cheese can be a delicious and nutritious option for people with histamine intolerance. However, it’s important to choose goat cheese that is made with raw milk, has been aged for a short period of time, and is stored properly. By following these tips, you can enjoy goat cheese without triggering your histamine intolerance symptoms.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Is all goat cheese low histamine?
A: No, the histamine content of goat cheese can vary depending on several factors, including the type of goat’s milk used, the aging process, and the storage conditions.
Q: What are some low-histamine goat cheese brands?
A: Some low-histamine goat cheese brands include:
- Capriole Goat Cheese
- Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog
- Bellwether Farms
- Laura Chenel’s Fresh Chèvre
Q: Can I make my own low-histamine goat cheese?
A: Yes, you can make your own low-histamine goat cheese using raw goat‘s milk and a cheesemaking kit. However, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the cheese is made properly.