as one with a latex allergy -- (minor, thankfully, for reasons you can imagine) mangoes and avacdos are two things I'm supposed to avoid. I don't, but still -- latex allergies are common enough that hospitals don't use latex gloves anymore.
In a sense. Both mango and avocado trees produce a substance, referred to as latex, that protects a cut in the tree. Directions for grafting explicitly state that one should "remove the latex" from the cut.
More directly, mangoes and avocados contain proteins (the chitinase enzymes) which are very similar in structure to those responsible for latex allergies. Consequently, people who are allergic to latex are counseled to avoid mangoes and avocados. (Cf. R. Asero, G. Mistrello, D. Roncarolo, S. Amato, and P. Falagiani, "Detection of novel latex allergens associated with clinically relevant allergy to plant-derived foods," Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Volume 115, Issue 6, Pages 1312-1314).
as one with a latex allergy -- (minor, thankfully, for reasons you can imagine) mangoes and avacdos are two things I'm supposed to avoid. I don't, but still -- latex allergies are common enough that hospitals don't use latex gloves anymore.
ReplyDeleteMangoes and avocados are made of latex??
ReplyDeleteExceptionally similar chemical composition. I didn't believe it either. Peaches and strawberries, too. I eat them all, with no problem.
ReplyDeleteIn a sense. Both mango and avocado trees produce a substance, referred to as latex, that protects a cut in the tree. Directions for grafting explicitly state that one should "remove the latex" from the cut.
ReplyDeleteMore directly, mangoes and avocados contain proteins (the chitinase enzymes) which are very similar in structure to those responsible for latex allergies. Consequently, people who are allergic to latex are counseled to avoid mangoes and avocados. (Cf. R. Asero, G. Mistrello, D. Roncarolo, S. Amato, and P. Falagiani, "Detection of novel latex allergens associated with clinically relevant allergy to plant-derived foods,"
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Volume 115, Issue 6, Pages 1312-1314).
Better explanation than from my doctor. Gloves bother me, condoms don't. Might be duration . . . ;)
ReplyDelete