Nut allergies - question

[iris66]

Can anyone tell me whether nut allergies are usually to "proper" nuts or is it a generic term used to describe people who are really only allergic to peanuts (which are beans). Sorry if this is a stupid question.

I think that some people are allergic to other kind of nuts, but as you say, most are to peanuts which are just cheap imposters!!

People can be allergic to peanuts only, tree nuts only or both!!! The protein in peanuts and tree nuts are very similar so if a person is allergic to one they need to avoid all nuts. Second reason for this is that companies that produce nuts usually produce all nuts and cross-contamination can occur during storage or processing so the risks are very high. I know a lady who is allergic to raw cashew nuts but can eat them roasted. My son's allergist explained that the allergy is to the shape of the protein and that shape can change during different processes so explains why the roasted ones are probably okay. hth

I'm allergic only to brazil nuts.

ahhh - confusion resolved. Thanks for your replies

mymama - it could be because a lot of roasted cashew nuts are done in peanut oil!

my ds is allergic to tree nuts.He is not allergic to peanuts,according to a skin test ,but we avoid them aswell because of the cross contamination risk.

My dh is allergic to all nuts (esp cashew in any form eg raw or roasted), but excluding almonds (and also is not allergic to peanuts)

bobbybob she is also allergic to peanuts, so don't really know why one is okay and not the other.