Interesting article on Chitin

[WRXtranceformed]

This actually hits me pretty close to home because of an allergy I discovered after a couple of scary incidents. After having some serious respiratory reactions after eating soft shell crabs, I assumed that it was crab in general that I was allergic to. What was always surprising to me though was that I can eat shrimp, lobster, scallops, etc. without any problems at all. Usually when people are allergic to shellfish, they're allergic to the iodine in them, so I mused that it was the shell of the crab I was allergic to. A family friend sent us this article after we discussed the allergy at dinner the other night:

Research News from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Crab Shells and Fungi May Hold a Key to Asthma

Chitin is the stuff of crab shells and the carapaces of dust mites, the cell walls of lichens, and even the rigid innards of parasitic worms. It may also be the stuff that sets off asthma. New research has found that our immune systems possess an innate ability to recognize and eliminate chitin from our bodies, but when this potent response to the ubiquitous particles goes awry, it can cause an allergic response that could potentially lead to asthma. The new findings may help elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying asthma and provide new ways of preventing and possibly treating it.

Research published in the April 22, 2007 issue of Nature.

I've always been bummed because I love crabs but I haven't been able to eat them, but maybe I'll give crab meat a shot again when I go to the beach this summer! 8) I just need to stay away from the soft shell ones =P

[Apoc]

I've always had a problem eating something that, under normal circustances, I would think of consuming (i.e. shell and innards).

backfin > soft shell * 642

[WRXtranceformed]

Yeah, I still have to be careful too because some sushi uses real soft shell crab, and I love eating sushi =)

[Apoc]

Just don't order the spider roll and you'll be okay.

[Ryan T]

Yeah, I still have to be careful too because some sushi uses real soft shell crab, and I love eating sushi =)

I thought you were a vegetarian?

[WRXtranceformed]

I am, but I do still eat fish and seafood to help keep the protein levels up in my diet. =)

I haven't eaten chicken, beef, pork, lamb etc. for about 7 years now.

[HAULN-SS]

What's up with that?

[Apoc]

I am, but I do still eat fish and seafood to help keep the protein levels up in my diet. =)

Then you aren't vegetarian.

[WRXtranceformed]

I'm an ovopescovegetarian.

[.RJ]

And the off-topic begins

[WRXtranceformed]

Heh you read my mind =P

[Apoc]

I prefer to read artciles about chitlins anyway.

[mrbaggio]

I am, but I do still eat fish and seafood to help keep the protein levels up in my diet. =)

I haven't eaten chicken, beef, pork, lamb etc. for about 7 years now.

I haven't had a banana for a month.

[WRXtranceformed]

"I eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast!"

[ScottyB]

I prefer to read artciles about chitlins anyway.

ha! i misread the thread title and came in here expecting some talks about some spicin' chitlins!

[.RJ]

gawja chitlins... dont forget your boiled peanuts too

:vomit:

[HAULN-SS]

boiled peanuts are the shit - you don't have to go to GA for that either, they have them down in SE VA, portsmouth and areas around there. mmmmmm

[JackdaMak]

boiled peanuts are the shit

+1... hells yes they are the shit... they use to have em at walmart (of course not fresh, but a 5 min. drive away) that were grown in hawkinsville, ga. Use to live in the dirty south (GA) and boiled peanuts are a delicacy. but everyone i know here in va hates em.

[HAULN-SS]

Yeah - the trick is to get them hot - I would agree they're gross if you messed up and got them cold or something, but, yeah, boiled peanuts are awesome.

Also - my dads side of the family is all from GA, so thats probably where it came from

[CaptainHenreh]

Also - my dads side of the family is all from GA, so thats probably where it came from

Well, obviously, but what's your deal with peanuts?