Meat, Sea Food & Vegetables High in Purines
Purines are organic compounds that form part of the structure of genes and can be found in all human, animal and plant cells. Some foods contain high levels of purines, which the human body breaks down during the digestive process. Purines are usually beneficial to the body. In some people, however, improper breakdown of purines can lead to health problems. While certain foods are higher in purine content than others, if you have health issues involving purines, consult your doctor for specific and comprehensive diet advice and treatment.
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Purines
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People in good health are able to break purines down into uric acid, which then serves as an antioxidant and protects the lining of blood vessels. People with certain health conditions, however, such as anemia, autism, cerebral palsy and epilepsy, are sometimes unable to metabolize purines properly. As a result, their bodies may produce unusually high levels of uric acid crystals, a malady known as gout. People with such health conditions need to avoid foods that contain high levels of purines.
Meat High in Purines
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Most meats contain high levels of purines. Some organ meats contain especially high purine levels of between 400mg and 2,300mg per 100g of meat. These meats include the liver, sweetbreads, spleen, heart and lungs of most animals. Meats that contain between 100mg and 400mg of purines per 100g of meat include beef, chicken, duck, goose, ham, sheep heart, lamb, chicken liver, calf lung, ox, pork, rabbit, calf spleen, turkey, veal and venison.
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Seafood High in Purines
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Most seafood also contains high levels of purines. Anchovy, carp, cod, haddock, halibut, herring, mackerel, pike, redfish, saithe, salmon, sardine, sole, trout, tuna, caviar, lobster, mussel, scallop, and shrimp all contain between 100mg and 400mg of purines per 100g of seafood.
Vegetables High in Purines
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Most vegetables are fairly low in purines, although some contain high levels and should be avoided by people who have trouble metabolizing purines. Mushrooms contain about 488mg of purines per 100g serving. A few other vegetables and plant seeds contain between 100mg and 400mg of purines per 100g of vegetable. These foods include white bean, soya bean, mungo bean, grape, lentil, linseed, poppy seed and sunflower seed.
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References
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