• Asian food is delicious and typically healthy but can cause allergic reactions in some people.sushi image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  Asian food is known primarily as being low-fat and nutritious. However, despite its numerous health benefits, there are a few health risks associated with some Asian foods, such as sushi, which often contains raw fish, and dishes that contain peanuts and chilies.
  
  

Sushi

• Many people are concerned about the potential for food-borne pathogens in sushi. These could include diseases that can be eliminated by exposure to intense heat, such as that which cooking provides. Food-borne pathogens common to sushi include viruses, bacteria and parasites that live on or in fish, such as tapeworm. According to Sushi FAQ, you should never eat raw fish from a freshwater source, as many forms of tapeworm and other parasites flourish in these conditions, though not in salt water. Contaminants are also a concern when eating raw fish. Mercury, lead, PCBs and other pollutants in oceans and fresh water can contaminate fish, which in turn causes those eating it to become ill.
  
  

Peanut Dishes

• Asian food, especially Thai and Indian varieties, often contains peanuts in stir fry preparations, sauces and noodle dishes. According to Kids Health, peanuts are among the most common allergens. They are also used in many different applications, including as a thickening agent in sauces. Peanut allergies can cause severe reactions, such as rashes, swelling, cramps, diarrhea, nausea and even anaphylaxis, which is a whole-body allergic reaction that causes a drop in blood pressure and swelling in the vascular system, potentially leading to a loss of consciousness and even death.
  
  

Soy Products

• Allergies to soy are common in children and infants, but, according to the Cleveland Clinic, it can occur to those of any age, even if they have eaten soy before without any adverse reaction. Soy is derived from soybeans, so any product made from them, including tofu and tempeh, may illicit an allergic reaction. Soy is also a common ingredient in Asian dishes that contain artificial flavoring, vegetable broth, vegetable gum and vegetable starch, according to Cleveland Clinic. Other Asian foods that contain soy include edamame, soy souce, shoyu sauce, textured vegetable protein (TVP), soya and soy curd. Since soybeans are a legume, ask your doctor about your tolerance to other legumes, as an allergy to one could mean you would have a similar reaction to others.