Many people are growing interested in following a gluten-free diet. Whether a person suffers from gluten sensitivity or has full-blown celiac disease, following a gluten-free diet can be beneficial to people for numerous reasons already discussed on Natural News.
Eating gluten free isn't difficult once a person knows what to look for. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to grains that have glutens. Being familiar with varieties of grains with glutens and reading labels of products that aren't well known are key to one's success.
So, if a person has chosen to follow a gluten-free diet, there are some things he or she might be interested in learning.
1) Quinoa (a grain-like seed) is gluten free (and tasty to boot!). Unlike a lot of plant foods, quinoa is a complete protein. Luckily for people trying to follow a gluten-free diet, rice, millet, corn, and amaranth are also free of gluten. Gluten-sensitive people don't need to sacrifice; they simply need to switch. For example, instead of eating wheat bread, people with gluten intolerance can eat bread made of rice flour. (Grains to look out for that do contain gluten are wheat, rye, barley, bulgur wheat, and spelt.)
2) Wheatgrass is reportedly safe for those who are gluten intolerant. It's because the gluten develops in the wheat seed/germ, rather than in the wheat grass itself. While sprouting wheat berries and such make them easier to tolerate for those who are sensitive, those with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) should probably avoid wheat products altogether, including wheatgrass.
3) Despite what people may have heard, gluten is only found in nature in wheat, barley, and rye products. However, that means a lot more than many people may realize. For example, triticale is a no-no because it is a cross between rye and wheat. Also, some people might not know that spelt and kamut are products of wheat and so they are also dangerous to someone who is gluten intolerant. Finally, those who are gluten sensitive need to exercise caution with processed foods. There are so many foods that contain gluten, many more than some people may realize; for example, beer is off limits, as are many soy sauces and gravies. When in doubt, read the label.
Comment: While it's true that other grains such as rice and corn are 'gluten' free, it's important to understand that gluten belongs to a family of proteins called 'prolamins', and these other grains contain different kinds of prolamins.
Plants can't fight back when an animal comes along to eat them, so they developed a different method for warding off predators. The proteins they contain are indigestible and can lead to inflammation of the gut, body, skin and wet linings of the animals who eat them, often resulting in chronic disease.
Do your research thoroughly if you are interested in staying fit and well.
Comment: While it's true that other grains such as rice and corn are 'gluten' free, it's important to understand that gluten belongs to a family of proteins called 'prolamins', and these other grains contain different kinds of prolamins.
Plants can't fight back when an animal comes along to eat them, so they developed a different method for warding off predators. The proteins they contain are indigestible and can lead to inflammation of the gut, body, skin and wet linings of the animals who eat them, often resulting in chronic disease.
Do your research thoroughly if you are interested in staying fit and well.