Gluten is a special type of protein that is commonly found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is found in most types of cereals and in many types of bread, however, not all foods from the grain family contain gluten. Examples of grains that do not have gluten include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, oats, soybeans and sunflower seeds. Many pre-packaged foods contain gluten.
Products with terms such as natural flavorings, modified food starch, hydrolyzed or textured plant or vegetable proteins, or malt flavorings usually contain gluten. Oats do not contain gluten. However, many are contaminated in processing. Beer, which is made from barley hops, has gluten.
Most of us hate to hear there is something else we have to be careful of, but the good news is the discovery of gluten intolerance has saved lives and increased levels of health beyond belief. By eliminating gluten filled products, many have found relief from Celiac Disease. Studies have found that gluten feeds inflammation, if you are gluten intolerant. If you have an inflammatory disease, then staying away from gluten products will benefit you.
The good news is, even if you are gluten intolerant, not all the good foods are plagued with gluten. Agave contains no gluten and is a great natural sweetener for your drinks that actually has a good flavor. Beer is a definite "no-no", but wine has no gluten, so there is still something alcoholic to drink. Other gluten free drinks include chocolate liquor, tea and cocoa.
In the vegetable department, artichokes, corn, peas, peppers and potatoes are gluten-free. If you like buttered vegetables, you are in luck. Other safe toppings are almonds, blue cheese, brown sugar, carob, coconuts and dates. Tapioca and plain yogurt are gluten free as well.
Beans, no-grain seeds, tofu and eggs are a few more foods that are gluten free. As you can see, there are still some good old favorite foods that are on the safe list.
If you are meat lover, you have no worries concerning gluten. Meat, fish and fowl are all on the good list. The problem comes in when eating sandwiches, especially when eating out. We grew up on hot dog and hamburger buns and had no idea many people had an intolerance to something as simple and everyday as bread. So eating breadless sandwiches or finding alternatives to bread, such as sprouted, brown rice and Ezekiel breads is the answer. Breads and pastas made from quinoa are another alternative.
Breads, other than whole grain breads, are hard to come by in restaurants. More and more food stores do have the gluten free breads available.
Taking the time to read the ingredients list on your favorite foods may shock you with its contents. Good thing is there are always alternatives.
