Gluten Free Whole Grains
Whole
Grains
Whole Grains, Their Benefits And Health Bonuses
Fruits And Vegetables
The Health Benefits Of Fruits And Vegetables Is Wide Ranging
Legumes
Beans, Peas and Lentils Too!
Nuts and Seeds
Have Many Health Benefits And Healing Properties
Gluten free whole grains can be enjoyed by people who may have an
allergy to gluten.
Celiac Disease and Allergies
For the millions of Americans who can’t eat gluten –
(a protein in wheat) and related grains such as barley,
rye, spelt, kamut, and triticale – must choose their
grains carefully. This group includes the nearly 3 million Americans
with celiac disease – an autoimmune form of gluten
intolerance – who must eat a gluten-free diet for life.
Other people may not have celiac disease, but may be allergic to
wheat nonetheless, and must avoid all forms of wheat. A gluten-free
diet is also sometimes recommended as part of the treatment for
autistic children.
Which Grains are Gluten-Free?
It's important to note that gluten-intolerant people CAN eat whole
grains. In fact, as you'll see from the list below, a large number
of gluten-free grain choices are available.
Grains with Gluten
Wheat, including varieties like spelt, kamut, farro
and durum; and products like bulgur, semolina
Barley
Rye
Triticale
Oats**
**Oats are inherently gluten-free, but are frequently contaminated
with wheat during growing or processing. Two companies (Cream Hill
Estates and Gluten Free Oats) currently offer pure, uncontaminated
oats. Ask your physician if these oats are acceptable for you. Vist
Gluten.net for a discussion on oats in the gluten-free
diet.
Gluten FREE Grains
Amaranth
Buckwheat
Corn
Millet
Montina (Indian rice grass)
Quinoa
Rice
Sorghum
Teff
Wild Rice
Other Healthy Substitutes for Gluten Grains
Many creative recipes have been developed for gluten-intolerant
people, using the gluten-free grains above along with foods like
nuts, arrowroot, beans, chestnuts, mesquite, potato, soy, and tapioca,
all of which are gluten-free. Some of these ingredients make deliciously
healthy breakfast cereals and side dishes, while others are ground
into flours for flavorful baked goods such as pizza, desserts, and
breads.
For gluten-free baking tips, visit The Savory Palate.
For more information on foods that are acceptable for the gluten-free
diet, see the Quick Start Diet Guide at Gluten.net. It was jointly
developed by the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG®)
and the Celiac Disease Foundation.
Where to Buy Gluten-Free Ingredients
There are nearly 190 companies world-wide that provide over 2600
gluten-free foods and ingredients; many can be found at natural
food stores. Some grocery stores carry gluten-free goods. Gluten-free
items are available through mail-order at many places including:
Kalyx
has many gluten free products.
MotherNature.com
is also a good site to find
gluten free products.
Hidden Sources of Gluten
Gluten hides in many unsuspecting places such as candy, sauces,
and malt flavoring. Other ingredients appear suspicious, but may
be safe. To learn more, visit Gluten Free Living. If in doubt about
a particular food, ask the manufacturer about the ingredients and
the standards they use to assure your safety.
What Does the Label Say?
Reading labels is very important. The Food Allergen
Labeling and Consumer Protection Act mandates that labels on foods
manufactured after January, 2006, will list the word “wheat”
to indicate the presence of wheat.
But the label doesn’t have
to list other gluten-containing grains such as barley, rye, spelt,
kamut, or triticale. The definition and requirements
for gluten-free labeling are scheduled to be decided by the Food
and Drug Administration by 2008.
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