Commercial Gluten-Free Products

Gluten intolerance/Celiacs Disease affects 1 in 133 people in the US according to GIG.  What products are available to the consumers that suffer with this intolerance?  Most gluten-free products are packed with too much sugar and corn fillers.  This is not healthy and is detrimental to those watching waistlines. What options are available?  Are corn, soy (gmo’s), and sugar the only replacement for gluten-free foods?  Have no fear, there are plenty of healthy replacements that will not encourage bad health and a growing waistline.

Gluten-free products tend to substitute wheat/wheat flour with white rice, corn or soy, which tend to be gmo’s (another blog), because they are less expensive.  More sugar is also added for taste.  Not a good combination for a healthy waistline.  When purchasing gluten-free products, check the ingredients.  Great replacements for wheat include:

• brown rice flour
• almond flour
• oat flour
• black bean flour
• lentil flour
• quinoa flour
• sweet potato flour
• amaranth flour

These flours are less starchy than the typical corn, tapioca, potato or white rice flours used as replacements for wheat flour and have far more nutrients.  A good replacement for corn starch is pea starch.  Cereal, bread, muffins, pasta and snack bars can all be made with alternative gluten-free ingredients.  

Big food companies are catching on to the gluten-free market.  We have to be careful and be mindful of cheap replacements that can do just as much harm as good.  Always read not only labels, but ingredients also.  In my research, I have noticed that there is a difference between commercial gluten-free breads and sprouted commercial breads.  Most sprouted breads are acceptable for gluten intolerance due to the processing which eliminates the gluten.  For some reason, diets that include these breads advise against commercial gluten-free/sprouted breads.  As I looked into this, I found that traces of wheat (allergens) may still be present in the products although small amounts.  For someone who has extreme sensitivities, this could be very harmful.

These are just a few suggestions for gluten-free alternatives and things that those who fall into this category should be aware of.  There are options and following this type diet does not have to be that difficult.  I advise to be creative and experiment.  Get the family involved.  It could be fun.  Especially if cooking and/or baking are enjoyed.

For resources on gluten-free foods and diet see http://www.deeraginhealth.com/focusonfitness/wellness-resources

 

References:

Gluten Intolerance Group, http://www.gluten.net/learn/celiac-disease.aspx

Pulse Fours of Canada, http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Market/Pulse-flours-key-to-stealth-nutrition-projects-says-Pulse-Canada