To be or not to be Gluten Free

Gluten is a protein that is mainly found in wheat, rye, and barley. It helps dough’s elasticity and pasta keep their structure, and for most of us, eating it is no big deal except those with Celiac disease and Wheat allergy, to name a few. Interestingly, the name ‘glu-ten’ is Latin-derived, meaning this glue-like property of wet dough.

‘Glue-like’?? Scary!

The gluten in grain is not recognized by the immune system, so it attacks the intestines and can cause severe damage. Many people who are unaware of their gluten insensitivity have major damage and not even know it!

Gluten filled products include: Wheat, Spelt, Rye, Barley, Bread, Pasta, Cereals, Beer, Cakes, Cookies and Pastries.

Wheat is also added to many processed products so let the label reading begin!

It is recommended to stick to foods that are naturally gluten-free, processed gluten-free products tend to be low in nutrients and high in added sugar or refined grains and also, while buying packaged gluten-free foods, double-check the label for sodium and sugar levels because ‘gluten free’ does not mean it is healthy as products tend to replace things they remove.

Now as said, gluten may not affect everyone but removing gluten from your diet may pose many benefits such as higher energy levels and studies show that it has positive outcomes for autistic individuals.

Good News!

Going gluten free, along with decreasing your carbohydrates, and eating more vegetables and fruit help with weight loss!

Let’s be clear, we are not saying that switching to a gluten free diet by itself will contribute to weight loss. What we are saying is that a gluten free diet, together with healthy habits such as eating fruit and vegetables will contribute towards that.

Gluten free products include grains such as, Corn, Rice, Quinoa, Flax, Millet, Sorghum, Tapioca, Buckwheat, Arrowroot, Amaranth, Oats.

As well as: Meat, Fish and Seafood, Eggs, Dairy, Fruits, Vegetables, Legumes, Nuts, Tubers, Fats such as Oils and Butter, Herbs and Spices.

In Trinidad and Tobago persons seeking a gluten free lifestyle can look for the Jinca Foods line of products at leading supermarkets and gourmet stores

Dare of the Week: Using the list of Gluten products, cut off one product that you mostly use for the week and see if there are any differences you notice.

Have a safe & healthy week!

From your friends at Dare to Live Limited!