We always hear about the health benefits of consuming whole grains. All for good reason…study after study shows that people who regularly consume whole grains have lower risks of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Whole grains also contribute to lower cholesterol levels and a healthier weight. Thankfully, a gluten-free diet doesn’t have to mean foregoing the benefits of consuming whole grains. Here is a list of gluten-free grains you can incorporate into your diet 😀
Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease is a disease characterized as sensitivity to gluten in wheat, rye, barley and oats. People with Celiac Disease have an autoimmune response that decreases the integrity of the small intestine. The intestinal lining flattens which affects absorption. Celiac disease also affects folic acid and B12 status.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity where they have symptoms such as digestive issues or headaches related to consuming gluten.
Whole Grain Nutrition
Whole Grains are grains that are intact with their outer layer of bran, endosperm layer, and germ layer.
The Bran, the outer layer, fibrous and high in cellulose
- B vitamins, antioxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium and fiber
The Germ, the part that sprouts new plant
- B vitamins, vitamin E, antioxidants, unsaturated fats
The Endosperm, the bulk of the seed
- Mostly starch and some protein
Gluten-Free Grains
Amaranth
Tiny, beige seed with nutty taste.
Use in porridge, salads
Buckwheat
Brown pseudo-cereal grain with robust nutty taste
Used in Soba noodles, buckwheat flour
Sorghum
Cereal Grain, white neutral taste and sometimes sweet
Use in baked goods, pancakes, breads, popped
Millet
Tiny yellow grain with mild flavor
Use in breads, porridge, pilafs, soups, stews. Can also be popped
Quinoa
Small pseudo-cereal grain, can be white, red,or black with mild nutty taste
Use in cereal, side dishes, mix in salads, Quinoa flour: breads, crackers
Teff
Tiny quick cooking brown grain with mild flavor
Use in cereal, as flour in baked goods, breads
Corn
Rice (brown, red, black)
Wild Rice
Oats (uncontaminated)
I’m sure you already know what those last four grains look like 😀
Tips
Gluten is in many processed foods, breads, crackers, cereals, candies, and sauces. Avoiding gluten can be a challenge luckily, today you can find many products that are labeled Gluten-Free.
Another thing to know is according to the Whole Grains Council -In the U.S., the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act mandates manufactures to list the word “wheat” on labels.
If you are avoiding gluten be sure to read food labels. It is not mandated that products containing barley, rye, spelt, kamut, or triticale be listed on labels but they all contain gluten.