Thursday, March 1, 2012

So what is this "Gluten" thing that everyone is talking about?

Is eating gluten-free healthy?
Eating gluten-free is commonly portrayed as "healthy". But is it really? For example, is gluten-free cake any "healthier" than normal cake? The answer to that is no. Eating gluten-free is not necessarily a way to eat healthier for everyone. Some people are sensitive to gluten and eating gluten-free can be better for their health, but it depends on the individual.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein that is found in many grains, but there are some grains that are naturally Gluten-free. Gluten has many properties, it helps dough rise, gives your favorite bagels that dense, chewy texture and many other properties.
How do you find out if you're sensitive to gluten?
People who have celiac disease must eat 100% gluten free and a health care professional will be able to determine if you are celiac. But there are others people who are simply sensitive to gluten, and their bodies don't react well to gluten. To figure out if you are sensitive to gluten, I would suggest contacting a nutritionist or going for a few weeks without eating any gluten and seeing if it improves your health in anyway.
What are the symptoms of gluten intolerance?
Gluten intolerance can cause diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, irritable bowel symptoms, brain fog, fatigue, insomnia, chronic fatigue, skin rashes, numbing and tingling, joint pain, weight loss or weight gain, anxiety, hyperactivity, pain syndromes, menstrual cycle dysregulation and depression.
If you have these symptoms, it might be worthwhile to try eating gluten free to see if you feel better. But keep in mind that having any of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean that you have a sensitivity to gluten.
What does gluten-free food taste like?
Six months ago when I learned that I had a gluten-sensitivity, i stuck to the basics, brown rice bread, plain quinoa and other tasteless gluten-free packaged foods. But I have discovered that eating gluten-free doesn't mean you have to eat tasteless food, there are so many delicious options! Especially living in a city like Toronto, with the kensington market just a few blocks away and Noahs and Whole Foods Market around the corner, there is no limit to gluten-free ingredients and ultimately to delicious gluten-free food!
What will I be posting on this blog?
I am always finding delicious gluten-free recipes and I love to share them, so my friends and family suggested that I start a blog of my favorite recipes and gluten-free eating tips, so that everyone can explore the world of tasty gluten-free food!

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