THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU'RE ON A GLUTEN-FREE DIET

Know Gluten and About Gluten-Free

Gluten - A natural protein found in some food and added to certain foods during the processing stage for texture. It binds together both flavor and physical form - so you may find it in areas beyond what you initially think, like pieces of bread and pasta. You might also expect it in soy sauce or ice cream - as well as other items, including medication, beauty products, or even supplements.

Some people believe gluten-free foods mean eliminating all carbs, but it doesn't apply to common high-carb foods like rice, potatoes, and beans. If you cut all gluten out of your diet, you may miss out on healthy things like whole grains, fiber, and vitamins. 

When you stop eating gluten, there are many potential benefits, including less bloating, lowered inflammation, clearer skin, more energy, and less brain fog. Once you eliminate gluten from your diet, it gives your gastrointestinal tract time to heal and the rest of you a break- allowing for more energy to go towards feeling great and functioning optimally.

Alcoeats provides you with several gluten-free options, from savory to sweet. With masala cashews for those who want an authentic Indian taste or deliciously spiced simmer sauces for those who don't need it spicy but still want something fresh and new, we offer everything for all tastes. So whether you're looking for something spicy or easy going - Alcoeats has what you need.

Types of Gluten - Disorders

There are many types of gluten-related disorders and conditions caused by eating gluten or wheat, both of which contain gluten. We will list some examples here to understand the difference - Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy, Gluten Intolerance, or Sensitivity.

Celiac Disease

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive tract when it reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In other words, it's not an allergic reaction. The tiny villi at the end of your intestines allow for absorption through digestion so when someone has celiac disease, this can lead to insufficient nutrient uptake.

Wheat Allergies

The allergic response may be caused by eating, and sometimes, from inhaling, the Flour, which contains wheat protein. Unlike a food allergy or hay fever, for example, it isn't the actual flowering plant of wheat that causes the allergic reaction - but its protein content does this.

Gluten Intolerance

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a term used to describe the condition of people who cannot tolerate gluten in their food and experience symptoms similar to those who have celiac disease- except that they do not exhibit visible signs of a damaged intestine.

A food allergy causes an immune system response that affects many body parts. It can cause symptoms, and a food reaction can be severe or life-threatening. Contrastingly, food intolerances often only affect the digestive system, but they still do damage over time. If you have a food intolerance, it may be possible to eat smaller portions of the offending items without any side effects.

Different Types of Gluten

Gluten causes an inflammatory response that damages the intestine. A person would need to know about gliadins, hordein, scaling, and barley's prolamins. Prolamins are alcohol-soluble proteins found in all three grains that are dangerous for people with celiac disease. People with celiac disease or non-celiac sensitivity to gluten must avoid food made from grains containing these proteins.

• Wheat (gliadin)
• Barley (hordein)
• Rye (secalin)

Those proteins are not essential for covering your daily protein intake, but they offer unique properties that give your dough an airier and crispier texture when baked.

Here is a list of different types of gluten-free flours, each with its unique taste and texture - but they're all just fine for people who are allergic to gluten-free food.

• Grains and Cereals- Amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, corn/maize, millet, fonio rice, tapioca, and sorghum cassava (manioc).
• Fruits and seeds- Chestnut, soya, coconut, Gram (chickpea) flour, Flax/linseed, Flour from pulses (lentils, beans, peas), and Sesame.  
• Nuts- Peanuts, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, and Almonds.

Health Benefits of Gluten-Free Foods

Disclaimer: This blog does not provide you with any medical advice. It is strictly meant to be an informational and recipe blog only. Please consult your physician or medical expert on what works best for you.

Gluten is prevalent in most food items, such as bread, cereal, snacks, and sauces. It may seem difficult to avoid these foods, but it is worth the effort because having too much gluten could have health effects. Some snacks are now gluten-free, such as gluten-free oatmeal, corn starch gluten-free, potatoes gluten-free, etc.

1. May eliminates chronic fatigue- People with gluten sensitivity suffer from debilitating fatigue because consuming gluten may damage their intestines, making it difficult for them to absorb essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, leading to anemia- causing extreme exhaustion and a lack of energy.
2. May help gain weight - Celiac disease and gluten intolerance may present vague symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating gas, and fatigue. These conditions often go undiagnosed for years leading to serious health problems, including malnutrition and rapid weight loss. Avoiding gluten may help you regain the lost pounds while improving your overall health.
3. May increases bone health - Undiagnosed celiac disease patients often suffer from severe calcium deficiencies linked to an increased risk of bone problems such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. However, research has shown that when these patients follow a gluten-free diet, they may experience significant improvements in their overall skeletal density.
4. May improves skin health - People who suffer from undiagnosed celiac disease or gluten intolerance may be at a higher risk for rashes, including eczema and psoriasis. A gluten-free diet may help you improve your skin health and even eliminate these problems.
5. May reduce hair loss - Celiac disease and gluten intolerance linked to nutritional deficiencies may cause hair loss. Starting a gluten-free diet may help to reverse this type of hair loss, increase hair density and improve hair texture.

Sum Up On Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet excludes foods containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, and several other grains. It means eating only whole foods that don't contain gluten, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs - processed gluten-free substitutes for products like gluten-free bread and best gluten-free pasta.