Gluten free grains

Can oats really be gluten free?

The only thing that can prove a product is 100% gluten free is a certification from the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO).  A nonprofit body that often teams up with the FDA, they are only concerned with pointing out the gluten free items for the benefit of individuals who suffer from Celiac disease. Despite their food proof recommendations, they still advice people to seek out their physicians to ascertain that they can actually consume a food items safely.

Groats to the rescue!

Nicknamed great oats or oat berries, groats are usually sold by health food stores both offline as well as online. These round oats only have trace amounts of gluten and sometimes none at all. However, you will need to read the label to ensure that the amount of gluten in the groats that you are purchasing is within acceptable limits.  

The levels of gluten will usually be given in parts per million and 20 ppm is considered safe for most gluten intolerant people. However, choosing groats with 10 ppm gluten or lees is recommended for people who suffer from serious allergies.

Groats are usually sold in whole grain form and in order to use them in baking, you will need to grind the. A food processor may not be right for the job but a portable flour mill will be perfect. The term “groats” refers to the round shape of unprocessed oats. You can purchase millet, oat or wheat groats.

Are groats really gluten free?

 Yes, they are, the non processed version of oats served up without any contamination rarely have more than trace amounts of gluten. The precise reason for the low levels of gluten in these grains is unknown; however, researches have presumed that flattening and processing along with additives may be responsible for the increased amount of gluten in processed oats.

In fact a lot of people who suffer from gluten and wheat intolerance symptoms do not show sensitivity to  unprocessed, fresh oats which are served up without the inclusion of preservatives etc. However, before you rush to the nearest store to buy groats, it is imperative to understand that the reaction to gluten consumption can vary from one person to another.

For example, many gluten intolerant people can get away with occasional oat indulgences whether the grain is gluten free or not. Then, there are others who might suffer a grave reaction to even the smallest amounts of gluten.

So, the best approach would be to talk this over with your physician. In fact, try out groats only when you have a few free days in hand, so there are no personal or professional ramifications of your gluten allergy.

Gluten Free Flour Offers Respite to People who Suffer from Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder than finds it roots in gluten intolerance. Although gluten, a protein is not normally a harmful substance, it can wreak havoc on the health of people who are afflicted by Celiac disease. The aftereffects of gluten consumptions are so grave that it is imperative for gluten intolerant individual who also suffer from Celiac disease to stay away from all grains that contain the protein composite.

How gluten free flour can help?

Because many commonly used grains like wheat, rye, oats and barley contain gluten, a person who is allergic to the substance has to eliminate all food items made from these grains from his/her diet. Unfortunately, the task can be exacting as every second commercially available food products including baked goods contain some amount of gluten

The only way to completely avoid gluten is to cook at home with gluten free flour. If you suffer from gluten intolerance buying bread, cakes, muffins etc from your local super market is out of the question. In fact, you should categorically avoid all products that contain semolina, durum, faro, spelt, einkorn flour.

Substitutes for regular flour

There is no reason to be disheartened just because you cannot gorge out on those delicious cakes, cookies and bread. You can easily bake some in your very own kitchen through the use of gluten free flour and enjoy the delicacy without fearing gluten and wheat intolerance symptoms

Made from potato, seeds, rice, roots like tapioca etc, gluten free flour is healthier that regular wheat flour. Gluten free flour is sold by most grocery stores and you can use them just the way you would use regular flour.

The taste difference

While there is a slight difference in the taste of wheat and gluten free flours; when used in lieu of regular flour in baked goods, the gluten free option tastes just as good.

 A lot of people attribute the cardboard like taste of their bread to gluten free flour; au contraire, the only thing that can result in hard, tasteless bread is the lack of baking skills. Once you are adept at handling your bake ware and the oven, you will be able to cook up a storm of your favorite delicacies with gluten free flour.