There may become a time where eating Gluten-Free may become mandatory for those who wants to supplement their diets or even to ensure their safety. This is because Celiac Disease and its sensitively to gluten affects a lot more people today than anytime in the past.
There’s several reasons why this can occur. The biggest reason is because of the hybridization of wheat over the past 50 or so years, resulting in a grain food which contains higher levels gluten. Some health experts claim that there’s now over 50X times more gluten than a century ago.
Gluten happens to be an extremely sticky protein which is difficult for anyone to be able to digest properly in their system. So regardless if you have Celiac Disease or not, or if you just want to fuel yourself a better diet, it’s highly recommended that you limit your wheat intake, this even if you aren’t sensitive to gluten.
The following are the best alternatives to the “bad” wheat’s, which are gluten free grains.
Gluten Free Quinoa
This is a favorite “healthy” grain for most and thus has increased in popularity over the past several years, and that is quinoa. Quinoa is available in a range of different colors, which includes black, white and red.
The majority prefer the red variety for consumption purposes. This happens to be one of the easier grains to prepare as well as being one of the most dense, nutrient wise. Quinoa has a long list of nutritional values, such as, containing high doses of fiber, vitamins and essential minerals.
Quinos at times is even considered a complete protein because it contains all of the essential amino acids. As a result, there are numerous associated health benefits, including, reduction of cancer risk, migraine headache relief and cardiovascular prevention and protection. So if you’re yet to try quinoa, then now may be a great time to start!
Gluten Free Black Rice
Black rice, which is a relatively new food group, is considered as the new healthy “kid on the block” food source. In the past few years, black rice has been considered to be in the “superfood” group by many, this because of its extremely high nutrient content.
Black rice also happens to be loaded with fiber, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. There are claims that black rice may also assist in reducing high blood pressure, lowering the risk of certain cancers, alleviating symptoms of arthritis, and slowing Alzheimer’s and diabetes, quite a list!
Gluten Free Amaranth
Now don’t allow this tiny little grain to fool you. It may be small, but it packs a big punch in terms of health. One excellent way is to throw it in the microwave or under any heat source and it will pop like popcorn, providing for a delicious snack.
Amaranth has been accused of being full of vitamins, minerals and an abundance of amino acids. Experts in the health field has made claims that amaranth may be able to reduce cholesterol, improve the immune system, lower high blood pressure while preventing premature gray hair.
Gluten Free Millet
This is an excellent gluten free grain which varies in consistency on the method that it’s prepared. Millet can be boiled and then mashed much like potatoes, or fluffed up like rice.
Millet also contains all of the majority of the essential amino acids, while also offering significant amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as phosphorus, magnesium and manganese.
It’s been suggested that millet has excellent cardiovascular and heart protection properties, prevents gallstone, and offers a reduction in childhood based asthma.
Gluten Free Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a favorite since it contains over 11 essential amino acids, which are also in substantial amounts. Buckwheat also contains vitamins and minerals, along with essential fatty acids, making this grain an excellent gluten-free product.
Buckwheat is known to control blood sugar while lowering the risk of diabetes as health benefits. Although buckwheat can’t technically be considered a grain, it’s extremely easy to prepare because of it’s versatility. Buckwheat noodle salad comes to mind as a favorite.
It’s easy to see how you can easily limit your gluten intake by consuming these alternatives, but that’s not the only reason why you should be eating these grains.
If you do happen to have Celiac Disease, or just sensitive to gluten, or you’re interested in just eating healthier, you deciding to switch to these grains from eating white rice or regular wheat, will immediately help your overall health immensely. Keep in mind that when it comes to grain, the less that it’s refined, the better it is for you.