The Muscle of Flour AKA Gluten

A couple of weeks ago, some friends and I tried to attend the Vancouver Gluten Free Expo. After all, this was the perfect opportunity to learn about up-and-coming ‘gluten-free’ products we could offer our future clients. However, after waiting in line for an hour and a half, someone told us we only had another hour and a half to go! And with that, we decided to get a refund and find some brunch. According to the apology email we received a couple of days later, over 20,000 people tried to attend this expo! What should we take away from this?

Well, thanks to ‘Wheat Belly’ I guess people really think ‘gluten-free’ is the new Atkins diet. Or maybe more people are actually becoming sensitive to gluten?

A ‘gluten-free’ diet is not the healthier choice, unless of course, you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy. Gluten is just a type of protein found in whole grains - it gives baked goods the ability to rise and have a chewy (amazing) texture. Without gluten, baked goods probably end up dense, dry and crumbly.

Celiac Disease vs. Wheat Allergy

• Celiac Disease: an inherited autoimmune disease with nearly 1% of the population suffering from it. I’ve attached some good references/resources for you if you want more information.

• Wheat Allergy: causes a person’s immune system to react abnormally when exposed to gluten. Just like any allergy, symptoms can include flushing, hives, itchy skin, swelling of the face, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and faintness.

If you think you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy please make an appointment with your doctor or a dietitian.

Following a gluten-free diet without a legitimate reason eliminates healthy sources of fiber, B-vitamins, vitamin E and minerals. Enjoying more whole grains is a healthy choice, gluten-free or not.

Take home message – just because those cookies in the coffee shop are labeled ‘gluten-free’ doesn’t mean you can down 5 of them!!!

FYI: I haven’t personally tried it but I hear Silver Hills makes the best gluten-free bread.

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