Very few things make us feel quite so nice as warm cookies. When those cookies happen to be our giant Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies? Well, let's just say I've never seen a plate of vegetables disappear so fast as when one of these are on the line!
What is gluten and why is gluten-free so special, you ask? Gluten is the product of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, found in some cereal grains (like wheat). It causes the chewy/elastic texture we love so much in our breads. For someone with gluten-intolerance (celiac disease) or gluten-sensitivity, eating gluten can cause a range of problems - stomach discomfort, trouble absorbing nutrients, and intestinal damage to name a few.
But you aren't gluten-intolerant or sensitive? While a completely gluten-free diet is not recommended for those who don't have trouble with the proteins, there's no harm in enjoying some of the fun flavors and treats made with gluten-free foods! Check it out for yourself with the information and recipes below.
Did you know:
-One in 141 people (or less than roughly 1% of the population) have celiac disease.
-Gluten-intolerance and wheat allergy are not the same thing, and, luckily, many children (about65%) outgrow a wheat allergy by age 12.
-North American varieties of wheat contain more gluten than those grown in Europe
Breakfast:
Pear and Bacon Casserole
Lunch:
Chicken Salad Pita
Dinner:
Cookie-Crusted Beef
Dessert:
Strawberry Cookie Parfait
Definition and Facts for Celiac Disease. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/Pages/definition-facts.aspx
Everything You Want to Know about Gluten. Retrieved from http://www.ift.org/Knowledge-Center/Learn-About-Food-Science/Food-Facts/Gluten.aspx
What Is Gluten? - Live Science. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/53265-what-is-gluten.html
Wheat & Gluten Allergy. Retrieved from http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/wheat-gluten-allergy