There are increasing gluten-free food products available in the market in the last decade. I have also noticed that more of my patients are trying a gluten-free diet or reducing their gluten intake. This seems to help reducing their inflammation in some of my patients. So I have asked Anastasia, Product Innovator and QEO of Embrace Foods, to provide this blog for us.

There are three common misconceptions associated with a gluten-free diet:

1. If a food is gluten-free, it must be healthy;
2. Gluten-free foods are not tasty;
3. Only celiacs and gluten-intolerant people eat gluten-free foods.

1. Unprocessed fruits and vegetables are all naturally gluten-free and healthy. But, not all gluten-free foods

Gluten-Free, Vegan Ukrainian Christmas Eve Main Course (Photo credit: Canadian Veggie)

are healthy choices. Several brands of undressed potato chips and candy bars – as well as many prepared shelf-stable snacks – are gluten-free but full of fat, refined sugar and/or sodium. Read nutrition labels carefully.

2. We’ve all heard the rumour that gluten-free prepared food packaging tastes better than gluten-free food. As with all types of foods, there are as many flavourful gluten-free selections as there are not-so-tasty options. I invite you to experiment with the expanding range of gluten-free prepared products on the market to uncover your favourites. Quinoa, buckwheat, millet and teff are all nutritious, gluten-free grains. Rice, legumes and raw seeds and nuts are also gluten-free foods.

3. Celiacs (who are allergic to gluten) and gluten-intolerant individuals are not the only people who eat gluten-free foods. Some athletes and health and fitness buffs pursue a gluten-free diet to ensure optimum performance. Baby boomers and others who want to improve their health, combat disease and maintain an active lifestyle, as well as pregnant women who want to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and child, may incorporate certain gluten-free foods into their diet. Parents of autistic children may also find that a diet free of both gluten and casein   (a protein in dairy) moderates symptoms associated with autism.

Anastasia MacLean is Product Innovator and QEO of Embrace Foods, home of Nature’s Qu Quinoa Cereal, Bars, Cookies and Smoothie Mix. All Nature’s Qu products are hand-made in a dedicated gluten-free environment and free of dairy, eggs, tree nuts, soy, corn, trans fat, fillers, preservatives, and artificial colours and flavours.  You can contact Anastasia at anastasia@embracefoods.com