Fast Facts About Celiac Disease

Here are some Celiac myths debunked.

1.  I had a blood test and it showed positive for Celiac disease.  The blood test is just the first step of a Celiac diagnosis.  You must have a biopsy to determine if you do have the disease. 

2.  Does gluten make you fat?  Gluten itself does not make you fat, lifestyle choices do.  Wheat itself does not make you gain weight, eating excessive calories do.

You Have Been Glutened!

If you are gluten intolerant or have Celiac disease you know all too well about
 accidentally ingesting gluten.  This is known as being glutened.  It affects people
 in different ways, from extremely sick to just a stomach ache.  However, it affects
 the gut the same in everyone, causing inflammation and damage to the intestines.
 So what do you do to help yourself once you have been glutened.

Flaxseeds

This week I will blog on nutritional super foods and some great recipes.  Today I will talk about flaxseeds and some of their benefits.  Ground flaxseeds provide added texture and flavor to many foods.  These nutty flavored seeds have fiber, protein, and omega 3s, which help fight inflammation. Just a small amount, about a tablespoon will give you these benefits.  However you need to eat these ground, your body won't digest the whole seeds.

Amazing Bananas

Today I will talk about the benefits of the banana.  A popular fruit that is usually found in every household.
Yummy and yellow, makes a great snack, and is used in many smoothies and recipes.  The banana has many
health benefits, and yes as a fruit, it is gluten free.

Avocados

Lets talk avocado, and what are they good for?  Gluten free, avocados are very high in vitamins and minerals,
including fiber, vitamins K, B, C, folate and potassium.  One avocado has almost twice the potassium of
a banana.  Potassium helps balance your potassium to sodium ratio. 

Naturally gluten, sodium and cholesterol free, avocados spreads, toppings and dips are a creamy and nutritious
alternative to saturated fat laden recipes. 

Lets Talk Buckwheat

Having Celiac you must stay away from wheat, many people often ask is buckwheat gluten free?
With wheat in its name, it is understandable that people get confused about buckwheat.
The fact is, buckwheat is naturally gluten free and can be safely eaten and enjoyed by anyone
with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

Buckwheat is a grain that is not related to wheat at all.  This ancient food is in the same family
as rhubarb and sorrel.  It is so versatile, you can eat it in various forms for breakfast, lunch and
dinner.  It is a tasty alternative to rice. 

Last Day Of Healthy Nuts

I saved the best nut for last, the popular yummy peanut.  I will talk about this popular, however highly allergenic nut.  The peanut is also known as a ground nut, widely grown in the tropics and subtropics.  It is classified as both a grain legume, and because of its oil content, an oil crop.

In addition to being every kids and many grown ups favorite sandwich, peanuts pack a serious nutritional punch and offer many health benefits.