Amaranth

Amaranth is estimated to have been domesticated between 6000 and 8000 years ago, and was a staple food crop for the Aztec's.  Commonly called amaranth, it represents over 60 plant species called amaranthus.  The amaranth plant is a full, broad leafed plant that is very colorful.  The amaranth plant can contain up to 60000 seeds.

Amaranth is gluten free and it contains about 30% more protein than rice, sorghum, and rye.  Amaranth flour can be made from the seeds and is a excellent replacement for those suffering from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. 

Amaranth flour has a unique chemical composition.  It has a relatively high content of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and fiber and an almost perfect amino acid profile.  Its particularly high in lysine, which is lacking in wheat and corn. 

Another benefit of amaranth is that it is a natural source of folic acid.  Amaranth is not a true grain, it is a pseudo-cereal and similar to quinoa. 

Lucky Charms Gluten Free

It is finally here and it is yummy.  That is right that wonderful cereal with marshmallows we loved as a kid and still do,  are now made with gluten free oat flour. Finally kids and adults can devour a yummy bowl of cereal that tastes just as they remembered. General Mills announced it was adding lucky charms to the gluten free list right after cheerios went gluten free.  The sorting of the oats that is used allows it to meet the FDAs guideline for gluten free.
They were available to some in September of 2015, but until now was hard to find.
Once gluten free cheerios and lucky charms hit the shelves, gluten free products will make up over half of its cereal sales and 17% of total category sales, for the company.  General Mills introduced gluten free rice chex cereal in 2008 as the first mainstream gluten free product in the segment. 

Easy Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy, chocolaty, and yummy with milk.  These flourless oatmeal peanut chocolate chip cookies are tasty and easy to make.  Best of all they are gluten free so everyone can enjoy!

Makes about 20 cookies

Ingredients
1 stick softened butter
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups of gluten free oats
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup of chocolate chips, I like enjoy life chips

In a large bowl mix peanut butter, butter and sugars till smooth
Beat in one egg at a time with the vanilla
Stir in oats, baking powder and chocolate chips

Chill batter for 15 minutes
Preheat over to 350
Use parchment paper or spray cookie sheet and place 1 inch round ball of dough
Space about 1 inch apart
Bake about 12-15 minutes and let cool for 5 on pan

Travel Tips

Summer vacations are here at last, so here are some tips to help ease your mind with food.  With a diagnosis of Celiac disease, travel  requires some planning.  Here are some tips to make it easier for all.

1.  Look ahead of time, check for stores that carry gluten free foods you can buy once you are there.  You can stock up for the week, and have safe food for you to eat.

Can A Virus Cause Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a auto immune condition brought on by ingesting gluten and in genetically susceptible patients.  In recent years a larger number of people have stated they are gluten sensitive or feel better not eating gluten. 
A new study opens up the possibility that Celiac disease could be associated with a virus.  This could also explain why infants who have already had a rotavirus infection are more likely to develop the disease. 
A study done confirmed a link between intestinal viral infections and Celiac disease.  The study analyzed samples of blood serum and biopsies from Celiac patients and compared them with healthy patients. 
They found that viruses can become the trigger of the disease, if gluten is ingested at the same time as a viral infection occurs, the already alerted dendritic cells also present gluten antigens to the T lymphocytes. 
More research needs to be done regarding this topic.  You need to have the gene for the disease, in order to get the disease. 

FAQ Celiac Disease

What does gluten free really mean on a food label?

On August 2nd, 2013, the FDA ruled that for a product to be labeled as gluten free it must either not involve any gluten containing ingredients, or if it does have gluten containing ingredients, the product must be processed to remove gluten and the final product must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Genetic Testing For Celiac Disease

You hear it all the time, I think I may have Celiac disease.  My stomach hurts,  I have diarrhea, constipation, and the list goes on and on.  Many doctors do an array of tests which might be unnecessary, until you check for the gene for Celiac.  So as you see, you need one of two genes in order to get Celiac,  if no gene present the you can never get the disease.  Just because you carry the gene it also doesn't mean you have or will get the disease, you carry the gene for it.  First step should be to see if it is possible for you to have the disease by this simple blood test.