Gluten Exposed

The FDA is close to approving a proposal that would define what gluten free actually means on a food label.

Not a fad
Some people see the book, Gluten Free Diet, and think it is the latest fad diet. Not so. If you are one of the 1% of Americans suffering from Celiac Disease, you are quite familiar with gluten. Gluten free products are popping up all over the place due to the rising incidence of gluten intolerance and more people being diagnosed with celiac disease.
Gluten defined
Gluten is the name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. For most people, these proteins are digested and metabolized by the body without a problem. But for a rising number of people, the proteins cause damage to their small intestine and they have to avoid even very small amounts or they will suffer unpleasant side effects.

The FDA is working on defining what "gluten free" means for food products. Right now it is proposed that a food cannot contain more than 20 parts per million or more of gluten if they put the gluten free label on their product. For people with allergies to certain foods, it is vital that food companies comply with FDA rulings on ingredient listings. Currently there is no legal definition for gluten free, so any company could use the term without meeting a standard. Hopefully in August we will see this definition go into effect. Stay tuned!

Logo courtesy of www.celiac.org

Labels: celiac disease, food labels, gluten free, Tara Gidus

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Thank You Health Business Blog

Thank you David Williams of Health Business Blog for hosting Grand Rounds 4:34 this week. He included my post about the difference between a dietitian and a nutritionist. Grand Rounds is a compilation of medical blogs from all over the internet. Interesting stuff to read. Check it out!

Labels: Grand Rounds, Tara Gidus

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Farm Bill

The House and Senate finally reached agreement this week on the almost $300 billion five-year farm bill last week. Word is that President Bush is going to veto the bill, but work is already being done to override the veto.

Some of the people who will benefit are the millions of low-income Americans who are hungry and don't have healthy food due to rising food prices.

Here are some highlights:

• A food stamp pilot program that utilizes incentives to encourage healthy food choices
• An expanded fruit and vegetable snack program in elementary schools
• Reauthorization of the nutrition monitoring system
• Better coordination of research activities

Unfortunately, only a very small amount of money has been allocated for research of organic and specialty crop research.


The bill also includes subsidies for farmers, and the amounts depend on the income of the farmers. Money has been set aside for conservation with assistance for farmers to make environmental improvements on their land.

For more information on the Farm Bill, visit www.farmland.org

Photo courtesy of heatedgroundphotography

Labels: Tara Gidus

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Blackberries

I thought I remembered all of the black foods in my post yesterday on the black food trend, but I forgot one very important black food!

BLACKBERRIES!

Blackberries are really tart and quite large compared to most of the other berries. I like to mix them with raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. They complement the other berries nicely.

Blackberries are really high in antioxidants and fiber. The seeds in blackberries are much larger than other berries, so it is the highest fiber berry available. It is also high in Vitamin C and contains numerous phytochemicals such as quercetin, cyanidin, tannin, and flavonoids.

Blackberries originally came from England and Asia and it is thought that migratory birds spread the seeds from the east to the west coast in the US.

Blackberries are wonderful fresh in fruit salads, on yogurt, or with cereal. Many people also like to use fresh or frozen blackberries in smoothies. You can also make jam, pie or a wonderful blackberry cobbler out of them.

What is your favorite way to eat blackberries?

Picture of blackberries courtesy of threelayercake

Labels: Tara Gidus

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Black is the New...Black

You have heard about eating a wide variety of colors on your plate, but have you ever thought about eating black foods? Can you even think of any black foods?

Like other deeply colored foods, black foods can be very high in antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, depending on the food.

The most nutritious and popular of the black foods I can think of are black beans. You know I love beans, so of course black beans are at the top of my list! Black beans are a great source of soluble fiber, iron, magnesium, potassium, folic acid, and protein. Black beans go well with so many different dishes. Black beans and rice, black bean burrito, black bean soup, black bean and corn salad...the possibilities are endless!

Other black foods are harder to think of.....how about black mushrooms, black rice, black sesame seeds, black licorice, and black quinoa. For seasoning, think black vinegar and for a beverage try some black tea.

Why are black foods so popular right now? I guess they are just chic. Mintel Menu Insights reports that on trends in the food industry and they say black foods are taking restaurant menus by storm!

Enjoy your black foods...and black frosting doesn't count on an Over-the-hill birthday cake!

Photo of black rice courtesy of www.usarice.com

Labels: Tara Gidus

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