Gluten
Q. How come some people cannot eat bread, pasta, and other such products that contain wheat flour?
A. It’s a simple allergic reaction
The REAL answer:
Marcella Gonzales, a pre-med undergraduate in Nutrition Science, unfolds an in-depth answer to this question.
We must first understand how gluten is formed in those foods. When making many types of dough there is frequently a step which requires one to knead bread dough. The kneading process combines two proteins in wheat flour, gliadin and glutenin, and results in the formation of gluten. Gluten is what gives dough its elastic like properties. It is also the culprit for celiac disease.
Celiac disease is a disorder of the small intestine. When someone with this medical disorder eats gluten containing foods, their bodies produce antibodies which then trigger an inflammatory response on the intestines. If someone with celiac disease continues to ingest gluten, they will have serious problems. Gonzales said one of the most problematic issues is when the villi start to wear away and breakdown. The villi are like miniature hairs on the inner surface of the intestine that absorb nutrients. Other problems that can arise include abdominal pain a general feeling of being sick.
Fortunately, one cannot catch celiac disease from someone who is unfortunate enough to be laden with this disease. Those afflicted must adhere to a lifelong habit of dietary restrictions of gluten-containing foods. All foods which contain wheat, rye, or barley contain the culprit. Gonzales mentioned that it is easier than ever to find gluten-free foods. Just walk into the local Hy-Vee and you’ll see a special section of the store that has tons of foods which are typically off limits. Someone with celiac disease is able to eat all of the normal foods and not feel guilty.
There was, however, no mention of a replacement for beer.
For a recipe see the one under the “Organisms” post that was made yesterday. For a fun project try using gluten free flour substitute and see if you can taste the difference. Can you?
Recipe for the special flour found here. http://www.ellenskitchen.com/faqs/glutfree.html
