What is gluten
Gluten is the name given to a set of proteins contained in cereals, which are called albumin, globulin, prolamines and glutenins. Specifically, the prolamins contain two amino acids called proline and glutamine that are considered the main causes of celiac disease. Until the moments, it has been proven that the only toxic prolamines for celiac people are the gliadin of wheat, the secaline of rye and the zeal hordein. However, the prolamines of other cereals that are considered innocuous for celiacs are still studied: rice ozein, sorghum kafirin, corn zeÃna and oats avenine. All cereals have gluten, but some They have low levels that can be consumed by celiac patients, such as oats and rice. In spite That if they include cereals, there is always the presence of prolamine. However, Codex Food accepts certain foods with small amounts of gluten for being considered harmless for celiac patients. Many countries are based on this code to produce Free or without TACC gluten.
Is oatmeal suitable for celiacs?
Much is discussed on whether or not to enter a gluten -free diet. However, there are more aspects in favor than against example, it is important to highlight that by removing gluten from food, the body of celiac patients returns to normal, but also loses an important food supply. For that reason, if a gluten intolerant person can digest oatmeal, it is a good idea to include it in your diet to compensate. Of course, the amount of oatmeal must be set by a doctor. As we said before, oats contains gluten, but this does not mean that it is not suitable for many celiacs. Lets see why there are cases in which a celiac can eat oatmeal and why there are others in which not:- It contains very little gluten. Oatmeal has very low levels of promalins, which means that this food, together with rice, contains the least amount of gluten compared to the rest of the cereals. Therefore, oatmeal can be consumed by celiacs that do not have high levels of gluten intolerance.
– It has a molecular structure very similar to wheat. This could be the cause of unfavorable reactions in sensitive celiac patients. Although oatmeal does not affect many celiacs, it can affect the most sensitive, since its organisms are highly intolerant and confuse the molecular structure of oats with that of wheat. This is called a cross reaction (this also happens with milk and corn).
– Oatmeal has had contact with wheat or other toxic cereals for celiacs and is contaminated. This is called cross contamination and happens when the product, during its production or distribution, was contaminated with gluten (whet, barley, etc.). In this case, oatmeal is not suitable for any celiac.
Properties and benefits of oatmeal
Oatmeal is an entire grain cereal. Its grains are characterized by maintaining the three parts that compose it (germ, endosperm and saved). According to the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN), oatmeal is a very complete food, capable of providing a wide variety of essential nutrients for life:- It contains compounds such as complex hydrates, fiber, unsaturated fats (healthy fats) and proteins (6 of the 8 amino acids, essential for health and life).
– Micronutrients such as potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, copper, selenium, group B vitamins (B1, B5, B6), Vitamin E.
– Bioactive components: phenolic acids, flavonoids and phytosterols. It also has two unique phytochemicals, called ausantramides and steroidal saponins.
– Provides 361 calories in every 100 grams.
Of course, all its nutrients are transformed into various properties that benefit the body. Know the benefits of oats:- Help control blood glucose, thanks to fiber and magnesium present in oats.
– Regulates cholesterol and triglycerides. Beta-glucans increase the production of short chain acids, so blood cholesterol levels decrease.
– Produces feeling of satiety. Attenuate your appetite, avoiding pecking unhealthy foods and full of calories, since the fiber expands in the stomach and full.
– It is ideal for the food of athletes. Oatmeal improves sports performance, since it contains vitamins B5 and B1, essential in carbohydrate metabolism. In addition, it provides minerals, proteins, healthy fats, among others.
– It favors in weight loss and combat obesity. Due to all the aforementioned factors, oatmeal is slimming and is related to the decrease in body weight and body mass index (BMI).
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