The
word ‘gluten’ has been creating noise in the health circles for the past few
years; the reason being the growing number complaints from people who’re
allergic to gluten rich diets. To make the situation dicier for them, gluten
generally doesn’t find its mention in the list of ingredients on food labels.
The substance is organically present in various foods (especially wheat and
flour stuff) and used as a stabilizing agent in products such as ketchup and
ice cream. Therefore, it’s very difficult to rule out the possibility of its
presence in different kinds of food items.
In
such circumstances, a person suffering from gluten induced allergy should make
it certain that he or she inquires in advance about the food composition to
rule out any complications later. Here is a list of top 10 gluten rich foods
that should be definitely avoided by people allergic to gluten.
10.
Ice creams
Who
doesn’t get excited on seeing tub full of brownies and ice creams that too from
a favorite brand? But, you shouldn’t forget at any cost that brownies are rich
in wheat. To top it all, rarely will you get to know the exact ingredients in
the ice cream dished out to you at a party or family gathering. In case, you
can’t do away with the idea of enjoying ice creams, make sure to do it at home;
at least, you’ll be aware of the ingredients.
9.
Some sauces
Analogous
to the composition of many cream soups, there are diverse kinds of sauces that
identify wheat on the list of their ingredients. For someone strictly allergic
to gluten, he should avoid eating out at the restaurants and other food joints.
The sauces served in restaurants are rich in wheat content (usually added to
increase the quantity at a low cost).
8.
Candies
Something
most are unaware of, candies contain gluten too. Surprising as it may sound, your
favorite candies can also lead to allergic reactions. Gluten protein helps in
binding the candy together; these proteins also make candies chewable. The
other important fact one must pay heed to is that most candies list out natural
flavors in their ingredient list. To put the facts straight, these natural
flavors contain gluten too. Therefore, think twice the next time you have an
urge to chew a candy or two at office or home.
7.
Vitamins
The
mention of the vitamins in the list is not out of some thoughtless slip-up but
complete discretion. You should know that gluten is present in most medicines
although it doesn’t find clear mention in the ingredient list of the
pharmaceuticals. But, it would be unwise to completely refrain yourself from
consuming these vitamins just out of fear. What you can do is to inquire about
the ingredients (if you can) to find out if the medication you’re on is
supplying gluten to your body.
6.
Cream soups
For
someone who loves cream soups, avoiding them can no doubt be a herculean task.
But, prevention is better than cure, isn’t it? Yes, of course it is; cream
soups are just a mixture of cream, flour, butter or milk. All of them are super
rich in gluten content. Still, if you are unable to give up on your favorite
cream soups, at least try to switch over to pasta-free soup. Beyond any doubt,
they will provide you satiate your urge to have cream soups.
5.
Potato chips
The
term ‘Couch potato’ was coined for people who love spending most of their time
sitting or relaxing at home, usually in front of a television set. He makes
sure one of his hands is inside the bag of potato chips while he is through his
favorite soap opera. However, potato chips are termed as harmful to health for
the reason they are made out of wheat especially those with heavy seasoning.
Always purchase the chips which are gluten free – in case you are hell bent on enjoying
some crispy bites at home.
4. Cream dressing on the Salad
Often,
you will come across cream or oil based dressing as part of buffet in parties
or wedding dinners. Not only is the food item tempting on eyes but mouth
watering too. You end up consuming it without getting a second thought about
allergies and later, you find yourself in the hospital bed explaining to the
doctor how you couldn’t resist that delicious cream or oil dressing at a party.
Even if it’s small in quantity, allergies are highly likely to happen. The only
way to maintain healthy living is to drop such choices at the earliest.
3.
Soy Sauce
This
can be heartbreaking for some but a truth it is – Chinese foods in total are
rich in gluten and therefore, should be a big ‘no-no’ for someone like you who is
allergic to the protein. Those who love devouring on Chinese food must know how
important a role soy sauce plays in the Chinese menu but it also contains wheat
and lots of it.
2.
Ketchup
Is
ketchup gluten free? No, it isn’t and despite knowing the fact many don’t curb
their instincts to shop a new bottle every time they frequent a shopping store.
The ingredients mentioned in the ketchup list by the manufacturers are
tomatoes, sugar, vinegar and spices without even faintly suggesting that gluten
proteins form a major part of the product. Sad but true!
1.
Sausages
They
are really sold like hot cakes in the market. No matter what your taste buds
are like, there is every possibility you will always end up consuming gluten. How?
Well, because food manufacturers provide processed meat in wheat (rich in
gluten) – sausages at much cheaper costs than other items on the shelf. So,
completely avoid patties, sausages and luncheon meats to remain gluten free.
The
list of foods that you need to avoid is big but there are plenty of other
options for you to choose from. Remember, prevention is better than the cure.