Emerging Articles

Quinoa has been gaining a lot of popularity nowadays. Aside from being a very healty alternative to rice and pasta, quinoa is also known for being a good energy source. Compared to other types of food, this wonderful grain (although they’re technically seeds) will make you feel lighter and more alive. Quinoa can also be used for a lot of recipes, be it for breakfast; lunch or dinner. Before I  teach you a simple quinoa recipe for breakfast though, let me teach you how to cook quinoa first.

PREPARATION:

If the quinoa you purchased still has a waxy look to it, it is important that you soak it in water for two hours first. Change the water, then soak it for another hour. After soaking, rinse the quinoa under running water (make sure to use a strainer). The waxy coating is called saponin, which would make the quinoa bitter if you cook it without soaking. Most of the quinoa sold in groceries are pre- soaked, but make sure to check the pakage.

When cooking quinoa, always remember the 1:2 rule. One cup of water to every cup of quinoa. Just put the water and the quinoa in a pot, then bring to a boil. Once this happens, lower the flame and continue cooking until the quinoa absorbs the water. This is also indicated by the separation of the germ from the seed. When the water subsides, just turn the flame off then let the pot stand for at least three minutes.

HEALTHY QUINOA BREAKFAST RECIPE

To make this, simply cook quinoa as how you would oatmeal. When cooked, transfer the food into a bowl place fruits on the side. Choose from apples, oranges or strawberries. You can also top the cooked quinoa with nuts for a crunchy option. This is such an easy meal to make, but it allows you to have a healthy breakfast without having to be late for work or school.

At first the challenge of leaving all wheat out of your diet seems overwhelming. Then you learn that there are many more sources of the gluten protein substance than just wheat. Gluten occurs naturally in wheat and other cereals, but it is also used deliberately in lots of food, vitamin and supplement production for the texture and cohesion properties it provides. Going gluten free can make it seem impossible to maintain a gluten free diet consistently.

Happily living with a gluten free lifestyle becomes easier the more you spend time with it. You discover that stores carry gluten free products. You come across restaurants that respond to gluten free requests. You learn from friends and family and online networks about tips and resources and recipes that help with a gluten free lifestyle.

One of the gluten food products that catches many of us off-guard is soup. Because gluten lends a cohesive, thickening property to cooking, foods such as gravies and soups usually contain gluten in the ingredients.

It’s been a relief to find that along with the growth of the Internet –perhaps because of its growth—has come the interest niche of gluten free living, gluten free livng and gluten free cooking. It’s so much easier today to find gluten free help. And there’s even help for your every-day soup needs.

You’ll find recipes and advice in print resources that you’ll find at libraries and bookstores. But the most accessible source for gluten free help will be the online resources. These are multiplying rapidly and because of the nature of online resources, they will be more current and more responsive to the concerns of their readers. Many blogs provide menus and shopping advice for gluten free advocates, and you’ll even find a recipe for gluten free cream of mushroom soup.

Other online gluten free resources provide tips on eating out, hidden foods that may trip up unsuspecting gluten free folks, and alternatives to the soups and sauces that you really want to have in your diet. It’s good to know that these resources are just a search and a click away.

Celiac disease has become increasingly common over the last several years and those who have been diagnosed with the illness face some lifestyle changes that are significant but can be dealt with. In essence Celiac disease is an allergic reaction of the cilia that line the intestines. Their main job, other than protection of the intestinal lining, is to help in the absorption of nutrients that we receive through food digestion. When the allergy is triggered, the cilia are literally burned or stripped away leaving the intestinal wall dangerously exposed and the body malnourished. The problem is that the presence of any gluten in the system of a celiac can lead to problems. Only eating a gluten free diet will bring about the necessary healing for the body.