What exactly is Gluten, and Why Do some People need to stay Gluten Free?

Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in rye, wheat, and barley. It is therefor found in most cereals and in many types of bread. Not all foods from the grain family, however, contain gluten. Examples of grains that do not have gluten include wild rice, corn, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, quinoa, teff, oats, soybeans, and sunflower seeds. Baking gluten free bread with one of these grains can be some sort of challenge, since it will naturally be very heavy and unfluffy. Unless special measures are taken to produce a bread imitating the regular gluten bread.

Gluten provides many important qualities to bread. For example, gluten keeps the gases that are released during fermentation in the dough, so the bread is able to rise before it is baked. In addition, gluten firms up when it is cooked and, with the help of starch, helps ensure the bread maintains its proper shape.


Some people suffer from a disease called celiac disease. In fact, over 2 million Americans are diagnosed with this disease, one that can lead to serious complications later in life if they ingest even small doses of gluten over the long-term. Individuals with celiac disease must eat foods that do not contain gluten in order to prevent illness. If improperly treated, celiac disease can be fatal. In addition, care must be taken when eating grains that do not contain gluten, particularly oats and teff, as they are commonly grown near foods with gluten or processed in the same bins.

Finding good tasting gluten free products can be some sort of challenge for consumers on a gluten free diet. We have found a bakery that products gluten free products that will really get your mouth watering. The bakery name is Heaven Mills bakery and their products can be purchased at their online store http://www.heavenmillsbakery.com.