There are many reasons why people want to avoid foods containing gluten. But if you follow a vegan diet, you can then also eat gluten

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in certain grains such as wheat, rye and barley. There are also several other grains that contain gluten, but these three are the most commonly used in the Western diet. Gluten is the protein that makes dough elastic and gives it its shape.

Why do people want to give up gluten?

There are various reasons why people want to avoid foods containing gluten. Some have gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, which means their body can't digest gluten properly and it can cause inflammation in the intestines. Others have gluten sensitivity, where they experience symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating and fatigue when they eat gluten. There are also people who believe gluten has an impact on their physical and mental health and therefore want to avoid it.

Gluten and vegan diet

Gluten is a plant protein and thus could be considered as part of a vegan diet. But many foods containing gluten also contain animal products or are processed on equipment that was also used for animal products. For example, many breads, cookies and pastas contain dairy products or eggs.

Gluten free vegan alternatives

If you are following a vegan diet and want to avoid gluten, there are many options available. Here are some examples:

• Quinoa: This pseudo-cereal is naturally gluten-free and also contains a lot of vegetable protein.
• Buckwheat: Buckwheat is also a pseudo cereal, naturally gluten-free and rich in fiber and minerals.
• Millet: Millet is another gluten-free grain that can be used in many different dishes.
• Rice: Rice is an excellent gluten-free alternative to wheat and can be used in many different dishes.
• Oats: Although oats are naturally gluten-free, they are often processed on finishes that are also used for gluten-containing grains. If you want to be sure your oats are gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oat products.

Conclusion

Gluten is a serious concern for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. But if you follow a vegan diet and don't restrict yourself when it comes to gluten-containing foods, you should know that many foods can contain both gluten and animal products. If you want to go gluten-free, there are many vegan alternatives, ready to be explored and tried.

With a little experimentation, you'll soon find your favorite recipes and realize there are many delicious and healthy gluten-free and vegan options.