Those who partake regularly of a gluten-free slice will celebrate recent findings that abstaining from wheat doesn’t need to equate to less nutrition.
Studies from the Ashtown Food Research Centre (Teagasc in Ireland) have found the polyphenol count of flours from pseudoceral seeds such as quinoa and buckwheat could enhance the nutritional profile of gluten-free formulations.
The three main pseudocereals in existence are amaranth, quinoa and buckwheat. Pseudocereals produce starch-rich seeds that can be used like cereals but are not members of the grass family.
Flour made from grains with oats has likewise shown signs of a higher nutrient content.
Head researcher Eimear Gallagher said the findings were significant given past concerns that some gluten-free products could have lower levels of essential nutrients.
“Presently some gluten-free products available on the market have been shown to be of poorer nutritional quality,” she said.
Researchers found three servings of gluten-free ‘alternative grains’ improved levels of nutrients including fibre, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate and iron.
Past reports also confirm the advantageous nutritional properties of pseudocereals. The content and quality of protein found in pseudocereals has been reported to be higher than in cereal species; with additionally high levels of arginine and histidine, essential for infants and children.
“Studies say the integration of pseudocereals into the Western diet will rely on the production of appropriate convenience products from the raw materials, but currently the commercialisation of these products remains limited and ingredient like quinoa could be a costly exercise for consumers as the ingredient usually had to be sourced overseas” she concluded.
EDITORS NOTE: Flannerys is happy to say that we offer a great selection of these grains, suitable for baking breads, cookies or muffins, or as part of a breakfast cereal mix. Our range includes:
- AMARANTH – GRAINS, FLOUR, PUFFED AND ROLLED
- BUCKWHEAT – GRAINS AND FLOUR
- QUINOA – SEEDS (RED OR BLACK), FLOUR, ROLLED AND PUFFED.
- OATS – 99.99% GLUTEN FREE OATS
- PLUS Flannerys Own Gluten Free Muesli was developed to provide the benefits of a high fibre gluten free breakfast with no sacrifice on taste or quality. Exclusive to Flannerys, this delicious mix contains puffed rice, paw paw, apricots, sultanas, rice bran flakes, corn flakes, amaranth, buckwheat puffs, millet puffs, pepitas, rolled rice and almond flakes. A delicious and healthy start to the day.