Gluten free products in India

Gluten content in foods is a topic of concern for some people in India. But what exactly is gluten. It is a protein found in some food grains. When these flours containing gluten are mixed with water, this protein imparts a sticky and rubber like structure to the dough. Gluten does not have any adverse effect on most people, but few find it sensitive, not easy to digest causing inflammatory and irritable bowel disorders.

Wondering which all flours have gluten in it. India’s most consumed food grain namely wheat has it. Wheat flour and especially maida which is a refined form of wheat has it. This glutenous property of maida is used to make Parathas or Porottas. The layers feel of this food item is achieved mainly because of the gluten presence in maida.

For most of the people, gluten never causes a concern or problem. But for some people who are intolerant to gluten, it is a matter of health concern. These people are said to have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or in general wheat allergy.

People suffering from this auto immune disorder may experience symptoms like bloating, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, etc. This can be diagnosed using an immunology test or allergy test.  For these kinds of people, it is always better to avoid wheat in their daily diet.

Alternatives available for Gluten containing foods

The common alternatives foods suggested for people with gluten allergy is ragi or corn flour. If those foods don’t interest you any more, we have something from Kerala which is quite popular among the local people.

It is a staple food known as kappa or more popularly known as Tapioca. It is also used in other parts of India by the name sabudana.

Basically, a tuber crop like potato or elephant foot yam and is usually made into flour or pearls.  It is used for making desserts, fries, chips as snacks and also as a binding agent. But it is hardly recognized as a good grain free and gluten free food ideal for people having celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Now we are going to introduce you to another form of Tapioca that is quite popular across Kerala. It is dried tapioca or colloquially known as unakka kappa. The tapioca produce is first sliced and then dried and stored for future use during the off season. The same needs to be just soaked in water overnight to regain the softness before use in cooking.

To read more on cooking using tapioca – Click Here

Some of the health benefits of Tapioca or Unakka Kappa are as below.

• Is a good choice as a gluten free alternative food
• Has high fibre content which helps in easy digestion and gut health
• It has a high carbohydrates content which provides rapid energy needed and helps in weight gain
• Has low or nil fat content and is a source of natural iron

To see more on the other products made using tapioca – Click on below