Are you looking to spruce up your gluten facts, or are you thinking about making a lifestyle change that will have you feeling healthy and sprightly? Let us drop some knowledge on you…

What is gluten and how come some people don’t eat it?

Gluten is a family of proteins found in certain grains like wheat, rye, spelt, barley, and related species and hybrid products of these.

Gluten is the only protein found in food that is completely indigestible. As a result, gluten irritates the gut and causes discomfort even to those who are considered gluten tolerant. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the effects of gluten consumption can be far worse. As a result, tens of millions of people all over the world have cut gluten from their diets.

 

What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage of the small intestine. For the estimated 70 million people on earth with celiac, the effects of consuming gluten can include diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, low blood count, nausea, and osteoporosis.

There is no cure for celiac disease. Instead of any treatments or medications, people with celiac must simply avoid gluten for life. However, doing that actually isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. Even though 70 million people on earth have celiac, the availability of gluten free foods is still limited, and in some parts of the world it’s nonexistent. And even when gluten-free foods are available, retailers often drive up the prices, knowing that their consumers have no choice but to purchase these goods because their health depends on it.

 

Why go gluten free?

For the gluten intolerant, the benefits of a gluten-free lifestyle are obvious. But even to those who technically are able to consume this pesky protein, the benefits of cutting it from your diet could be profound.

Wondering what those benefits might be? Consider the following:

• A happy bowel – need we say more?
• Improved nutrient absorption – by avoiding the work it puts into handling gluten, your body will be able to better process what you’re eating and reap maximum benefits from the good stuff.
• Weight regulation
• Reduced flatulence, bloating, and inflammation – again…need we say more?
• Improved concentration – because your body won’t be working so hard battling the effects of gluten, you may find yourself with a clear and energized mind.
• Improved energy levels – ever feel sluggish after eating a big bowl of pasta or pizza? Try one that’s gluten free, and you may be surprised by how light and energetic you feel.

 

Going gluten-free with Bali Direct

Avoiding gluten certainly isn’t the easiest. Wheat is contained in all kinds of breads, pastas, pizzas, and beers, and like we said, gluten-free substitutes aren’t always readily available. Those living a gluten-free lifestyle have to be diligent about making sure gluten is absent from their daily yummies, but here at Bali Direct, we’re striving not only to make it easy, but delicious and affordable too!

We’re currently offering two varieties of gluten free pastas, and we have gluten free pizza crusts on the way soon. Our Gluten-Free Penne and Gluten-Free Spaghetti make for a great base to a family dinner, and you’ll be so satisfied with how you feel when you’re done.

 

On top of that, we have a huge selection of gluten free products from Made’s Banana Flour Bakery. Our favorites? Gluten-Free Multi-Grain Bread, Gluten-Free Banana Cake, and the Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls. Don’t take our word for it though. Give them a try and see what we’re talking about. You’ll be amazed by how delicious Made’s gluten free products taste, and by how light you feel afterwards. All of their baked goods are made out of banana flour, a gluten-free and spanking delicious substitute for the more traditional wheat flour.

 

This is Made, the founder and creative inspiration behind Made’s Bakery:

 

 

Have suggestions for other gluten-free products you’d like to see in our store? Shoot us an email at info@balidirectstore.com. We’d love to hear from you!