The Great Debate About Grains and Flour Alternatives

If you’re working within a systematic diet plan, then the chemical balance of the foods you are (and aren’t) eating is vital. To be successful on the Atkins diet, for example, you must eliminate carbs for the specified time. To be a real vegetarian you must not eat meat. But in general, to be well, we need to be willing to try new things and make changes as needed.

Reason #1: Improved Nutrient Absorption

Whole grains include wheat, corn, oats, barley, rice and rye, to name a few. While some of these don’t contain any of the now infamous gluten, all grains contain a bran layer, and the bran contains phytic acid. According to our current knowledge, phytic acid can pose a threat to the body’s nourishment. The acid binds with minerals including phosphorous, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron and copper, thus blocking the absorption of the nutrients into your body. Symptoms of these mineral deficiencies can range widely from eczema, acne, brittle hair and dandruff, to a weak immune system, osteoperosis, tooth decay and low-energy or fatigue. The best way to assess whether whole grains are making it harder for your body to absorb nutrients is to decrease or eliminate consumption for two weeks and see how you feel.

Alternative #1: If you love breads and baked goods, but are hopeful to see improvement to your health by cutting down on grains, try coconut flour. It’s high in fiber, has a low glycemic index rating, is low in carbs and gluten free. It also contains protein without the gluten.

While coconut flour contains phytic acid, studies have found that it does not show the same binding power as that of grains, which could be because of other enzymes in the fruit. Conclusion: coconut flour has little to no effect on mineral absorption. (1) It’s also delicious and can often be substituted either in part or in full for wheat flour. For fantastic recipes, check out Bruce Fife’s “Baking with Coconut Flour.”

Reason #2: Relief From Food Intolerance

Allergic reactions are severe and, therefore, easy to detect. However, with food intolerance the effects can be subtle and gradual. You may also be fine when ingesting small amounts, which means you could avoid intolerance symptoms simply by cutting down consumption. If it helps you to jump in, start out modestly and see if you begin to feel a difference. If a change is apparent but too slight, it may be time to take drastic measures into delightful health.

Alternative #2: Almonds are actually not a true nut, but, like coconuts, a drupe, which is a fruit. Almond flour, or meal, is high in fiber and protein with lots of good fat (which actually helps you burn fat!), vitamin E and magnesium. It also contains smaller but notable amounts of iron and calcium. Almond meal is available in most stores, or if you have a coffee grinder and some almonds, you can make it at home. For recipes check out Elana Amsterdam’s “The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook.”

Reason #3: Reduce or Eliminate Inflammation

Symptoms of inflammation can include bloating, weight gain and migraine headaches, as well as less obvious conditions as acne, eczema, acid reflux and bronchitis. More serious conditions involving inflammation are cancer and heart disease. Grains containing gluten should be the first to go to test dietary causes for your inflammation. You could be among the estimated 95% of Celiacs going undiagnosed, (2) and if any food is irritating your body, it’s likely it’s causing inflammation.

Beyond gluten, the omega-6 and lectin protein found in whole grains are known to increase inflammation, although this is true most prominently in refined grains. Whole grains can also tend to rank higher on the glycemic index, causing spikes to blood sugar, which also triggers inflammation.

Alternative #3: Buckwheat, which when toasted is also called Kasha, is actually part of the anti-inflammation diet. According to the Grains & Legumes Nutrition Counsel, “It contains rutin, a bioflavonoid thought to help control blood pressure and possess anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties.” (3)

Buckwheat is not wheat at all, nor is it any grain, but actually a seed. It’s high in fiber and protein; and rich in vitamins and minerals such as potassium, manganese (necessary for stabilizing blood sugar), magnesium, copper, and iron; thiamin, niacin and vitamin B-6; and essential amino acids. It’s versatile and easy to find. For recipes, check out Michelle Brewster’s “Delicious Gluten-free Baking with Buckwheat Flour.”

With all my heart I encourage you to have fun discovering what makes your body tick. No matter what you eat, good health and a vibrant life require hope, faith and love, and the greatest of these is love.