On January 13 we celebrate, National Gluten-Free Day a day to enjoy the new Gluten- Free products and also Gluten Free products are good for our bodies because it is loaded with plenty of healthy benefits. Also, “Gluten-free” means a food or product that does not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. This is crucial for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
| 2010s (Gluten-free numbers rise) | An estimated 2.5 million U.S. citizens are diagnosed with Celiac Disease. |
| 2005 (Gluten-free trend began) | In addition to those diagnosed with Celiac Disease, people with gluten intolerance, and those choosing to eat gluten-free, create a surge in the gluten-free trend. |
| 1950s (Celiac Disease identified) | Only .01 per cent of the global population was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. |
| 1820 (Industrial farming boom began) | Wheat became a high-yield crop. |
| 9000 BC (Wheat was born) | First agricultural cultivation in the Fertile Crescent. |
Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum or guar gum)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips (ensure they’re gluten-free)
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing at low speed until combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centres are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely
Source: Meaningful Eats
Activities For National Gluten-Free Day
Here are some of the activities that you can do on National Gluten-Free Day,
- Host a Gluten-Free Potluck: Invite your friends and family to bring gluten-free dishes try new recipes and demonstrate that gluten-free food can be delicious.
- Educational Workshops or Webinars: Organize workshops that focus on gluten-free cooking, baking, or understanding celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
- Recipe Swaps: Share your favourite gluten-free recipes on social media. Also, you can also exchange recipes with friends to discover new dishes.
- Visit Gluten-Free Restaurants: Support local businesses by dining at restaurants that offer gluten-free options. Many places might offer special promotions or menus for the day.
- Gluten-Free Food Fair: Organize or attend a fair featuring gluten-free products from various vendors. It’s a great way to discover new brands and products.
- Social Media Campaign: Use social media to spread awareness about National Gluten-Free Day.
- Collaborate with Nutritionists or Dietitians: Arrange for professionals to give talks or offer advice on managing a gluten-free diet effectively.
- Support Gluten-Free Causes: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to celiac disease research and gluten-free advocacy.
5 Things To Remember About Celiac Disease
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It is not an allergy- It’s a common misconception that those with Celiac are allergic to gluten.
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It is autoimmune- Did you know that those diagnosed with Celiac Disease suffer damage to the lower intestine if they ingest gluten?
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Celiac for life- However, there is no cure or prevention, but following a gluten-free diet is the way of life!
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Gluten hides everywhere- From beer to soy sauce, gluten is in far more items than the bread products lining the shelves of your local bakery.
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Celiac leads to other issues- If undiagnosed, this autoimmune disease can lead to other issues, such as lactose intolerance, anemia, and GI cancers.
Why gluten-free?
For People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free diet is crucial for health and well-being. However, for others, the benefits of a gluten-free diet are less clear and may not provide significant health advantages.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. They can help ensure you meet your nutritional needs while following a gluten-free regimen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Gluten-Free Day on January 13th is an occasion to raise awareness about gluten intolerance and celiac disease. It’s a chance to educate people about the challenges and solutions for living gluten-free, celebrate gluten-free innovations, and support those who need to avoid gluten for health reasons.
Whether you’re directly affected or simply curious, participating in or acknowledging this day can help foster a more inclusive and informed community.
FAQs
What is National Gluten-Free Day?
National Gluten-Free Day is celebrated on January 13th to raise awareness about gluten intolerance and celiac disease. It aims to promote understanding, support, and celebration of gluten-free living.
What does “gluten-free” mean?
“Gluten-free” means that a food or product does not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. This is crucial for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten causes damage to the small intestine. It requires a strict lifelong gluten-free diet to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Are gluten-free diets healthier?
A gluten-free diet is necessary for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. For others, there is no inherent health benefit to avoiding gluten, but a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients is important for overall health.
What are some alternatives to gluten-containing grains?
Gluten-free grains and flours include rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, and certified gluten-free oats. These can be used in various recipes and as substitutes for traditional dishes.
Also, read more about National Coffee Break Day – January 20, 2025
