ESPGHAN: Consumers Misled by Gluten-free Foods, Study Finds
Gluten-free products cannot be considered as sufficient substitutes for their gluten-containing counterparts, prompting scientists to call for the reformulation of gluten freefoods with healthier raw materials to ensure healthy childhood nutrition.
The outcomes of the study, presented today at the 50th Annual Congress of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition, show that gluten-free items have a significantly higher energy content and a different nutritional composition to their gluten-containing counterparts. Many of the gluten-containing products - especially breads, pastas, pizzas and flours - also contained up to three times more protein than their gluten free substitutes.
Ceoliac disease in children (PRNewsfoto/ESPGHAN)
The imbalances highlighted in the study could impact children's growth and increase the risk of childhood obesity.
The study assessed over 1,300 products, finding:
Gluten-free breads had significantly higher content of lipids and saturated fatty acids
Gluten-free pasta had significantly lower content of sugar and protein
Gluten-free biscuits had significantly lower content of protein and significantly higher content of lipids
ESPGHAN expert and lead researcher, Dr Joaquim Calvo Lerma, explains "As more and more people are following a gluten-free diet to effectively manage coeliac disease, it is imperative that foods marketed as substitutes are reformulated to ensure that they truly do have similar nutritional values. This is especially important for children, as a well-balanced diet is essential to healthy growth and development."
Experts are also warning that consumers may not be aware of these unhealthy variances due to poor nutritional labelling.
Dr Martinez-Barona, fellow lead researcher comments "Where nutritional values of gluten-free products do vary significantly from their gluten-containing counterparts, labelling needs to clearly indicate this. Consumers should also be provided with guidance to enhance their understanding of the nutritional compositions of products to allow them to make more informed purchases and ensure a healthier diet is followed."
Daciana Sarbu MEP, Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, adds "Gluten-free products that are not pre-packed are not subject to the same labelling requirements as pre-packed products. In this case, consumers could be less aware of important nutritional differences with potentially significant health impacts. I have always supported so-called 'traffic light' labelling to facilitate easy comparison between products for key nutrients including protein, fat and sugars."
New gluten-free food standards produced for the food service, hospitality sector now available to Celiac and gluten-free community
MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 8, 2017 /CNW/ - The Canadian Celiac Association, Fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque, and Gluten-Free Food Program Inc. have joined forces to create and promote the new industry standard for the celiac community.
The Gluten-Free Food Program Inc. (GFFPI) is pleased to announce the launch of its GF-Smart, GF-Verified and GF-Dedicated programs for the food service and hospitality industry. The Gluten Free Food Program (GFFP) has been developed with the endorsements from the Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) and Québec-based Fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque (FQMC); Canada's two authoritative voices for those living gluten-free. This program will serve to improve the dining-out options for those suffering from a gluten-related medical disorder, by arming the food service and hospitality sector with standardized professional training, management systems and best practices.
Over 2.5 million Canadians are affected by gluten and need a consistent hospitality sector standard. Operators serving food on a commercial basis may choose or be required to provide a gluten-free menu option. The GFFPI has developed professional standards to serve the gluten-free population, including restaurants, caterers, camps, hotels, convention centers, healthcare and educational institutions, cafés, and fast food outlets.
"Gluten-free diners are looking for dining options that are safe," says Anne Wraggett, CCA President. "They often fear eating out due to negative past experiences and lack of consistency throughout the hospitality sector, increasing the risks of consuming gluten accidentally. Our members will be excited to visit and support these outlets."
Although the term gluten-free is widely used in the food service and hospitality sector, it is often misunderstood, unpredictably executed, and thus an unreliable assurance of a safe dining experience. Until now, a national training standard that the industry in Canada could turn to has not been available. Now, and as part of their professional advancement, food handlers can learn about the importance of proper food handling and avoid accidental contamination of gluten-free food. For food service and hospitality operators, GF-Smart functions as a strategic business partner by standardizing food handler training, thereby improving customer service, fostering staff engagement and reducing the risk of negative publicity for those establishments who employ GF-Smart trained staff.
The Canadian Society for Nutrition Management (CSNM), the national association representing Food and Nutrition Managers across Canada, has adopted GF-Smart as part of their member curriculum. Dave Lebert, CSNM Continuing Education Chair, says "Gluten-free diets, procurement of safe food for these special diets, and, most critical, the teaching and providing direction to our staff who work with gluten-free clients, are among the many facets of responsibilities of which our members endure on a daily basis. We are thrilled to partner with GFFP to offer the GF-Smart program to our members, and even more excited to include this course as part of CSNM's Continuing Education program, worth one Continuing Education (CE) credit for our members."
GF-Verified and GF-Dedicated standards have been created to ensure a consistent approach to internal management systems. From the purchase of ingredients, food storage, preparation, cooking, service, and delivery of gluten-free meals, GF-Verified denotes an establishment that provides both regular and gluten-free meals. GF-Dedicated indicates that all meals provided within the establishment are gluten free.
Our logos for the GF-Verified and GF-Dedicated programs will be displayed to indicate to the gluten-free community that an establishment has achieved the GFFP standards and in doing so has been externally audited by an independent auditor.
About Gluten-Free Food Program (GFFP): The Gluten-Free Food Program Inc. is a privately held corporation which owns and operates the GF-Smart and GF-Verified and GF-Dedicated programs, developed and managed with the endorsement of the Canadian Celiac Association and Québec-based Fondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque, Canada's two authoritative voices for those living gluten-free. http://www.glutenfreefoodprogram.com
About Canadian Celiac Association (CCA): The Canadian Celiac Association is the national voice for people who are adversely affected by gluten, and is dedicated to improving diagnosis and quality of life. Based in Mississauga, Ontario, with chapters across the country, its mission includes advocacy, education, research and community support. http://www.celiac.ca
AboutFondation québécoise de la maladie coeliaque (FQMC): The Fondation québécoise de la maladie coelique provides services and support to its members in the French language. Its mission is to improve the lives of people who are affected by celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity with information on the disease and the gluten-free diet.http://www.fqmc.org
SOURCE Gluten Free Food Program Inc
Thank you Cascade Ice for sending me a package of your amazing sparkling water. It was delicious. My coach approved these for me to drink. As I am in prep and have a very strict diet so I was really happy when they arrived at my door! My favourite flavour was grapefruit.
What is Cascade Ice you ask? Well it is a sparkling water beverage that is ZERO CALORIES! Sodium Free. Caffeine Free. Gluten Free. Zero Grams of Sugar. And no Carbs.
According to the Cascade Ice website, "Cascade Ice is available in over 30 great tasting varieties. Cascade Ice water is a sodium free, caffeine free, gluten free flavored sparkling water with a clean crisp, delicious taste. Cascade Ice water eliminates all the unnecessary, unhealthy “extras” found in other flavored waters like sugar, sodium, carbs, caffeine and gluten – giving you pure, refreshing taste."
Cubic Pharma’s Vitamin D For Indoor Lifestyles
Cubic Pharmaceuticals is a brand from the United Kingdom. They have recently made their Vitamin D supplements available across the United States. I was lucky enough to get sent some to try! I used them every day and felt an increase in my energy and alertness. The line of Cubicole Vitamin D3 came in a variety of strengths. I personally preferred the higher dosage for my active lifestyle. I actually just ran out of them and need more! I made them part of my supplement stack for all of my prep's.
“Vitamin D is well known for helping your body in a variety of ways... For example, it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus as well as support heart health.”
What I like the most is that all of the Cubic Pharmaceutical supplements are lactose, gluten, gelatin preservative, salt, and yeast free. It is also great for vegetarians and is Halal. Non of their products havebeen tested on animals.
EMORY VODKA ENTERS THE PREMIUM SPIRITS MARKET WITH A PIONEERING PRODUCT CONCEPT INSPIRED BY NATURE’S GRAND DESIGN New York based artist in Optic Modernism inspires newly launched ultra-premium line of naturally gluten free vodka with his signature Zebra Love collection EMORY Vodka – the country’s first ultra-premium product to be conceptually inspired by one of today’s leading artists and the only vodka to originate from the art world since Romero Britto aligned with Absolut.
EMORY Vodka is one of the first artist-inspired creations to enter the ultra-premium beverage market as a 100% corn based product that is naturally gluten free while being six times distilled and triple-filtered using charcoal during fermentation. This low-calorie alternative has a purity that vastly reduces the morning-after effects of consumption as a result of this process.
New York based artist Blake Emory, one of today’s most innovative pioneers in the “Optic Modernism” movement, has developed a unique extension of his existing Zebra Love oil on canvas signature collection for the brand design of EMORY Vodka. Michael Alden, CEO and President of Blue Vase Marketing, in partnership with Emory, has translated the Zebra Love concept on to frosted glass, releasing the limited edition premium vodka supported by one of the country’s leading strategic marketing firms for the beverage industry, Pearson & Pearson. Bottled by the newly formed Zebra Love, LLC parent company, Emory’s Zebra Love design is embossed on to a signature artisan bottle, complete with Emory’s trademark red stiletto. Emory Vodka marks the first brand extension in the Zebra Love series and features Emory’s “Shauna1” design for the inaugural product adaptation. A portion of proceeds from the sales of Emory Vodka are being donated to the ASPCA to help prevent cruelty to animals.
“We are pleased to announce the strategic roll-out of EMORY Vodka in key markets nationwide,” says Michael Alden, CEO and President of Blue Vase Marketing. “We understand the premium spirits business and know how important it is to develop something marketable and unique for the consumer in an over saturated marketplace. The exceptional design portrayed in Zebra Love by Blake Emory creates a strong artistic impression and will form tremendous brand recognition for the product. This unique design element also allows us to develop alternate configurations for the new line while remaining creative and diverse. Launching a one hundred percent corn based vodka that is naturally gluten free while being six times distilled will also deliver the ultra-premium taste that vodka lovers will expect.”
Priced at $29.99 for 750ml, EMORY Vodka is fully underway with its off premise campaign, targeting high volume cities around the country known for their trendsetting consumer audience, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. The brand is currently on-shelf in New York, Texas and Massachusetts and is anticipated to be on shelf nationwide in established retailers such as Total Wine & More and Binny’s, as well as other major retailers, by Spring of this year. Zebra Love is the latest anthology by the New York artist Blake Emory, whose collective series of theoretical works is capturing the attention of not only the fine art world, but also the country’s leading brand visionaries within the marketing community.
Emory’s Zebra Love series represents the artist’s inspired discovery of what he refers to as “nature’s grand design” that encapsulates an artistic expression of retro fashion with love, passion and “divine geometry” from the animal kingdom. Zebra Love portrays an underlying theme based on a fluid visual depiction of Zebra stripes that are carved to form the foundation of a multi-dimensional approach to acrylic on canvas. Using an individual female model and form as the muse for every piece of work, the curvaceous and nude silhouette of each chosen woman is juxtaposed against the Zebra design and blended within the center of the frame to convey a layered optical illusion at first glance. Emory describes his final touch as a “passionate step in to the world of love needed to liberate us from the human construct,” illustrated by a retro-style red stiletto worn on one foot – giving the black and white design its signature dash of vibrant color, fashionable overture and overtly sexual connotation.
“I like to think of my work as representing the unity of mankind,” says Blake Emory. “The Zebra is one of nature’s grandest designs and I fell in love with this beautiful formation and found that its geometry gave me a new form of expression in Optic Modernism. The female figure represents the world of love and what I believe is a type of ‘social silhouette.’ Sharing my vision and inspiration through EMORY Vodka is an exciting new step in my career as an artist and I hope the impressionable brand design resonates with people everywhere.”
Each piece from Emory’s collection is entitled after the women whose voluntary participation is part of the creative process. “Josephine” is Emory’s most beloved and original work of art, with “Flove” cited by Emory as the most “sexual” and “controversial’ from his collection. Other example names of his artwork include “Shauna,” “Billy Leigh” and “Levon.”
Joint marketing efforts for the new line of EMORY Vodka by Blue Vase and Pearson & Pearson are being supported by a national PR campaign, social media and traditional advertising.
Luce On king - promoting non-GMO, hormone and antibiotic free foods - @luceonking - Train It Right
Recently I had a great business meeting with like minded people at this awesome restaurant on King West in the heart of downtown Toronto. The are known as an Italian restaurant but what is unique is that they promote non-GMO, hormone fee and antibiotic free foods! What other Italian restaurant does that?!?! They also have some gluten free items on the menu too. The service was great and they had very knowledgable staff. I was very impressed so I wanted to share with you all! My favourite items were the pan friend cauliflower and the dates. MMMMM! So good! I suggest you head down to King Street and give this restaurant a try!
Luce Restaurant is an Italian Tapas Eatery just steps away from Bathurst, on King West. This hidden gem is known to have the BEST pizza in the city, including gluten free! A mom and pop shop with a health flare, serving their famous tapas menu promoting non-GMO, hormone and antibiotic free foods. Not your typical Italian eatery with a Renaissance Night every last Wednesday of the month. A must try, especially with their weekly specials. @luceonking 647-748-5464
The following are photos of all the items that they served us during our meeting. Don't they all look amazing!?
Hey Guys! As you know this year I became A Fitfluential Ambassador. Two of the wonderful ladies in my network have created an affordable cookbook that I have received. This cookbook is great because they give you cooking options, beautiful coloured photos and it is easy to follow.
The No Flour Cracker and Flatbread Cookbook is your complete gluten-free, vegan, mostly grain-free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, paleo-friendly, real food cookbook! Inside you will find 49-page, full color PDF digital/ebook with 12 healthy no flour recipes. These crackers and flatbreads are the perfect on-the-go snack or a wonderful addition to a meal.
A mix of sweet and savory recipes to satisfy any palate!
You’ll see recipes like:
Collard onion cracker
Kale cracker
Berry flatbread
Kale hemp flatbread
…. and many more!
There is no cookbook like this out there. Easy to make recipes made from basic kitchen staples. Each recipe you can make in a dehydrator to make wonderfully crispy dehydrated snacks or you can freshly bake them in the oven. Every recipe is bursting with flavor!
Click on the link below to buy the book:
For more information on the authors you can check them out on their social networks:
