I enjoy browsing the health food section at the grocery store to look for new gluten-free products. I recently came across an exciting product that I have missed. Bob’s Red Mill, producer of more than 400 food products, including gluten-free and organic products, has come out with Gluten Free Whole Grain Rolled Oats. For many people that may not seem like such a big deal, but for a person with celiac disease it is like receiving an early Christmas present.
Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder that prevents the digestion of the storage protein, commonly called gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye. Exposure to even small amounts of gluten causes an inflammatory reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine and impairs the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients needed to maintain health. The only known treatment for celiac disease is a diet that eliminates wheat, barley, rye, and most brands of oats.
Oats, in and of themselves, do not cause this damage. They are naturally gluten free. They have been unsafe for people with celiac disease because they are normally grown in fields shared by gluten-containing grains and they become contaminated.
That’s where Bob’s Red Mill comes in. According to their web site and packaging, Bob’s Red Mill Oats are grown by over 200 farmers on clean, dedicated, oat-growing fields. Bob’s Red Mill uses pure pedigreed non-genetically modified (GMO) seed. The oats are tested for purity both in the field and during processing at a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility. Bob’s Red Mill cuts no corners.
I used the oats for meatloaf and the taste was delicious. I had no adverse reaction. Another day, I made a steaming bowl of oatmeal and raisins, my favorite breakfast before celiac disease. Again, no adverse reaction occurred. I plan to make oatmeal cookies soon, and will be able to make my mother’s beautiful “Lace Cookies,” made with oats, that I have so missed at Christmastime.
I am very appreciative of Bob’s Red Mill. They could have stopped with dedicated fields, but they didn’t. They could have stopped with a pedigreed seed, but didn’t. They don’t have to test over-and-over, but they do. They have produced a product that I have missed and they have made it both nutritious and gluten free. I give Bob’s Red Mill 5-stars and many more kudos for their support of the celiac community.
Associated Content writer, Genie Walker, also has celiac disease and writes some gluten-free product reviews. Her articles can be found at www.associatedcontent.com/user/72531/geniewalker.html
