Most people think of celiac disease but only a small percentage of the population suffers from it. For those who suffer from this disease, going gluten free is extremely important. But did you know that celiac disease is actually the least common form of gluten intolerance? Understanding why some people need to stay away from gluten can help you better provide services to your patients and clients. Is mustard gluten free? It is an question that many of us have to ask ourselves these days.
Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant. The two main varieties are white/yellow mustard and brown/Indian mustard
Mustard has been known since antiquity, with some of the earliest references to it in Chinese writings dating back to the 5th century BC. Mustard is most often used as a condiment or flavoring agent for meats or vegetables, but it can also be eaten alone.
Mustard is prepared by mixing the ground seeds with water, vinegar, wine, or other liquids. Brown mustard seeds are usually crushed before mixing with other ingredients. Ground white mustard seeds can be mixed directly into a paste, but their flavor is milder if they are allowed to soak in liquid first; this results in a paste that has a consistency similar to cream cheese or peanut butter.
Yet, grain-based mustards with the addition of grains that contain gluten could be an issue for those who are sensitive to gluten
There are several types of mustard, but most of them are made from mustard seeds. Mustard seeds are not considered a gluten-containing grain. As such, mustard is considered gluten-free unless it contains an added ingredient that is derived from a gluten-containing grain. Yet, grain-based mustards with the addition of grains that contain gluten could be an issue for those who are sensitive to gluten.
For example, some grainy mustards contain barley as an ingredient. Barley is a gluten-containing grain that can cause a reaction in those who have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).
Gluten is a type of protein that comes from wheat and other grains such as barley and rye
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. Most people who are allergic to gluten have celiac disease, which means they have an immune reaction to eating gluten. Gluten can cause damage to the lining of your small intestine if you eat it.
There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes develops when the body doesn’t produce insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body makes some but not enough insulin or when the body doesn’t use insulin effectively, which causes blood glucose levels to rise over time.
Some examples of products that contain gluten include breads, crackers, baked goods, beer, cereal products and pastas. Gluten is a protein found in many grains, including wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is used as a thickening agent in many processed foods such as soups, sauces and salad dressings.
People who are allergic to gluten may experience symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramping after eating foods containing gluten. Some people may not have any symptoms at all. A doctor can test for a gluten allergy through blood tests or skin prick tests with specific antigens (proteins) from wheat or barley.
Mustard seeds are tiny but nutritionally powerful. They contain the following nutrients per tablespoon (6 grams)
- Vitamin C: 10 percent of the RDI
- Calcium: 6 percent of the RDI
- Iron: 4 percent of the RDI
- Magnesium: 3 percent of the RDI
In addition to these nutrients, mustard seeds contain many other beneficial compounds, including phytosterols, which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Mustard seeds also contain isothiocyanates, which may help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation.
Mustard allergy
Mustard allergy is a hypersensitivity to mustard that causes an allergic reaction in some people. Mustard allergy can be caused by eating mustard, breathing in mustard pollen, or touching mustard plants. Some people have mild reactions while others have severe reactions.
A severe reaction to mustard may include hives (itchy welts on the skin), swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, wheezing and difficulty breathing, a runny nose and nausea.
A less severe reaction may include redness of the skin or swelling around the mouth. People with allergies to other foods may also be allergic to mustard. There is no cure for mustard allergy but symptoms can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes such as avoiding situations where you are exposed to mustard plants or pollen.
Conclusion
Mustard is gluten free, but it’s important to ensure that the mustard you’re buying does, in fact, contain no gluten-containing ingredients. If you want to make sure what you’re eating is safe for your particular diet, making your own is always a good idea. You can save money that way too.