At first, it's not at all simple to correctly do a gluten-free diet, as the most unexpected product often contains this protein. Therefore, it's completely normal for many questions to arise: Are legumes suitable or not? Should they be labelled “gluten-free”? Are they exposed to pollution? If these questions are on your mind, keep reading as we'll give you all the information you need to know.
Legumes and coeliac disease
The pairing of legumes and coeliac disease has generated some controversy within the community of people affected by this condition. Generally, legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils are naturally gluten-free and can be part of a coeliac diet without issues. However, Is there a possibility of cross-contamination during its processing, storage, or in the production chain.
In fact, in October 2020, the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN) issued an information note on the possibility of finding gluten in lentils, as they are grown in rotation with cereals such as wheat, barley or rye. To minimise the presence of these grains, procedures such as sieving, density separation and colour detection are used.
Recommendations for consuming legumes safely
For coeliac individuals, it is crucial to avoid any trace of gluten in their diet to prevent damage to the small intestine and ensure good long-term health. This is why the consumption of legumes can be somewhat delicate if adequate precautions are not taken.
- When buying legumes, it is important to check that they are certified gluten-free or that they have not been processed in facilities that handle gluten products.
- It is advisable to opt for packaged legumes, as they are generally less likely to be contaminated than those sold loose.
- When cooking legumes, it is advisable to wash them meticulously to remove any trace of contamination. It is also recommended to use clean cooking utensils, kept separate from those used for handling products containing gluten.
- Another important recommendation is to pay attention to the labels of packaged products containing legumes, such as tinned goods or processed items. It is essential to ensure they do not contain added gluten ingredients or that they have been processed in facilities that handle gluten.
If you are coeliac and wish to incorporate pulses into your diet, it is possible to do so safely by following these recommendations. Pulses are an excellent source of protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients, so they can bring numerous benefits to your health if consumed appropriately. Remember that you can consume them, but always with caution!
Article written by the El Miracle team