5 Alternatives to Wheat

Wheat is a cereal which is the most important kind grown in temperate countries, the grain of which is ground to make flour for bread, pasta, pastry etc. Wheat is nutritious but has been found to cause health problems. Wheat flour contains a high amount of gluten, known to cause digestive issues, heart disease, celiac disorders and obesity. It’s important to note that white wheat is a common cause of constipation and weight gain. If you’re thinking of eliminating wheat from your diet, this article will tell you about some alternatives to wheat and why they’re good for you.

Almond Flour

Almond flour is a good alternative to wheat flour, it’s gluten-free, wheat-free and made by grinding dried almonds. Almond flour is a good alternative because it has a high amount of protein and contains healthy fats, it has a higher number of calories than standard flour which will allow you to feel full for longer.

Buckwheat Flour

Buckwheat flour is a great alternative because it doesn’t belong to the grass family. If you’ve been told to avoid gluten, this is a good option because it is completely gluten-free, however, there can be cross-contamination so always check the label.

Buckwheat flour is highly nutritious because it is high in protein, fibre, vitamins, and has a lot of antioxidants. The antioxidants can help to improve heart health and keep your cholesterol levels low.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a whole grain that is naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent alternative to wheat. It’s one of the most popular gluten-free grains because it is plant-based and fibre-rich. It’s also good to note that quinoa is a complete protein because it contains all 9 amino acids that our bodies struggle to make on their own.

Quinoa flour can be used to make quick bread, tortillas, pancakes, and many more tasty treats.

Oats

One big misconception about oats is that they’re made from wheat, but they’re not. They are one of the best sources of beta-glucan (this is a soluble fibre) and can slow the absorption of sugar, lowering blood sugar and insulin levels.

Most oats are gluten-free, but some can have traces of gluten, so make sure to check the label when buying oats if you need them without gluten.

Corn

Corn is actually considered a whole grain and is a good source of potassium. Corn and maize are completely wheat-free even though they do come from the grass family. This is a great alternative to wheat because the potassium content lowers blood pressure. Corn also is high in fibre and contains a lot of antioxidants. You can use cornflour to make pasta, bread, pancakes and even Yorkshire puddings.

Moving Forward

There are a lot more alternatives to wheat out there. We have just spoken about some that we think are the most versatile and easy to get your hands on. It can be tricky to eliminate wheat from your diet, but once you’re clued up on all the alternatives, it’s never been easier to make the swaps.