By H.S. Jeon, Ph.D.
Today, we tend to see more products that are labeled “Gluten-free.” Some of us consider them as healthier options, but not all of us know exactly what gluten is and what it means to our diet. There are several facts that should help us understand the meanings of food labels regarding gluten when we are out grocery shopping.
Gluten is categorized under several different types of food additives, such as dough conditioner, nutrient, stabilizer, texturizer, and thickener. Gluten is the composite of gliadin and a glutelin that make up about 80% of the protein in wheat. It is found in various grass-related grains as a combined form of starch with the water-soluble protein albumen. In simple terms, it is a protein compound found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. Read more…
By H.S. Jeon, Ph.D.
Food Additives
Food additives refer to any substances that are added to change food in some way before it is consumed. Additives include preservatives for extending shelf life, flavoring and coloring for improving taste and appearance, and nutritional supplements such as vitamins and minerals. The contaminants from manufacturing, storing and packaging processes are also considered as indirect food additives.1-6
It has been reported that 90% of an average meal of an American family is prepared from processed foods, which are very likely to contain additives.4 While most of these food additives are approved for human consumption in America, it is strongly recommended to prepare our meals from whole foods to avoid any possible threats to our health by researchers and consumers. Read more…
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