At P.S. & Co. we pride ourselves on holding a very high standard of clean, plant-based, organic, and gluten-free ingredients which offer enormous health benefits. These high-quality ingredients also allow our shop to be inclusive of the population out there who may experience gluten intolerance.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is the name for proteins found within wheat. In a functional manner, gluten can help pastries, breads, and other baked goods keep their shape via flour. Some grains which contain gluten include: farro, wheat berries, durum, semolina, spelt, farina, rye, einkorn, and barley. Individuals who suffer from gluten intolerance may experience slight gas, bloating, and irritable gastrointestinal issues. A more serious intolerance is celiac disease which is triggered by gluten and causes an imbalance of gut bacteria. North Americans and Europeans tend to suffer from this chronic immune and digestive disorder more than anyone else. Approximately 5% of the population currently has celiac disease. This disorder can cause long-lasting digestive issues and can prevent your body from getting all of its required nutrients. Celiac disease can cause harm to the small intestine as well. We recently discussed a study that showed that our agricultural system may be at fault for many of these gastrointestinal issues. The study showed that glyphosate, the active ingredient in the herbicide Roundup®, is the main cause of gluten intolerance and celiac disease. Monsanto Technology LLC patented said glyphosate as an antimicrobial. It has been shown to disrupt gut bacteria in both animals and humans as well as being connected to autism, Alzheimer's disease, obesity, depression, and Parkinson’s disease.
Our Trusted Ingredients
A lot of vegan, gluten-free products on the market can include inflammatory oils, refined sugars, and GI triggering ingredients like carrageenan or excess gums. When the ingredients get to a point where they are no longer recognizable, it’s a red flag. Our organic, gluten-free ingredients are fiber-rich, filling, provide tons of nutrients, and are made with plants.
Oat Flour
We use oat flour in a lot of our cakes and pastries. Our oats are certified gluten-free and we actually grind them into oat flour in-house to ensure zero cross-contamination. Oats are high in protein and lipids. One of the highlighted ingredients of oats is its dietary fiber content, especially the soluble beta-glucans. As a society that is severely lacking fiber in our diets, we are happy to provide our guests with fiber-rich, gut-healthy meals. Oats are also rich in potassium and have been known to reduce blood cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and balance the gut microbiota. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved a health claim in 1997 that the soluble fiber from oat products can help to reduce heart disease. Attention was also given to the benefits of oat intake on blood glucose levels. Oats have also shown promising effects on diabetes. Diabetes affects a reported 422 million people worldwide while 1.6 million deaths are associated with this disease each year. Type 2 diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease, results from resistance to insulin and is the most common form we see among the population. Type 2 diabetes is not only preventable but reversible. Diabetes can be prevented and reversed with the proper steps of a healthy, plant-based, nutrient-rich diet. As stated earlier, foods like oats can help manage blood glucose levels which can be a crucial part of the prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Almond Flour
Almond flour is found in many of our cakes, cookies, and other pastries. Almonds contain loads of vitamins and minerals, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. Consuming almonds and almond flour has been known to show positive effects on hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. Almonds have diverse bioactive compounds and are made up of macro and micronutrients. Containing about 50% lipids, 25% proteins, and 20% carbohydrates, almonds made for an impressive whole food/plant-based, nutrient-rich flour. To further feed our gut microbiome, researchers have confirmed the prebiotic capability of almonds. They have been known to regulate lipid and glucose levels providing assistance to regulate body weight and ward off cardiovascular diseases.
Brazil Nut Flour
Brazil nuts are a staple at P.S. & Co. We use them for our ultra-nourishing Brazil Nut Milk as well as grinding them into flour. Brazil nuts have shown to assist in lowering cholesterol, and trigger antioxidant and antiproliferative (tending to inhibit cell growth) activity within the body. One study showed that the bad cholesterol (LDL) can be lowered, while the good cholesterol (HDL) can be raised for up to 30 days by simply eating 4 Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts contain selenium which is a trace mineral and an essential nutrient for one’s health. These powerful nuts have some of the highest concentrations of selenium. They are loaded with fiber, protein, magnesium, and calcium. Magnesium plays an important role in various physiological functions and is known to offer benefits such as assisting in one’s sleep health, regularity, energy, mood, and headaches. Calcium is an incredibly important vitamin for healthy bones and teeth. It can also work synergistically between muscle movement and cardiovascular function.
Buy Your Loved One P.S. & Co. Flours
You can find oat and almond flour throughout our menu. Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, scones, muffins, etc. Our Brazil nut flour can be found in our online pantry so you can bring some of your favorite P.S. & Co. ingredients into your own kitchen. Remember, clean ingredients start with the soil. We are happy to offer a full menu of certified organic, gluten-free, and plant-based options for our guests.
Cites:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8229445/#B1-foods-10-01304
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7442381/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6213115/
https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease/definition-facts
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3945755/pdf/ITX-6-159.pdf
