A bowl of quinoa with shrimp and parsley.
Image Credit: nata_vkusidey/iStock/Getty Images For most people, grains are fairly easy to digest, as long as they’re cooked. The exceptions are people who are gluten intolerant and those who have Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance, or CCI. People with CCI lack the proper enzyme needed to digest grains, so they might experience cramps, diarrhea and abdominal pain after eating grains.
Advertisement
Wheat
People with wheat allergies cannot eat any amount of wheat without developing sudden reactions that include difficulty breathing, projectile vomiting and other serious side effects. People with wheat intolerances are not allergic to wheat, but cannot digest it properly. Different level of intolerance may occur. Some people experience only subtle symptoms like eczema or aching joints, while others might have gastrointestinal distress.
Advertisement
Video of the Day
Other Gluten-Rich Grains
People who can’t digest any grain containing gluten have celiac disease. People with gluten sensitivity can digest gluten, but experience some side effects when they eat it, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Gluten sensitivity is fairly common, affecting one in seven people. Grains containing gluten include barley, wheat, oats and rye. Raw Grains The human digestive system cannot process raw grains. Only graminivorous animals, such as birds, can digest raw grains. Still, people who follow a raw diet often eat grains without cooking them. The key to doing this is to soak, ferment or sprout the grains. Even after soaking, however, raw wheat, quinoa and barley are still difficult to digest. This is because the cooking process breaks down enzymes, complex sugars and starches the body cannot properly digest.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Quinoa
Quinoa has a nutty flavor and is high in protein. This grain is also gluten-free and low in calories. However, you must cook quinoa, or you’ll have trouble digesting it. Undercooked quinoa is chewy and very difficult for your body to process.
Advertisement
Advertisement
references & resources
Healthy Vegan Recipes; How to Cook Whole Grains; Heather Nauta, RHN; March 2011
Chrysalis Yog; Grains and Lentils; Peter Theobald; 2010
Food Intol: Wheat Intolerance and Wheat Sensitivity
50 Plus; When Healthy Eating Is Hard to Digest; 2008
"Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"; America's Finally Falling for Quinoa, a Tasty and Complete Protein -- And a Seed That'll Grow on You; Dianna Marder; September 2009
American Celiac Disease Alliance: What is Celiac Disease?
Is this an emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the
National Library of Medicine’s list
of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
references & resources
Healthy Vegan Recipes; How to Cook Whole Grains; Heather Nauta, RHN; March 2011
Chrysalis Yog; Grains and Lentils; Peter Theobald; 2010
Food Intol: Wheat Intolerance and Wheat Sensitivity
50 Plus; When Healthy Eating Is Hard to Digest; 2008
"Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"; America's Finally Falling for Quinoa, a Tasty and Complete Protein -- And a Seed That'll Grow on You; Dianna Marder; September 2009
American Celiac Disease Alliance: What is Celiac Disease?
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
A bowl of quinoa with shrimp and parsley.
Image Credit: nata_vkusidey/iStock/Getty Images
Image Credit: nata_vkusidey/iStock/Getty Images
Healthy Vegan Recipes; How to Cook Whole Grains; Heather Nauta, RHN; March 2011
Chrysalis Yog; Grains and Lentils; Peter Theobald; 2010
Food Intol: Wheat Intolerance and Wheat Sensitivity
50 Plus; When Healthy Eating Is Hard to Digest; 2008
"Pittsburgh Post-Gazette"; America's Finally Falling for Quinoa, a Tasty and Complete Protein -- And a Seed That'll Grow on You; Dianna Marder; September 2009
American Celiac Disease Alliance: What is Celiac Disease?
