Best teas for coeliacs: Soothing brews to ease gut inflammation

 

When faced with the inevitability of a bleak British winter, it’s near-impossible to do anything but put the kettle on and hibernate. 

Tea is the ultimate comforter, with enthusiasts oscillating between Builder's and herbal to keep stimulated throughout the day. But for those with coeliac disease, the simple act of brewing a cuppa isn’t quite so straightforward. Coeliacs have to stay clear of gluten such as wheat, barley and rye, which can be found in certain teas. While traditional blends such as black, green or white are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and are gluten-free, you may be surprised just how many teas do contain the grains above.

Surprisingly, some brands of herbal teas use barley malt as a sweetener, meaning the tea flavouring contains gluten. Roasted barley is also a popular tea ingredient in Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisine, meaning coeliacs need to be careful when ordering hot beverages in Asian restaurants. 

Herbal teas have long been considered helpful for aiding digestive issues, but this isn’t the full picture. Nutritionist Eli Brecher elaborates: “Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition where the immune system perceives gluten consumed in the diet to be damaging and attacks tissues in the body when it is consumed in the diet. It affects around 1 in 100 people. Given that most teas are naturally gluten-free, those living with coeliac disease can enjoy most brands of their tea of choice, provided they do not contain barley seed or malt. However, it’s important to always read the ingredients for anyone who has coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. Many brands of tea label their products as gluten-free, so checking for this label is a good idea.”

This means that there are thousands of naturally gluten-free teas to choose from, but Brecher notes her top picks: 

  • Ginger tea - “Ginger tea can be helpful for soothing digestive issues and calming nausea, and peppermint tea is a good option after a heavy meal if you are prone to bloating, as it can help relax the digestive system.”
  • Green tea - “Green tea is loaded with polyphenols, including a compound called EGCG which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. To amplify this effect even more, go for matcha powder, which is made from finely ground green tea leaves.”
  • Turmeric - “Turmeric has also been associated with reducing inflammation, so teas containing turmeric may help soothe gut inflammation. Try simmering freshly grated turmeric root in a pot of water with the lid on for around 15 minutes – you can add freshly grated ginger and black peppercorns too.”

 https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/esbest/food-drink/best-teas-for-coeliacs-b1120256.html

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