0The New Complete Book of Food
Because this study contradicts literally hundreds of others conducted over the past 30 years,
researchers are awaiting confirming evidence before changing dietary recommendations.Adverse Effects Associated with This Food
Allergic reactions. According to the Merck Manual, wheat is one of the foods most commonly
implicated as a cause of allergic upset stomach, hives, and angioedema (swollen lips and
eyes). For more information, see under wheat cereals.
Gluten intolerance (celiac disease). Celiac disease is an intestinal allergic disorder that makes
it impossible to digest gluten and gliadin (proteins found in wheat and some other grains).
Corn flour, potato flour, rice flour, and soy flour are all gluten- and gliadin-free.
Ergot poisoning. Rye and some kinds of wheat will support ergot, a parasitic fungus related
to lysergic acid (LSD). Because commercial flours are routinely checked for ergot contamina-
tion, there has not been a major outbreak of ergot poisoning from bread since a 1951 incident
in France. Since baking does not destroy ergot toxins, the safest course is to avoid moldy
flour altogether.Food/Drug Interactions
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