Did Wheat Hybridization Give Rise To Celiac Disease?
Starting in the 1960′s, and increasingly in the 1990′s, plant breeders undertook efforts to produce hybrid wheat varieties with the goals of improving yield and disease resistance. Both worthwhile goals but it’s possible that wheat hybridization may have led to the rapidly growing prevalence of celiac disease today.
We learn that not all gluten is created equally. A study identifies that, “Gluten proteins from wheat can induce celiac disease (CD) in genetically susceptible individuals. Specific gluten peptides can be presented by antigen presenting cells to gluten-sensitive T-cell lymphocytes leading to CD.”1
The same abstract explains that a study of over 80 varieties of wheat shows a higher concentration of two CD epitopes (Glia-α9 and Glia-α20) in the more modern varieties of wheat.
This study suggests the possibility that hybridization of wheat may be an underlying cause for the recent rise in CD but does that mean that einkorn is the answer? Not necessarily. Einkorn is an ancient, diploid variety of wheat – the most primitive species of wheat available today. Many people worldwide are working to restore it to our modern diets because of its dietary benefits.
So far, the studies on einkorn’s toxicity have been mixed, although it is considered less toxic than modern wheat. For that reason – though they express an interest in doing so – we always recommend that celiac patients should not consume einkorn. After consulting with their doctor, gluten sensitive people, on the other hand, have reported that they consume eikorn with diminished or no reaction. In addition, naturally leavening bread also seems to help with digestibility, and we’ll share more on this in the coming months.
Do you have a study to share on this topic? Please share a link or reference in the comments along with your summary of the study so we can all participate in the discussion together.
In the mean time, we are fortunate to enjoy einkorn farro today for its superior health benefits.
I am looking for a place to buy einkorn wheat berries. Do you have a supply available? If so, please e-mail me with price, shipping, etc.
Thanks
Helen
Hi Helen, we sent you an email. Did you receive it?
I am looking for wheat that has NOT been genetically modified. It sounds like your wheat fits that description. Email me the wheat berry information, i.e. protein, gluten factors and how I can purchase your einkorn wheat.
The comment before mine is spam, by the way
Anyway – I don’t have any studies to share but I am looking for more information on this. I’ve suffered from nutritional information overload for a couple years now and went grain free, and then gluten-free and just yesterday I decided that the best option might be einkorn. I’m tired of gluten-free in a family that loves their breads and everything… and admittedly I do miss a nice slice of german rye bread!
The weird thing is – I’m not celiac, and not gluten sensitive. There’s so much teaching out there that wheat is so bad for you – and it probably is – and so I guess I just don’t know what to believe. I’ve been a blogger in the “real food” area for a while but I burned out and I’m really re-evaluating the idea that somehow making baked goods from multiple highly processed gluten-free flours is healthier than wheat I grind and bake into a nice fermented sourdough myself.
Anyway… I guess this is just a mini-rant. I might buy some einkorn and try growing it – I don’t think I could afford to buy it for as much as my family wants to eat baked goods but I think I will still try it….
I’ve just had 5 ancient wheat varieties sprout in trays where i will grow them until transplanting outside. there are a number of sources for ancient wheat varieties(just search it) . I got mine from Bountiful Harvest in willits Ca. they also have good information and cultivar practices which differ from modern wheat (durham) .4/2013
I’m a farmer with a conscience. My husband and I want to grow wheat that provides more nourishment than problems. We are looking for Einkorn seed but finding US sources that sell for upward of $28 an ounce – absurd if you have to plant several acres in order to make the exercise cost effective. We have tried seed from Italy which is much more reasonable but has a dismal germination rate. If anyone out there knows of a reasonably priced, US sourced Einkorn seed producer, please let me know. The planting season is upon us!
You realize that the reason the einkorn seed is so expensive is probably BECAUSE it has such low germination. That and the yield is so much lower than modern wheat. Breeders over the centuries have selected wheat that has less dormancy (contributes to low germination) so that all the seed germinate when planted.
We had our seed tested by a state seed lab and they showed a 98% germination rate so the germination rate is very good. The yield is lower but a big factor in the cost is that einkorn has to be dehulled prior to use. Removal of the hull is a special process, in addition to the threshing you use to harvest any wheat, and results in a loss in mass of approximately 40%, which greatly reduces the net yield.
I am growing several varieties of ancient wheat here in Arizona. We in America have wheat that has been hybridized but no GMO wheat that I know of. I grow for Hayden Flour Mills and our seed is very reasonable in cost. The varieties we grow have been very true to their history, low water use and low in nitrogen needs. People that are sensitive to grain should ferment the bread dough for several hours before baking, (natural leavening). A documentary film is being produced about what we are doing here in Arizona called “Rise of the Grain”, look for it soon.
I want to plant Einkorn Wheat for my family. Do you sell wheat berries for planting? If you do, please email me the info.
thanks,
Mike
Michael, we will email you directly.
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