8 Gluten-Free Whole Grains You Should Be Eating

A common misconception when starting a gluten-free diet is that grains are completely off-limits. This is not only inaccurate, it is also the opposite of a healthy gluten-free diet which should be full of whole grains.

Gluten-free whole grains can help provide much needed nutrients, such as fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and magnesium. Often times, people with celiac disease and gluten-intolerance are deficient in these nutrients, because most gluten-free breads and cereals are not as enriched as their gluten-containing counterparts are.

We've put together a list of 8 super healthy and tasty gluten-free whole grains you need to start eating.

Amaranth

Benefits: high in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium. unique for grains, it contains vitamin c. protein content of 14%, higher than most.

Use: salads, cereals, baking, soups, popped like popcorn.

Our Favorite Brands: Arrowhead Mills Amaranth, Anna and Sarah Organic Amaranth.

Buckwheat

Benefits: high in zinc, copper, manganese, high in protein, amino acid score of 100, one of the highest among plant-based foods.

Use: noodles, crepes, blinis, kasha, granola, pancakes

Our Favorite Brands: Bob's Red Mill Cream of Buckwheat Cereal, King Soba Buckwheat Noodles.

Corn

Benefits: 10 times more vitamin A than other grains, high in antioxidants and carotenoids, especially those associated with eye health. Look for organic non-gmo.
Use: corn on the cob, popcorn, polenta, tortillas, corn muffins, whole grits.
Our Favorite Brands: Bob's Red Mill Organic Corn Flour, Hodgson Mill Gluten-Free Cornbread Mix.

Millet

Benefits: highest in antioxidants. staple in India. high in magnesium. studies show it is beneficial in controlling diabetes and inflammation.

Use: indian roti, porridge

Our Favorite Brands: Anthony's Organic Millet, Arrowhead Mills Whole Millet.

Oats

Benefits: lower cholesterol. look for gluten-free oats only.

Use: oatmeal, cookies, veggie burgers, baked fruit topping

Our Favorite Brands: Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Oats, Arrowhead Mills Steel-Cut Oats.

Quinoa

Benefits: pseudo-grain (related to beets, chard and spinach). complete protein. high in potassium (helps control blood pressure).

Use: pilafs, soup, risotto, salads, side dishes.

Our Favorite Brands: Anthony's Organic White Quinoa, Bakery on Main Quinoa Creamy Breakfast.

Sorghum

Benefits: packed with b vitamins, magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. also fiber and protein. WOW.

Use: soups, side dishes, salads, pilafs, popped, substitute for couscous.

Our Favorite Brands: Just Poppin' Popping Sorghum, Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Sorghum.

Teff

Benefits: this ancient grain is a total powerhouse. more calcium and vitamin c than any other grain. high in protein and iron, type of fiber that helps improve blood sugar. staple in Ethiopia.

Use: Ethiopian "injera" bread, teff polenta, porridge.

Our Favorite Brands: Ancient Grain Teff Pancake Mix, Maskal Teff Flour.