Are you following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) and wondering if cassava flour is allowed?
With so many different diets and food restrictions out there, it can be hard to keep track of what’s legal and what’s not.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of SCD and explore whether cassava flour is a permissible ingredient. We’ll also touch on some other foods that are allowed or not allowed on the SCD, as well as other related diets like Paleo and GAPS.
So, if you’re curious about cassava flour and SCD, keep reading!
Is Cassava Flour SCD Legal?
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a popular diet that is used to treat digestive diseases and conditions. It is a strict diet that eliminates complex carbohydrates, grains, refined sugar, and processed foods. The goal of the SCD is to reduce inflammation in the gut and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Cassava flour has been gaining popularity in recent years as a gluten-free and grain-free alternative to traditional flours. It is made from the root of the cassava plant and is commonly used in Paleo and GAPS diets.
But is cassava flour SCD legal? The answer is no. Cassava flour is not allowed on the SCD because it is a starchy carbohydrate. The SCD only allows for nut flours and coconut flour as alternatives to traditional flours.
It’s important to note that while cassava flour may be allowed on other diets like Paleo and GAPS, it is not permitted on the SCD. It’s essential to follow the SCD strictly to see the full benefits of the diet.
What Is The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)?
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a diet that eliminates specific types of carbohydrates from the diet to ease symptoms of digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The diet restricts the consumption of grains and grain products, including bread, pasta, and cereal. It is also low in sugar and lactose, which is a sugar naturally found in milk and dairy products.
The SCD is a highly restrictive diet that eliminates particular foods rather than entire food groups/families (other than grains). Notable illegal foods include all grains, including pseudo-cereal grains such as buckwheat, quinoa, teff, and amaranth. Starchy flours like arrowroot, tapioca, and cassava are also disallowed. This includes flours that are high in beneficial resistant starch, such as green banana and plantain flour.
The SCD also disallows any types of teas that stimulate the immune system. This includes the herb Pau d’Arco, which features prominently in another gut-healing protocol known as the candida diet. However, ripe fruit of bananas/plantains is legal given that the resistant starch converts to monosaccharides during the ripening process. Honey is also permitted on the SCD.
While it may take some time to sort out all the do’s and don’ts of the SCD, it is a less restrictive diet than many other health recovery programs available. The goal of the SCD is to reduce inflammation in the gut and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. By following the SCD strictly, individuals can see significant improvements in their digestive health.
The Role Of Flour In SCD
Flour plays a significant role in the SCD diet as it is used as a substitute for traditional flours that are not allowed on the diet. Nut flours and coconut flour are the only flours that are permitted on the SCD. These flours are used to make bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
The SCD diet eliminates complex carbohydrates, grains, refined sugar, and processed foods. These types of foods can cause inflammation in the gut and promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Nut flours and coconut flour are nutrient-dense alternatives to traditional flours that can be easily digested by the body.
While cassava flour may be a popular alternative to traditional flours, it is not allowed on the SCD due to its high starch content. The SCD only allows for nut flours and coconut flour because they are low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fiber.
What Is Cassava Flour?
Cassava flour is a type of flour made from the root of the cassava plant. It is a starchy carbohydrate that is commonly used as a gluten-free and grain-free alternative to traditional flours. Unlike tapioca flour, which is made from the starch extracted from cassava root, cassava flour is made from the whole root, simply peeled, dried, and ground. This means that it contains more dietary fiber than tapioca flour.
Cassava flour has a neutral flavor and can be used in a variety of recipes, including tortillas, bread, pancakes, and baked goods. However, it is important to note that cassava flour is not allowed on the SCD diet due to its high starch content.
While cassava flour may be a popular alternative to traditional flours for some diets, it’s essential to understand the restrictions of each specific diet before incorporating it into your meals. If you are following the SCD diet, it’s best to stick to nut flours and coconut flour as alternatives to traditional flours.
Other Foods Allowed On The SCD
While cassava flour is not allowed on the SCD, there are still plenty of options for those following the diet. The SCD allows for lactose-free dairy products like homemade 24-hour SCD yogurt, butter, and certain cheeses. Nut flours and coconut flour are also permitted and can be used in recipes for baked goods, bread, and other dishes.
In addition to these flours, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables that are allowed on the SCD. These include bananas, blueberries, strawberries, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, and zucchini. Free-range poultry and grass-fed beef are also permitted on the diet.
When it comes to sweeteners, the only option allowed on the SCD is honey. Maple syrup and other sweeteners are not permitted.
It’s important to note that the SCD is a strict diet and should be followed closely to see the full benefits. While it may seem limiting at first, there are still plenty of delicious and nutritious foods that can be enjoyed while following the SCD.
Other Related Diets: Paleo And GAPS
While cassava flour is not SCD legal, it is a popular ingredient in other related diets like Paleo and GAPS. The Paleo diet is similar to the SCD in that it eliminates grains, processed foods, and refined sugar. However, the Paleo diet also allows for certain starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and parsnips, which are not allowed on the SCD.
The GAPS diet, or Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet, is another gut healing diet that is often used in combination with the SCD. Like the SCD, the GAPS diet eliminates complex carbohydrates and processed foods. However, it also focuses on the gut-brain connection and promotes the consumption of bone broth and fermented foods to support gut health.
Both Paleo and GAPS diets allow for the use of cassava flour as a grain-free alternative to traditional flours. While cassava flour may not be SCD legal, it can be a useful ingredient for those following other gut healing diets.
It’s important to note that each gut healing diet has its own specific guidelines and restrictions. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist before starting any new diet to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
