Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in the endosperm of certain grassy grains, such as wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is responsible for much of the elasticity, leavening (as a reaction to yeast) and chewiness in baked goods. Buddhist monks created meat substitutes from wheat gluten, which are still eaten today in the form of seitan. However, Individuals with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten (which is different than an allergy to gluten) and must eat a gluten-free diet; corn, quinoa, millet, sorghum, teff, amaranth, buckwheat, rice, and wild rice do not contain gluten and are safe for people with celiac disease.