Carrot Cake - gluten, egg and dairy free

Are you looking for a good cake that actually works, yet has everything(gluten, egg, dairy, etc.) substituted?  A carrot cake that doesn't give you a sugar headache just looking at the recipe, let taking a bite of it?  Give this one a try. 

This cake is gluten free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, corn free and can be nut free too(just don't use them).  I have a suspicion that it would even work if you used a paleo grain-free flour blend.  (I haven't tried that yet, but I suspect it would work). 

The icing is naturally sweetened with maple sugar.  You could even use stevia, or whatever sweetener you can eat. 

This recipe is a keeper for me.  It is my new staple, go-to carrot cake recipe. :)

carrot Cake with natural Frosting

Adapted from www.lovingitvegan.com

---

Ingredients

·         For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) All Purpose Flour Gluten Free
 
• 200g Better Batter GF Flour
• 50g Potato Starch
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 ½ tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Ginger
• ½  tsp Nutmeg
• ½ tsp Cloves
• 300g Grated Carrot (~ 4 carrots)
• 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) Coconut Sugar
• 2 Flax Eggs (2 Tbs Flaxseed meal and 6 Tbs warm water. Whisk and let sit.)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Olive Oil
• 1 Tbs Vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• (optional) 1 cup Chopped Nuts -I like pecans

·         For the Frosting:

• 2 cans Coconut Cream chilled and whipped
• ½ cup Maple Sugar
• 2 Tbs. Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt

---

Instructions

1.     Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit (180 degrees celsius).

2.     Grease two 7 inch cake tins and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

3.     Sift the flour, coconut sugar baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into a mixing bowl.

4.     Add the grated carrot and stir.

5.     Prepare the flax eggs in a small measuring cup, by mixing 2 Tbsp Flaxseed Meal with 6 Tbsp Water and allowing to sit for a minute.

1.     Add the oil, vanilla and apple cider vinegar to the flax eggs.

6.     Mix everything together in the mixing bowl and stir until combined. As you stir, the ingredients will combine to form the batter.  Don't get concerned if it looks really dry at first, keep stirring.  If it ends up needing more liquid, add just a bit of coconut milk (or even water).

7.     Lastly add the chopped nuts if you want to add them.

8.     Divide the mixture between the two 7 inch cake tins.

9. Place into the oven for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a cooling rack.

11. While the cakes are cooling, prepare your frosting.

12. Add the powdered sugar, vegan butter, vanilla, apple cider vinegar and 3 Tbsp of lemon juice to an electric mixer bowl.

13. Start mixing on low speed.

14. When ready to ice the cake, prepare frosting

15. Add frosting to the top of one of the layers.

16. Add the other layer on top and complete the frosting of the of the cake.

1.     If you want to ice the sides of the cake, you may need to leave out the yogurt so it is stiff enough to not drip down the sides of the cake.

17. Sprinkle crushed nuts, or fresh fruit, on top of the cake.

18. Chill cake until serving.

Thoughts from "one of those annoying people with "food allergies"'

Oh the things you think.....on free donut day, when you have food allergies. 
I wrote this a while back when it was hitting hard how different your life is when you have "food issues".   Know someone who does?  They likely go through this as well.  Everyone has a down day.  Fortunately, it's a passing thing and you bounce right back and get back into the grind of living life.
________________________________

Well, we know it's true so go ahead and say it.
Our diet is a pain because there's nothing we can eat at your house. 
We know that. 
You hate it.
Most days, we do too.
And I would do anything to be able to just eat anything that was in front of me. 
I would love to try your secret family recipe of some special dessert.
Don't think that I wouldn't rather be planning fun stuff with my kids, or painting the ugly trim in my house, than constantly thinking about food; cooking food from scratch, researching recipes online, learning about food chemistry for viable substitutions, and growing practices of food stuffs.
I would love to take advantage of Free Donut Day at Dunkin Donuts.  But, fortunately I still remember the last time I had one nearly 10 years ago.  It wasn't good.
I would love to just "go out to eat" and not have to worry about what is on the menu, and whether I trust the staff to follow through on their GF claims, or even the ability to prepare food without cross contamination.
I would love to just not worry about how I will feel after I eat.
I would love to be invited to someone's house without them feeling like I am a burden. 
I would love to just eat whatever is put in front of me. 
I can't though. 
I have a disease and it will kill be if I eat food that my body sees as poison.
I would love to enjoy all my childhood favorites...Tastycakes, Twizzlers, yeast donuts, bagels.   There are substitutes for some of those. 
OK, it's still not the same. 
Now, if I want something that is anywhere near what I remember, I have to make it myself. 
So, the battle sounds something like this..  "Oh, I'd love a tastycake.  Hmm, do I have a recipe? Yeah, I do! Do I have flour?  No.  Oh, but I can't just mix up a batch because since I did that last, I found out that I am actually allergic to one of the ingredients so I have to substitute for that.  Ah, but I bought some flour ingredients to sub out so I can mix up some flour.  Now, do I have time to mix flour before I have to start preparing the next meal for my family?  Nope, guess I will have to wait.  I'll have a carrot..."
Many days when I want to just open a package and eat, I feel like the little red hen:

• grow the ingredients,
• mix the flour
• make the food
• eat the food.

In reality, opening a package, even a GF package often means compromising on something we are sensitive or allergic too.  We have to balance which of the reactions is most severe, and which reactions we are willing to deal with.  (This is a non-issue when the reaction is what I call epi-pen level because the risk can't be taken.  With an autoimmune disease death is still the end result, but not immediate.)

Interestingly, when you have food allergies/intolerances, you become much more aware of what is in food and how it is grown so it can grow into a food ethics issue.  It opens up a whole new can of worms that you likely never gave much thought to beyond calories and perhaps fat content of food.  This becomes another factor in food buying decisions.  As you start looking at what you are eating, you become much more aware of how each ingredient affects you.  I know that gluten makes me very, very ill, in many ways.  But other ingredients have their own symptoms.

Funny though, many of the common food allergy/sensitivity symptoms have popular OTC medications available.  I wonder, would more people be able to avoid the medications if they simply identified the offending food behind the reaction?  Can't mention that to anyone though.  They don't want to "catch" your "food issues".  Because we all know that denial means you don't have "it".

Fortunately, in the end, we have a God who cares for us.  He has provided work-arounds for these problems.  We can make amazing pizza and bread (even if they are gluten, dairy, sugar and yeast free).  And, he has promised heaven...where none of this will be an issue. 

In Heaven, we will all have perfectly balanced gut bacteria and healthy bodies. :)

Now, where's that carrot...

Effect of glyphosate on soil microorganisms...is not good.

This new study out just a few weeks ago found, "our data indicate that GBH toxic effects on soil filamentous fungi, and thus potential impairment of soil ecosystems, may occur at doses far below recommended agricultural application rate."

According to Wikipedia, Risosphere is described as, "The rhizosphere is the narrow region of soil that is directly influenced by root secretions and associated soil microorganisms.  So, this study looked at the effect of glyphosate based herbicides on microbes that were in the areas away from the roots, by looking at a fungus.  Their data showed that the glyphosate based herbicide used in their test actually stimulated the mitochondrial activity.  This mode of action is different that anyone has ever recorded/reported, and at much lower application rates.


______________________________________________________________________________

First online: 11 April 2016

Multiple effects of a commercial Roundup® formulation on the soil filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans at low doses: evidence of an unexpected impact on energetic metabolism

• Valérie NicolasAffiliated withUMS-IPSIT, US31 Inserm-UMS3679 CNRS, Plateforme d’Imagerie Cellulaire, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Pharmacie
• , Nathalie OestreicherAffiliated withLaboratoire VEAC, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté des SciencesPôle Risques MRSH-CNRS, Université de Caen, Esplanade de la Paix
• , Christian VélotAffiliated withLaboratoire VEAC, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté des SciencesPôle Risques MRSH-CNRS, Université de Caen, Esplanade de la PaixCRIIGEN Email author 

Abstract

Soil microorganisms are highly exposed to glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH), especially to Roundup® which is widely used worldwide. However, studies on the effects of GBH formulations on specific non-rhizosphere soil microbial species are scarce. We evaluated the toxicity of a commercial formulation of Roundup® (R450), containing 450 g/L of glyphosate (GLY), on the soil filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, an experimental model microorganism. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) on solid media was between 90 and 112 mg/L GLY (among adjuvants, which are also included in the Roundup® formulation), which corresponds to a dilution percentage about 100 times lower than that used in agriculture. The LOAEL and NOAEL (lowest- and no-observed-adverse-effect levels) associated to morphology and growth were 33.75 and 31.5 mg/L GLY among adjuvants, respectively. The formulation R450 proved to be much more active than technical GLY. At the LD₅₀ and lower concentrations, R450 impaired growth, cellular polarity, endocytosis, and mitochondria (average number, total volume and metabolism). In contrast with the depletion of mitochondrial activities reported in animal studies, R450 caused a stimulation of mitochondrial enzyme activities, thus revealing a different mode of action of Roundup® on energetic metabolism. These mitochondrial disruptions were also evident at a low dose corresponding to the NOAEL for macroscopic parameters, indicating that these mitochondrial biomarkers are more sensitive than those for growth and morphological ones. Altogether, our data indicate that GBH toxic effects on soil filamentous fungi, and thus potential impairment of soil ecosystems, may occur at doses far below recommended agricultural application rate.

New study on Zonulin

New study out this month about Zonulin and NCGS (Non-celiac gluten sensitivity).  Here is the news report on the study.  The study was presented at a conference as an oral presentation.  The notes from the presentation are below.

I'll comment later.  For now I just wanted to save this link.
___________________________________________________________________________

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4669990/

OP269 THE ROLE OF ZONULIN IN NON-CELIAC GLUTEN SENSITIVITY AND IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

M. R. Barbaro¹, C. Cremon¹, G. Caio¹, L. Bellacosa¹, R. De Giorgio¹, U. Volta¹, V. Stanghellini¹, G. Barbara¹

¹Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Contact E-mail Address: ti.obinu@2orabrab.airam

Introduction: Zonulin, the human homolog of the zonula occludens toxin secreted by Vibrio cholera, is the only known endogenous modulator of epithelial tight junctions (TJs) and intestinal permeability. Intestinal bacterial infections and gluten evoke zonulin release in the intestinal milieu and in the bloodstream. A role for zonulin has been demonstrated in different diseases such as celiac disease (CD). Increased intestinal permeability has been reported in Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) although the mechanisms involved are not clear. Zonulin serum levels and its diagnostic value in NCGS and IBS remain undetermined

Aims & Methods: In the present study, we aimed at characterizing zonulin serum levels in patients with NCGS (n=27) and IBS-D (n=15) compared with CD (n=15; positive control) and healthy controls (n=15; HC, negative control). ELISA assay was used to evaluate zonulin serum levels; qPCR was used to evaluate zonulin gene expression in the colonic mucosa. Clinical data, abdominal symptoms and bowel habit were recorded and analysis of HLA alleles was performed. Zonulin serum levels were evaluated in a subgroup of NCGS patients during gluten containing diet (GCD) and gluten free diet (GFD).

Results: CD patients showed significantly higher zonulin serum levels compared to HC (0.033± 0.004 vs 0.007 ± 0.001 ng/mg total proteins, p < 0.0001) and to IBS-D patients (0.012 ± 0.002 ng/mg total proteins, p < 0.001). NCGS showed significantly higher zonulin serum levels compared to HC (0.030 ± 0.006 vs 0.007 ± 0.001, p < 0.05) and IBS-D (p < 0.05). IBS-D patients showed higher zonulin serum levels and colonic mRNA expression compared to HC. Zonulin levels were positively correlated with the titer of anti-TTG antibodies (r:0.6; p < 0.05) and anti-DGP antibodies (r:0.6; p < 0.05). A decrease in zonulin serum levels was observed during GFD compared to GCD (p=0.06) and a comparable decrease was observed for AGA IgG levels (p=0.06). Only HLA-DQ2-positive patients showed a significant decrease in zonulin serum levels during GFD compared to GCD (p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in zonulin serum levels during GFD between HLA-DQ2-positive patients and HLA-DQ2/DQ8 negative ones (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Zonulin serum levels are increased in IBS-D and NCGS, in addition to CD. A positive and significant correlation was found between zonulin serum levels and both anti-DGP and anti-TTG antibody titers. A comparable decrease of AGA IgG and zonulin serum levels was observed during GFD. Interestingly, only HLA-DQ2-positive patients showed a significant decrease of zonulin serum levels during GFD compared to GCD. Our data suggest that a zonulin-dependent TJ dysfunction may play a role in the pathophysiology of IBS and NCGS, particularly in a subset of patients.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared

Glyphosate leaches through soil...

Interesting study I ran across published in early September 2015 that looked at biochar as a way to "reduce the leaching of glyphosate in agricultural soils".  The first thing that struck me is that the very first sentence stated that glyphosate leaches through soil layers into water supplies.  It has been stated by the manufacturers all along that glyphosate doesn't move in the soil.  They say that it stays where it is sprayed, where it degrades.  Monsanto themselves claim in a referred to reference that "field and laboratory studies show it does not leach appreciably"  Unfortunately, that has been found to be false and this study shows that the problem exists to a level that agriculturalist are actively seeking out ways to mediate the glyphosate.  In this study, they did find that the biochar has potential to help reduce glyphosate leaching in soils. 

Folks, glyphosate in the environment is a real issue.  Farmers know this, researchers know this, and the public knows this, yet agribusiness still denies this.  The problem is that when you have known chemicals showing up in water samples from surface water, underground wells and sea waters, the problem is widespread. Glyphosate does indeed accumulate in the environment.

Another study showing glyphosate effect on bees.

What does glyphosate do to bees? Look here at a new Sept 2015 study.

Basically, at low doses(where it has previously been stated to do no harm), it interferes with the ability of honeybees to navigate.  It impairs their cognitive abilities.  They have a hard time finding food and returning to their hive.

Why is this important? 

First, low doses to affect bees.  It has been a "fundamental fact" within the industry that glyphosate is harmless.  Like the executive stated, you can drink it like you would a glass of water.  It is obviously not as harmless as water.  More evidence that the license for glyphosate should be revoked.  It is not as they stated in their paperwork for approval.  Real consequences are being observed.  Secondly, it impairs bees cognitive abilities.  With the concern in the increase in cognitive diseases (alzheimers, autism, depression,...) finding causes behind these could be life changing for so many people.  Any information that could lead to a cause, could help prevent many from disabling conditions.  These are two very important pieces of information.

_____________________________________________________________________

Effects of sublethal doses of glyphosate on honeybee navigation.

J Exp Biol. 2015 Sep;218(Pt 17):2799-805. doi: 10.1242/jeb.117291.

Abstract

Glyphosate (GLY) is a herbicide that is widely used in agriculture for weed control. Although reports about the impact of GLY in snails, crustaceans and amphibians exist, few studies have investigated its sublethal effects in non-target organisms such as the honeybee Apis mellifera, the main pollen vector in commercial crops. Here, we tested whether exposure to three sublethal concentrations of GLY (2.5, 5 and 10 mg l(-1): corresponding to 0.125, 0.250 and 0.500 μg per animal) affects the homeward flight path of honeybees in an open field. We performed an experiment in which forager honeybees were trained to an artificial feeder, and then captured, fed with sugar solution containing traces of GLY and released from a novel site either once or twice. Their homeward trajectories were tracked using harmonic radar technology. We found that honeybees that had been fed with solution containing 10 mg l(-1) GLY spent more time performing homeward flights than control bees or bees treated with lower concentrations. They also performed more indirect homing flights. Moreover, the proportion of direct homeward flights performed after a second release from the same site increased in control bees but not in treated bees. These results suggest that, in honeybees, exposure to levels of GLY commonly found in agricultural settings impairs the cognitive capacities needed to retrieve and integrate spatial information for a successful return to the hive. Therefore, honeybee navigation is affected by ingesting traces of the most widely used herbicide worldwide, with potential long-term negative consequences for colony foraging success.

Glyphosate and Endocrine Disruption (adrenal)

 A new study came out at the beginning of the month (Aug 2015) that looked at endocrine disruption effect of Roundup in adrenal gland of male rats. Here are two articles( an article  and another article) on the study that includes good analysis.

 

  It's an interesting study, and one that may be evidence for someone with adrenal fatigue (or perhaps everyone!)  to be certain they are eating only organic food.  The study found that the "chronic low dose of Roundup had effects similar to 'adrenal insufficiency in humans'."  Even a dose of 10mg/kg bodyweight per day reduced levels of corticosterone (produced in the adrenal glands).  Interestingly, no other effects on the rats were seen at this level, of the things they were observing.  Why is this number important? The NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) for chronic toxicity in multiple generation studies was 30mg/kg for adults and 10 mg/kg for offspring.....the level which was found to cause adrenal effects.  But get this, the government doesn't include multiple generation studies for endocrine disruption in their regulations.

 

 "Implications of the study

The recent information regarding Roundup^® and its metabolites detection in food, water and in human urine [1] signifies the relevance of toxicological studies as one presented. The findings that Roundup^® treatment down regulates endogenous ACTH, is similar to the condition known as adrenal insufficiency in humans. This condition manifests as fatigue, anorexia, sweating, anxiety, shaking, nausea, heart palpitations and weight loss. Chronic adrenal insufficiency could be fatal, if untreated. A progressive increase in its prevalence has been observed in humans [8], while a very few studies relating to xenobiotic exposure and adrenal insufficiency development have been reported. The present study describes one of the possible mechanisms of adrenal insufficiency due to Roundup^® and suggests more systematic studies, to investigate the area further."

 

  Thinking about how these multi generational studies are set up, what does this say about children of adults who have been eating food with Roundup residue? Would they be more sensitive to the current Roundup in the food supply?  What about infants who are drinking soy formula?  These are real issues.  As more research comes out, the regulatory review boards need to be willing to accept that perhaps these chemicals aren't all they were sold to be.  Perhaps, there are very real consequences to health across the board.  This study is further evidence that the glyphosate residue in our food supply could indeed be causing underlying conditions in a great many people, even though they appear to be "otherwise healthy".