First 100% gluten free kitchen Sweet Connection opens in Dubai

Founder Areej Jomaa explains, "We bake for people who are gluten intolerant or suffer from Coeliac disease, as well as those who have allergies to dairy, eggs, sugar etc or for anyone who chooses to follow a gluten free diet for its numerous health benefits."

Areej has become passionate on the subject and has researched a variety of alternatives to create a range of tasty breads, pizzas, cakes, cup cakes and biscuits (cookies) etc, with all the flavour of regular products but without the side-effects.

According to research, between 5 and 10% of all people may suffer from some form of food sensitivity. Gluten intolerance describes three conditions: wheat allergy, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, and coeliac disease. As these conditions are difficult to diagnose, many people are not aware that this intolerance may be the source of other health issues.

Apart from regular customers who have many different allergies, there are people without any food restraints who have become customers, based purely on the great taste of Sweet Connection products.

All Sweet Connection products baked fresh daily are suitable for home freezing. Special items such as birthday cakes can be ordered with a minimum 24 hours' notice.

What is Gluten:

Gluten is found in foods processed from wheat and related grains such as barley and rye, flour, bread, breakfast cereals, pasta and baked goods such as cakes. Gluten features in a variety of less obvious foods: used as a thickener in soups and broths, gravies and sauces, ketchup, salad dressings, or marinades. Since it enhances flavour, it is used in bouillon, spice blends, instant and flavoured coffees, dairy products, vinegars, and liquors as well as meat substitutes.

Gluten Intolerance and Coeliac Disease:

Most forms of gluten intolerance cause the body to produce an abnormal immune response in the presence of wheat or its proteins. An allergy to wheat can produce symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, and digestive problems.

Avoiding gluten altogether is the only way to prevent damage. A gluten-free diet requires a complete understanding of what you are eating. Since gluten is found in so many products, it is important to read labels carefully and know what products might contain it.

Coeliac (Celiac) disease (pronounced see-liac) is an auto-immune disease. Gluten, triggers an immune reaction, damaging the lining of the small intestine. Some symptoms may be mistaken as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or wheat intolerance. Stress or getting older can also be a cause of confusion.