FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AUSTIN, TEXAS, August 20, 2010 – World Wise Grains, makers of ARZU, is pleased to announce the launch of ARZU products in the following three Smoothie King Franchises, Inc. locations:  327 W Esplanade Ave., in Kenner; 7215 Veterans Blvd., in Metairie; and 1830 N. Causeway Blvd., in Mandeville.  For the month of September, and while supplies last, the three participating stores will give free ARZU samples with any gluten free smoothie.

“We are thrilled to launch product with such a great company that is focused on nutrition and a company based in our home state of Louisiana,” said Kristen Erdem, Co-owner and Director of Sales and Marketing.  “ARZU is so versatile, and we are pleased to see it as an offering to Smoothie King customers looking for delicious gluten free alternatives.”

ARZU is a blend of Quinoa, Buckwheat and Legumes, packed with 8g of protein, and 23 percent of daily fiber in a single serving. Since ARZU is gluten-free, people diagnosed with Celiac Disease or experience symptoms of gluten intolerance can gain the benefits of whole grains without the side effects of gluten.  ARZU can be used alone, as a side dish or as an ingredient in many recipes.

“In the beginning, we wanted to create a healthy alternative for children,” said Kim Wirth, R.N., B.S.N., World Wise Grains’ co-owner and Director of Product Development. “What we discovered was that not only could those who suffer from Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity enjoy the benefits of our healthy grain combination, it also makes a perfect exercise recovery snack, since it is naturally high in fiber and protein, contains low glycemic carbohydrates and is low in fat and sodium – that’s why we are so excited about working with Smoothie King to offer this product in their stores.”

According to Celiac.com, gluten intolerance is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 133 Americans. Symptoms of Celiac Disease can range from the classic features, such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, to latent symptoms such as isolated nutrient deficiencies but no gastrointestinal symptoms.

ABOUT WORLD WISE GRAINS

World Wise Grains is a privately-held, Austin-based company that distributes ARZU (Turkish for hope), an exotic and versatile mix of the healthiest, tastiest variety of delicious grains and legumes.   ARZU is an incredibly healthy gluten-free food, naturally high in fiber and protein, low in fat and sodium, and is the result of the owners’ three year quest for the perfect food.   Arzu launched to the American market in Austin, Texas at Dell Children’s Medical Center in the Holy Roast Café and Perks gift store. It is also available at Peoples Pharmacy and other retail outlets throughout Louisiana and Texas.  You can get more information or order online at www.worldwisegrains.com.

It is back to school time again. Everyone in my neighborhood is looking forward to great tasting  back to school treats. Thanks to my neighbor, McCall, for thinking of this recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp Butter or margarine
• 4 cups gluten free marshmallows
• 2 tsp gluten free vanilla
• 2 cups Arzu Original Flavor
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Directions:

• In a 3 quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
• Remove from heat, add vanilla.
• Add Arzu and mix well.
• Spoon into a greased 7×11 or 9×9 pan.
• Pat down and cool completely.
• Cut into 1 inch squares. Makes 36 squares.

Per square- Cal 52, Carb 9gm, Sugar 4gm, Fiber 1gm, Fat 1gm, Protein 1gm

I get asked this a lot, and I can tell you that many that have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia that have eradicated gluten from their diets have experienced their symptoms lessening. So is there a link?

It’s clear that gluten sensitivities and other foods cause their own set of symptoms or may exacerbate the symptoms of fibromyalgia. But there is simply not enough research to determine if the two are totally related.

Since many of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia are similar to gluten intolerance (and even Celiac’s Disease) it is commonly misdiagnosed. Of course when this happens, and people remove the gluten from their diets, the symptoms often subside.
If you have Fibromyalgia or another auto-immune disorders, you may consider a trial of eliminating gluten from your diet and see if your symptoms improve. It’s not like the body needs gluten at all, and in the last few years, there’s been an explosion in foods that taste great and are completely gluten free, making eating gluten free easier than ever.

Kim Wirth is a registered nurse in Austin, Texas with significant experience helping people to live full lives without the presence of gluten in their diets. Send her questions at kwwirth@yahoo.com