I’ve discussed the link to weight gain and gluten before, but never really addressed whether going gluten-free is the best possible option for my clients in Elk Grove, CA. It’s certainly becoming a very popular catch phrase, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that gluten-free has any benefits. One of the biggest reasons to go gluten-free is being gluten-sensitive, gluten-intolerant or having celiac disease. In cases like that, the answer is to definitely eliminate gluten from the diet, but for the rest of us, the answer isn’t that clear.
The problem with gluten intolerance and celiac disease is growing for a good reason.
Gluten intolerance can cause issues bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation. Celiac disease is far worse. It’s an auto-immune disorder caused by plant proteins called prolamins, which are found in gluten. The body fights it off and that can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, blistering skin conditions, depression, weight loss and a plethora of other problems. There are far more cases of both gluten intolerance and celiac disease in recent years for a reason. A wheat high in gluten was hybridized in the 1960s and now makes up 80% of the market. It makes bread dough more elastic, which aids in capturing air and helping it to rise.
Is high gluten flour good for diabetics?
There are some benefits to having more gluten. Gluten is a protein, therefore, the more you have, the higher the protein your final product will have. It’s good for products that you want thicker and chewier, like bagels. The higher amount of protein should make whole grain higher gluten products a better choice for diabetics, but there’s one caveat. Studies show that about one in one hundred people in the population have celiac disease. However, if you’re diabetic, that number rises to one in ten. Even that higher amount of protein doesn’t make it a good choice.
There’s always a caveat, no matter what you choose.
If you go gluten-free and have gluten sensitivity or Celiacs, you’ll benefit your health. But for the majority of people, is it a healthy option? Not necessarily. You have to check the labels on the products to answer that question. Just like many fat-free products have to add sugar, salt or other ingredients to make the product more palatable, gluten-free products may also face the same changes. Many times they contain a high amount of salt, saturated fat or have an abundance of added sugar to provide the same flavor, texture or satisfaction of a product that contains gluten. In reality, the gluten is better for you than the added ingredients.
- Don’t be fooled by the gluten-free label. Many products are naturally gluten free. Quinoa, oats, corn and brown rice are just a few examples that are naturally gluten-free.
- Check the fiber content of packaged, gluten-free foods. Not only may they be lower in fiber, but also in magnesium and folic acid. Those nutrients are important to good health, maintaining blood sugar levels and weight loss.
- A study published in 2017 found that people eating gluten-free, who didn’t have celiac disease, may have increased their risk for heart disease by eating fewer whole grains.
- Using our meal planning option can help you live healthier with a diet designed specifically for your needs. If you have a problem digesting gluten, we can provide a diet that includes healthy alternatives.
For more information, contact us today at Gym Slayer