It's Time We Had A Discussion About Gluten

Dear Members of the Twenty-First Century; It's time we had a discussion...

Via scientificamerican.com

Do you know what Gluten is? Jimmy Kimmel asked these people and they really struggled to answer.

Gluten is a protein found in many grains, including wheat, rye and barley. It is found in most breads, cereals, pastas and many processed foods.

People who have a condition called Celiac Disease develop a reaction to gluten that damages the intestine, and so they need to avoid the protein.

Here's the real shocker,

Only about 1 percent of the population have Celiac Disease.

So if you do not suffer from Celiac Disease, should you maintain a GF diet?

Probably Not

For most other people, a gluten-free diet won't provide a benefit. What's more, people who unnecessarily shun gluten may do so at the expense of their health.

That's because whole grains, which contain gluten, are a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Gluten-free products are often made with refined grains, and are low in nutrients.

If you embrace such a diet, you'll end up "eating a lot of foods that are stripped of nutrients." Studies show gluten-free diets can be deficient in fiber, iron, folate, niacin, thiamine, calcium, vitamin B12, phosphorus and zinc.

In saying all this, you can eat a healthy diet without gluten, but you have to be very knowledgeable. People who go gluten-free may feel better because, to avoid the protein, they end up cutting out desserts and junk foods, thus losing weight. They mistakenly attribute that to their gluten-free decision.

Before you switch to a gluten-free diet, you should be evaluated by your physician, and a specialist who can determine if you have celiac disease. Other people who may need to cut back on gluten are individuals who have a wheat allergy — they need to avoid wheat, but not all grains — and people with gluten sensitivity, who may feel better when they eat less gluten.

If You Want To Go Gluten-Free, Do It The Right Way

Nutrimentate / Via nutrimentate.com

Pass it on: If you don't have celiac disease, a wheat allergy or a gluten sensitivity, you're unlikely to benefit from a gluten-free diet.

And remember, if you're anti-gluten, you can't be pro-pizza.