Demystifying Gluten: Separating Fact from Fiction

As you probably have notice, gluten is in a lot of items in the grocery store. Everything from bread, pasta, and beer to cosmetics and nutritional supplements. There's a lot of buzz around avoiding gluten, but what is this ingredient and is it actually bad for you? Today I'm going to explain the misconceptions about gluten.

So what is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat plants including barley, rye, and spelt. This protein is naturally occurring and can actually be extracted. This allows for gluten to be used as a binding agent in certain processed foods. Gluten is what gives structure to bread and other foot items, and can thicken things like sauces and soups.

What does gluten do to your body?

Humans have a very complex digestive system which allows our bodies to digest proteins such as gluten. Gluten is no different than any other protein in the fact that we digest them in our stomachs and intestines. This allows our body to get the necessary nutrients from the food we eat.

Gluten is hit in the media because of certain autoimmune diseases like Celiac. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where undigested gluten damages the villi of the small intestine.

Is Gluten Free healthier?

Not necessarily. Gluten free products have less protein, less fiber, and less micronutrients. These products are normally enriched with vitamins and minerals such as folate, riboflavin (B1), niacin, and iron. Normally, gluten-free alternatives also have more calories than the naturally occurring products.

Gluten is not unhealthy for an individual who does not have Celiac disease or non-celiac gluten intolerance. Gluten containing products have been around for ages, and humans have been consuming these products for thousands of years with no issues.

Overall, Gluten should not be restricted in those who can safely consume it. These products are heart-healthy and can be a great addition to a well-balanced diet.