Gluten-Free Doesn't (Necessarily) Mean Healthy

One time, Oprah decided to eliminate gluten from her diet for a few weeks. Since then, the gluten-free diet has become a nationwide epidemic, with more products available now than ever before. We’ve all seen the “gluten-free” labels plastered throughout Whole Foods and the Publix Greenwise section, and you’ve probably bought into it, trying to see what the hoopla is all about. For whatever reason, a great majority of us have diagnosed ourselves as intolerant to gluten (I blame Oprah and WebMD, personally), yet only 1% of Americans actually have this disease. So, before you drop the extra cash on these faddy foods, take the time to research what being gluten-free is really about.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, which are the essential grains that make up most breads, cereals, pastas, flours, cookies, and crackers. Gluten is what gives bread its deliciously chewy texture. The protein is also found in other processed products, such as salad dressing, ketchup, ice cream, and toothpaste.

Photo via mealsonwheelspeople.org

Why is gluten bad?

Gluten is only a bad thing for those with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, creating digestive and nutritional health problems. For the other 99% of us not allergic to gluten, it’s perfectly fine, though some doctor’s have linked it to various health issues ranging from depression to weight gain. If you have been encountering digestive problems, have your doctor test you to see if going gluten-free is the solution.

Will going gluten-free help me lose weight?

No, not necessarily. Gluten-free doesn’t mean low in calories or fat. When someone avoids gluten, they’re consequently giving up fast food, therefore resulting in weight loss. If that’s what it takes for you, then by all means continue to act like you have a food allergy. Keep in mind that, though the gluten is removed, you’re still eating processed carbohydrates, so don’t be fooled into thinking it’s any better for you.

Ultimately, you make the decision on what to buy and what to put in your body, so it’s up to you to figure out what makes you the happiest and the healthiest!