Gluten is a glue-like substance found in many types of grain, such as wheat and barley. This compound greatly influences the texture of many grain-made products, such as breads and pasta--the gluten allows a fluffier, thicker texture in breads. Gluten has become a hot topic in food and nutrition of late--according to NaturalNews.com, as much as $1.5 billion annually is made off the production of gluten-free foods. This can be very beneficial if you are sensitive to gluten, but other benefits are mostly claims made by individuals.
Digestive Improvements
According to NaturalNews.com, as much as 8 percent of the population experiences slight upsets to the stomach and digestive system when eating gluten. Less than 1 percent experience extreme immune reactions to gluten, such as allergies, and celiac disease sufferers cannot consume gluten due to the damaging effects it has on their intestinal lining. Eating gluten-free can create a safe diet for individuals with celiac disease and ease the symptoms of those who experience mild discomfort from gluten consumption.
More Energy
Many individuals report feeling more energetic and healthy when they eat a gluten-free diet. According to NaturalNews.com and CBSNews.com, Gwyneth Paltrow is one celebrity who opted for a gluten-free diet and has experienced raised energy levels and improved health. Paltrow endorses eating gluten-free foods as a means of staying healthy. Others report feeling sluggish the day after consuming large amounts of gluten, and for this reason prefer to avoid it when possible.
Downsides
While some who eat gluten-free see clear advantages, medical science has not yet proven that anyone not suffering from celiac disease gains any benefit from eating a diet free of gluten, although unknown benefits may exist. Additionally, the conversion to a gluten-free diet is often accompanied by the use of a supplement to aid in the transition, according to FamilyDoctor.org. For this reason, if you're seeking to convert to gluten-free foods you should consult a doctor or nutritionist prior to changing your diet.
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