Gluten-Free Myths: Why Gluten is NOT bad for you!

Gluten is NOT bad for you!

1. Only 1% of Americans suffer from Celiac Disease

Gluten is a PROTEIN found in wheat, rye and barley -- triggers an immune response that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. That, in turn, can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, causing malnutrition, anemia, diarrhea and a host of other problems. Other gluten sensitivities exist, but for the general population, gluten is not harmful.

2. Gluten-Free Foods can actually make you FAT! (if you don't suffer from Celiac Disease)

You can lose weight by replacing sources of gluten, like pasta and cakes, with natural gluten-free foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat. But trading in regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, or regular cookies for gluten-free cookies, these may actually increase your calorie intake with processed gluten-free foods.

Note: A lot of products in the supermarket that claim to be 'gluten-free' NEVER contained gluten in the first place E.g. Cheetos. So don't think these products are now magically healthier with the label of 'gluten-free'.

Gluten-free foods often contain rice flour, potato starch etc and these are refined carbs that spike your blood sugar that leads to spikes in blood sugar which makes it difficult to curb cravings and lead to weight gain.

Gluten-free diets tend to be lower in fibre and B-vitamins than their gluten-containing equivalents. As the expert on Dr Oz states, by eliminating Gluten, you may be eliminating foods that could help you lose weight e.g. fibre.

These gluten-free foods often also are more expensive. 

The right mix of healthy carbohydrates, like whole-grain products, is the best way to control and maintain a healthy weight.

Sources:

Very informative Dr. Oz video on busting the Gluten-Free myths!
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/could-gluten-free-diet-be-making-you-fat-pt-1

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/16/gluten-free-diet-myths_n_3280488.html