What Are The Misconceptions And Facts About Gluten-Free Diet? Expert Weighs In

A gluten-free diet comes with multiple health advantages, especially for those who are sensitive to gluten. People with gluten sensitivity can reduce their symptoms of bloating, lethargy, and abdominal pain by removing gluten, a protein that is present in wheat, barley, and rye. A gluten-free diet can also help people with celiac disease absorb nutrients more effectively and maintain improved intestinal health.

In addition, some individuals who do not have gluten-related illnesses decide to adopt a gluten-free diet in order to investigate possible advantages, including improved energy and better weight control. But in order to guarantee a well-rounded nutrient intake, naturally gluten-free foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa must be included.

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Dt. Deepali Sharma, who is a clinical nutritionist at the CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, exclusively told Jagran English about the myths and facts around the gluten-free diet.

According to Dt. Deepali, "the gluten-free diet has exploded in popularity, but alongside its rise, a cloud of misinformation has swirled."

Myths And Facts About The Gluten-Free Diet

Myth 1: Gluten is only found in wheat and its derivatives.

Fact: Gluten is one of the most common additives present in processed foods. It can be found in a wide variety of products, including sauces (soybean, tomato, mustard, and mayonnaise), cheeses (pecorino and parmesan), preserved foods (capers, olives, tuna, and other foods containing vinegar), and chocolate.

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Myth 2: A gluten-free diet is healthy for everyone.

Fact: Gluten does not have any nutritional benefits. However, many gluten-free alternatives often rely on processed ingredients like starches and sugars to compensate for texture, potentially increasing calorie and fat intake. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, regardless of their gluten content, for true nutritional value.

Gluten-Free Diet (Image Credit: Canva)

Myth 3: A gluten-free diet will help you lose weight.

Fact: A diet that substitutes processed foods with foods that are naturally gluten-free (such as fruit, vegetables, rice, quinoa, or grains) can help with weight loss, as this will improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the body.

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Myth 4: All gluten-containing foods are bad.

Fact: Whole grains like barley and rye are packed with dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, essential for a healthy diet. Additionally, some people with no diagnosed gluten sensitivity may tolerate these grains perfectly.

At last Dt. Deepali said, "Consulting a healthcare professional before embarking on a gluten-free journey is important. They can assess a person’s needs and guide them towards a truly healthy and sustainable dietary approach, gluten-free or not."