Tuesday, January 17, 2012

What’s the Deal with Gluten-Free?



There’s been a lot of hype over the gluten-free diet over the past year, but what is it exactly? Gluten is a protein that is present in grains like wheat, barley and rye, and is also used as fillers or thickeners in the most unsuspecting foods.
Some people might develop a gluten intolerance over time, which can result in some not-so-pleasant gastrointestinal problems, and even worse, celiac disease. These health issues associated with gluten are often misunderstood, which causes millions of people to suffer unnecessarily.
Fortunately, a gluten-free diet may be a solution to fatigue and stomachaches associated with this type of food intolerance. Even if you aren’t diagnosed with any particular gluten issue, it might be worth to give this trendy diet a shot.
Some common gluten-free grainy foods include corn, potatoes, rice, tapioca, quinoa, and buckwheat. These are popular alternatives that can be used in cooking as a replacement for standard wheat flour. Other elements of a gluten-free diet include fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and some dairy products.
While making the switch to a gluten-free diet (or partially gluten-free) is a big change, but many find great health benefits from adopting this new way of eating.