5 Myths About Gluten Free
While gluten-free diets may seem to be the craze right now, there are some myths out there that you will want to look into before deciding whether or not to go ‘G Free’ as they say.
- First, note that there is a great deal of research behind tomes such as ‘Wheat Belly’ and ‘Grain Brain’. Both Doctors William Davis and David Perlmutter have done extensive research into just what grains do to both the brain and the body. However, they are not simply advocating that you start eating everything labeled ‘gluten free’, and for good reason.
- This leads to the second myth, that anything labeled ‘gluten free’ is good for you. Not true, not true at all, actually. If you are shopping the perimeter of the store, and choosing vegetables, fruits, meats, and dairy products, then yes, these are excellent grain-free options. However, if you are simply perusing the rest of the store and adding ‘gluten-free’ candy, cakes, chips and other processed foods to your cart, then you are missing the point.
These gluten-free processed foods have added salt, sugar and other chemicals to make them look and taste like the original product. Adding sugar to your diet in place of grains is simply replacing one ‘bad’ item with another.
- The third myth is that this type of eating is healthier. Based upon the previous statements, you can see that if you are adding more processed, sugar-laden items to your diet, it is definitely not healthier.
- Another myth is that by eating gluten-free, you will lose weight. If you are replacing grains by eating more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy items and healthy fats, you probably will. However, if you are replacing those grains with sugary, processed foods, you will not lose the weight, and you might even gain some!
- Finally, the fifth myth that you should look into is that ‘everyone’ these days is allergic to gluten. What the studies are showing today is that many people have a gluten sensitivity, but not a full blown allergy. Gluten sensitivity and Celiac’s Disease and completely different things. If you do believe that you have a gluten allergy, you should see a doctor.
The most important thing to take away from the recent ‘gluten-free’ craze is that you should be eating healthier. Shop the perimeter of the store. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy. Add healthy, natural nut butters and heart healthy oils to your cart.
Steer clear of processed, sugary foods, as well as trans fats and you will begin to notice a difference in your body in no time!
