Hey there, viewers!
Have you tried a gluten-free diet?
Your hipster friends just won’t stop talking about it.
When you hear about a popular diet, it’s hard not to jump onto the bandwagon.
This is why more and more Americans are going gluten-free.
In today's video, we’ll be discussing what gluten is, and why you might want to go gluten-free.
What are some good gluten-free foods you should have?
We’re talking all that AND more...
You can find gluten-free products all around you.
Whether it’s pizzas, cupcakes, vitamins, or lip balm.
As the number of people opting for gluten-free foods has increased, the production of these
foods also has risen.
It's no surprise that this particular food industry grossed over $15 million in sales
back in 2016, and has only kept increasing since then.
Do you spend a fortune on gluten-free food?
Which is your favorite?
Sound off in the comment section, and start a conversation with our bestie community.
The effects of gluten have been a topic of debate for a while.
A long term study from 2017 showed no association between heart disease and gluten consumption.
Another study in 2019 found that having gluten daily did not harm the colon in any way.
A few experts believe that gluten is beneficial for all people except those with celiac disease.
Whatever you believe, it’s important to first understand what gluten is.
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains and cereals.
Wheat, rye, barley all have tons of gluten in them.
Wheat is a more popular choice than the rest of these grains.
If you were to study gluten, you would find two proteins inside, one carries all the bad
parts of gluten.
So you can say this little monster is the root cause behind all your gluten issues.
Gluten makes our food so good.
The soft and chewy texture of your bread and pasta are all thanks to this ingredient.
When you mix flour with water, the mixture becomes glue-like and sticky.
This is where the name “gluten” comes from.
After the dough comes in contact with heat, the gluten proteins quickly form an elastic
network to stretch out the trapped gas.
Now you know the secret of those delicious cakes.
A few cuisines encourage the mixing of hot water in flour for maximum gluten effects.
You may not realize it, but this is a key selling point of many processed foods.
It makes your food taste so much better.
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Foods that are filled with gluten
Gluten can be present in both whole and processed foods.
If you can’t tolerate gluten, it’s best to stay away from these foods.
1.
Grains
A few grains are notorious for having loads of gluten in them.
I’m talking about whole wheat, bran, rye, barley and so many more.
2.
Processed foods
This is probably going to shatter some of your favorite meals.
This includes bread, cakes, pastries, cookies, pastas containing wheat, pizzas, a few burgers,
etc.
3.
Beverages and liquid foods
Barley, malt beer, wine, vinegar, soy sauce, salad dressing, thick gravies, broths, soups
& spices are all loaded with gluten.
Flour is used to thicken gravies, or as a stabilizer in other foods.
The product may be gluten-free, but still be contaminated with a tiny bit of gluten
during its processing.
Just ignore these facts if you can live with a little bit of gluten.
If you’re too sensitive, follow all measures to eliminate gluten from your diet.
If you’re at the grocery store, and you’re confused about buying a product, feel free
to look online.
Gluten-free products have been extremely popular at restaurants lately.
Before we move ahead here is another video that may interest you.
Watch and learn about 10 warning signs you have a brain tumor.
Now back to gluten...
4.
Oats
Eating oats can be tricky.
Oats are often transported and processed in the same equipment as wheat.
Wheat, which is full of gluten, leaves its remains behind on the processing equipment.
If oats are processed on the same equipment, they’re sure to get contaminated with gluten.
Do not buy oats that have no information about gluten on them.
Manufacturers will make it a point to mention “gluten-free” oats, which are processed
separately and are free of contamination.
With that said, a few experts believe there’s nothing like gluten-free oats, even if the
packet mentions so.
This is all because of a protein in oats called avenin.
It’s basically the same as gluten.
Both of them have similar structures, and very few people with glucose intolerance show
similar reactions to avenin, just like gluten.
Keep in mind that many people are actually gluten-free, and tolerate oats extremely well.
A lot of gluten-free diets tell you to incorporate oats, as they’re filled with fiber, and
give your body essential nutrients.
If you’re uncertain about where you stand in the oat game, talk to your doctor.
You might learn more about your immune and digestive systems, and rule out any suspected
allergies.
What does a label really mean when it reads gluten-free?
This is important.
As a customer, it’s hard to know what kind of processing the food’s put through before
being packed.
You’re probably unaware of the possible contamination taking place.
This is where food labeling steps in.
Many government authorities require the manufacturer to label products if they’re gluten-free.
A gluten-free label doesn’t mean gluten will be completely absent from the product.
The United States, Canada, and Europe strictly follow the “20 parts per million” rule,
while labeling gluten-free products.
This would mean one million parts of that particular food may have up to 20 parts of
gluten.
This was granted after studies showed that most people will not react to such small amounts
of gluten.
However, there are a few countries that have set the bar as low as 3 parts per million.
This will eliminate even the smallest of risks for the public.
Let's look up a few conditions that require you to truly go gluten-free.
Celiac disease
With this disease, a person's immune system becomes their own worst enemy.
It’s labelled as an autoimmune disease for a reason.
The body itself starts to attack the cells of the small intestine after it’s ingested
gluten.
This disease affects 1% of people all over the world.
The reason for celiac disease remains uncertain.
While it is an autoimmune condition, your genetic makeup can be strongly responsible
for it.
As a response to this disease, it’s best to go gluten-free.
There are two methods to find out if you have celiac disease.
Blood tests and biopsies of the small intestine help doctors confirm the disease.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
This condition mimics celiac disease, but upon testing shows negative results for celiac
disease or wheat allergy.
The symptoms are reversed after you begin a gluten-free diet.
Wheat allergy
This condition is also closely related to gluten intolerance.
If you have a wheat allergy, you can safely consume other gluten products like rye, barley,
etc. without any side effects.
The wheat allergy will require you to stop eating foods that have wheat as a primary
ingredient.
However, people having wheat allergies usually end up following a gluten-free diet, as both
are closely related.
Common effects of gluten intolerance
The symptoms vary from person to person, but these are ones people experience the most.
1.
Digestive disturbances: Diarrhea, bloating, gases, abdominal cramps, pain, and constipation
are commonly seen.
2.
Skin disorders: Eczema, inflammation, and rashes are also observed.
3.
Neurological symptoms: Fatigue, depression, difficulty speaking, confusion, and lack of
focus are the top issues.
4.
Other diseases: Malnourishment, weight loss, poor immunity, headaches, anemia, and osteoporosis
are random conditions you might experience.
Always remember to eat natural, wholesome foods over processed foods.
Many gluten-free recipes and cookbooks are available to buy.
A few gluten-free grains include rice, oats, quinoa, flax seeds and more.
You can also try fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, oil, dairy, eggs, fish, and
meat.
Weight loss cannot be achieved by just going gluten-free.
There are obese people who eat gluten-free cakes, cookies and bread and expect to slim
down miraculously.
A healthy lifestyle all-around will help you achieve this goal.
Sleep has the power to restart your body.
Check out our video on 10 life hacks for a good night's sleep.
Are you in detox mode?
Watch our popular video on 9 great fruits that naturally cleanse your body.
Go ahead, click one.
Or better yet, watch both, and learn more about how to become healthier.
Do you struggle with gluten intolerance?
Let us know in the comments below!