Myths and Realities about Gluten

Read in EnglishIn recent years, many people have given up gluten-containing foods despite not having celiac disease, also known as celiac disease, due to the negative information circulating about this substance. At Kiwilimón, we will tell you the myths and realities surrounding this protein, so you can determine whether or not you should follow a gluten-free diet. What is gluten?Gluten is a protein found in many cereals, such as wheat, barley, and rye, as well as in foods like pasta, bread, pizza, and soy sauce, among other products. In the case of people with celiac disease, they cannot consume gluten-containing foods, as this will cause inflammation, damage to the intestine, and other reactions in the body. You can also read: 4 reasons why Meatless Monday is a good ideaWho should adopt a gluten-free diet?According to the Harvard Medical School, people who should avoid gluten-containing foods are those with celiac disease, as this is essential for maintaining health. On the other hand, there are individuals who, although not allergic, do have gluten intolerance. These individuals experience symptoms such as inflammation, diarrhea, and stomach pain when consuming foods that contain this protein. Therefore, there are two groups that should adopt a gluten-free diet: those with celiac disease and those who experience discomfort after eating such foods. In any case, it is highly recommended to consult a specialist who will determine whether you can eat gluten or not. What is wrong with gluten?According to experts, gluten is not harmful, as to date, there are no scientific studies proving that consuming gluten-free foods will improve your health or help prevent various diseases. You can also read: 10 foods to boost your immune systemIs it bad to stop eating gluten?Although this type of diet can have many benefits for certain individuals, stopping the consumption of gluten-containing products can have an adverse effect on your health, as these foods often contain vitamins and minerals such as iron and folic acid. On the other hand, experts from Harvard University indicate that gluten-free foods are often higher in sugar and fat, while containing less fiber. Additionally, recent studies suggest that individuals following gluten-free diets may gain weight. The benefits of glutenAlthough it is currently trendy to choose all kinds of gluten-free foods, which are more expensive, scientific studies confirm the benefits of consuming gluten. A study published in 2017, which involved 100,000 people without allergies to this protein, found no evidence that a diet including gluten was associated with heart disease. On the contrary, the study indicates that people who do not consume such foods are more likely to suffer from heart diseases. Moreover, several studies have linked the consumption of grains with better health. People who consume more whole grains are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, strokes, and other heart diseases.Now that you know that gluten is not as bad as it seems and if you are sure that you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, it is important that you avoid this protein. It is highly recommended to consult a specialist and maintain a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, protein, legumes, seeds, nuts, animal protein, and gluten-free foods such as quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, corn, oats, and buckwheat. You can also read:The multiple benefits of eating cabbage Gluten-Free RecipesAt Kiwilimón, we care about your health, which is why we have a wide selection of gluten-free recipes for any occasion, dare to try them. Gluten-Free DessertsGluten-Free BreadsGluten-Free RecipesGluten-Free Side Dishes