Gluten is a combination of proteins that are most commonly found in wheat and other cereals such as rye and barley. In baked goods, it increases the chewiness and texture of the product. It can also be used as a thickener in other foods as broth and soup, protein supplements and flavor enhancers. Some people are intolerant or allergic to gluten and must continue to have a gluten-free diet. This is because your body cannot break down or digest gluten. If you are not familiar with this diet, here are some things you should know.

Gluten-free is not more nutritious

Many people mistakenly believe that gluten-free foods contain more minerals and vitamins, but this is not the case. If you don't have the guidance of a dietitian, you can quickly develop mineral and vitamin deficiency. Most foods that are not fortified or rich in nutrients such as iron and folic acid such as wheat flour. When you get rid of gluten, it usually means adding more fat and sugar to your diet. When you take out the gluten, the food may not taste as good, so they add extra sodium, fat and sugar to make up for the lack of taste. For example, a conventional blueberry muffin contains 340 calories, containing 24 grams of sugar and 17 grams of fat. Gluten-free blueberry muffins contain 370 calories and 31 grams of sugar and 13 grams of fat.

You can increase your weight

Some people think that when they continue to use a gluten-free diet, they start to lose weight, but there is no evidence that gluten-free is a good strategy to reduce extra weight. The reason this diet can cause obesity or overweight is extra calories, fat and sugar. Those who suffer from celiac disease due to gluten tend to gain weight when they are gluten-free for the first time. This is because the damage caused by gluten to their small intestine prevents their body from digesting food in the right way. Once the gluten is abandoned, their digestive system heals, so they can absorb key nutrients and vitamins from the food they are eating.

Your grocery bill may increase

Food without this substance is more expensive than food without food. It can be twice or more the price. For example, the price of a regular brownie cake is about 8 cents, but a gluten-free brownie is about 28 cents. One reason they are more expensive is the increased cost of the manufacturer to meet labeling and certification requirements.

Gluten-free diet – what should you know? was originally published on Spring