Eating Gluten Free: The Benefits

By Sarah Baker 

Eating gluten free is a hot, new eating trend that is sweeping the world. It originally started out of necessity for those who have Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance. This is a disease in which the small intestine has a hypersensitivity to gluten, therefore making is difficult to digest some foods. Removing the gluten from your diet would fix the problem. People who were on this gluten free diet have since discovered that there are multiple health benefits from it. And the benefits are...

First, a bit of humor... 

A. If you don’t have Celiac Disease (or even if you do):

By eliminating gluten from your diet, you are eliminating a lot of overly processed foods that are bad for you. You are also more likely to add more fruits and vegetables because they are almost completely gluten free and non-starchy. It also eliminates unhealthy oils and carbs that are found in bread products. It eliminates desserts that are high in sugar and fat as well. Eating gluten free also eliminates fried foods which are full of unhealthy oils and fats because of the gluten in the breading. Some of the possible benefits from eating gluten free are:

Gluten Free: Tropical Wild Blueberry Sundae 

1. Improved cholesterol levels. By eliminating high sugar, high fat, and fried foods, your cholesterol will most likely thank you.

2. Promotes digestive health. Even if you don’t have a gluten sensitivity, eating gluten free can still help promote a healthy digestive system because of the alternate foods you will be eating.

3. Increased energy levels. Less sugars, starches and unhealthy fats and more proteins can help to increase your energy levels.

Gluten Free Foods 

4. Can help ward off viruses and germs. Many of the alternate foods you eat will be full of antioxidants and essential vitamins and minerals, which can help to keep you healthier.

Wild Blueberry Scones 

5. May help promote healthy weight loss. By eliminating the gluten from your diet, you are eliminating other “bad” foods by default. Just make sure that you eat a well-balanced diet that contains essential protein, carbs, and fats and it can help you to lose weight the healthy way.

B. If you have Celiac Disease:

1. It reduces stomach upset, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, and constipation. The main thing that eating gluten effects for those who are sensitive to it is the stomach. When you remove the gluten, it seems to fix the stomach discomfort and issues.

Very Thin Gluten Free Crepes 

2. It reduces headaches, foggy thinking, ADHD like symptoms, and depression. Some people who have a gluten sensitivity have reported that they have these symptoms. Removing the gluten seems to reduce the symptoms.

3. It reduces joint pain, muscle cramping, and numb legs.  Another symptom for some people effected by gluten sensitivity. Most people who have reported these symptoms feel better when having a gluten free diet.

Gluten Free Lemon Poppy Tea Cake

4. It increases energy levels and leaves you less fatigued. Some people who have a gluten sensitivity seem to be tired all the time and never have the energy to do anything. Removing gluten increases energy levels and allows you to do those thing you want to do but never have the energy for.

Eating gluten free can offer many health benefits, both if you have Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance and if you don’t, as long as you do it correctly.  It is imperative that you supplement the nutrients that you aren’t getting when you remove the foods containing gluten from your diet. Natural foods should be the basis of your gluten free diet. Also, make sure that you are reading the labels. Just because it’s gluten free, doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

Vegan Chocolate Banoffee Parfait
(Gluten-free & Dairy-Free)