Gluten is a protein that is usually found in some grains like wheat, rye and barley.  Gluten is a Latin word that means “glue” as it makes the dough of baked goods not only elastic but also stretchable.

What does Gluten-free diet mean?

As gluten is found primarily in wheat and barley, going gluten-free means strictly avoiding these grains. Gluten-free diet is indispensable for people suffering from gluten allergies or celiac disease, a condition which leads to intestinal damage when gluten is consumed.

This disease affects nearly 1%–2% of the population worldwide. People diagnosed with celiac disease face a plethora of issues when they ingest gluten, even when they consume something such as a few crumbs of bread.

Other Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity

Symptoms of gluten sensitivity often arise outside the digestive system and can include headaches, joint pain and numbness in the extremities.

List of Gluten-free food items

• Quinoa

• Brown rice

• Sorghum

• Millets

• Amaranth

• Bananas

• Apples

• Berries

• Peaches

• Pears

• Broccoli

• Bell peppers

• Mushrooms

• Onions

• Carrots

• Green Beans

• Cheese

• Yogurt

Benefits of Going Gluten-Free

• Improves cholesterol levels

• Promotes digestive health

• Boosts energy levels

• Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disorders

Aren’t all gluten-free foods healthy?

Although going gluten free has become a popular diet trend in the past 8-10 years, doing so without a legitimate cause might lead to vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.

However, if you want to switch to a gluten-free diet by choice, you need to be extremely careful of what you eat.