The benefits of a gluten-free diet

Have you heard about the latest health craze? It's known as a gluten-free diet and it has a few health benefits worth considering…

Gluten is a complex protein found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It’s also found in a number of food products including ready packaged meals, junk food, sauces and condiments.  

While only one percent of people have gluten intolerance, a digestive disorder known as coeliac disease, many people are trying a gluten-free diet without a coeliac disease diagnosis. According to gluten-free devotees, the diet has helped them lose weight and has boosted their ability to concentrate.  

And they might be on to something! According to research by Penn State published in Nutritional Neuroscience, a gluten-free and casein-free diet leads to improvements in behaviour and physiological symptoms in some children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).   

Other reported benefits of a gluten-free diet include…  

• Reduces the risk of heart disease 

• Helps ward off germs and viruses

• Reduces bloating

• Improves the immune system and energy levels

• Reduces cholesterol levels

• Assists in the body’s digestive processes

• Effective in weight loss by cutting out processed foods

• Reduces symptoms of dermatitis

 If you want to try cutting out gluten, here are a few food alternatives and healthy snack ideas… 

Gluten-free food alternatives

• Skinless chicken that isn’t crumbed

• Brown rice 

• Lemon juice as a salad dressing

• Fresh or frozen vegetables (not canned)

• Gluten-free pastas, baking mixes and pizza bases

• Regular cheese (not cheese spread)

Gluten-free snacks

• Yoghurt and honey

• Dried fruit and nuts

• Frozen grapes

• Popcorn

• Corn chips and avocado

• Rice cakes and hummus

• Fresh fruit salad

• Vegetable soup

• Hard boiled eggs

• Celery sticks and peanut butter

• Smoothies 

Whether you’re gluten-intolerant or simply looking to improve your diet, give a gluten-free diet a try for a week or two and see if you can feel the difference.

1. Prev:Lose weight without losing your mind
2. Next:Go out of your way and lose weight