Trend diet: What is the real benefit of a gluten-free diet?

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People suffering from celiac disease have a pronounced gluten intolerance. If these people consume gluten-containing products such as pasta or bread, their small intestines and sometimes other organs become severely inflamed.

As a result, symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite or weight loss occur. In the long run, it can even lead to malnutrition and lymph node cancer. Gluten-free products are a way to prevent these people from completely depriving themselves of delicious foods that often contain gluten.

More and more people suffer from less dramatic gluten sensitivity. These people complain of stomach bloating, diarrhea or extreme fatigue after consuming gluten-containing products. Although this intolerance does not cause long-term damage, a gluten-free diet is often recommended for these people.

However, more and more people are choosing to follow a gluten-free diet, even if they do not show any symptoms. In what situations does this make sense?

Is a gluten-free diet healthier?

If you believe ordinary people and dubious experts, various health problems can be solved by a gluten-free diet. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines and even cancer. However, none of these claims have been scientifically proven.

Gastroenterologist Professor Stephan Vavricka also sees it this way: “The gluten-free diet does not help against heart and circulatory problems or diabetes, nor does this diet help you lose weight.” He makes it clear that the positive effects of dietary change are more likely to result from a more conscious approach to nutrition.

On the contrary: If you avoid whole grains, for example, as part of a gluten-free diet, your body is also deprived of healthy fiber, which has a positive effect on heart health and blood pressure.

Does a gluten-free diet help you lose weight?

Cereal wheat is found in most types of bread and pasta. It contains gluten, also called gluten protein. Another common feature of these foods is that they contain plenty of carbohydrates.

If you completely avoid these carbohydrate-heavy products, you can actually lose weight. Expert Vavricka also confirms this. However, this is not due to a lack of gluten in the diet, but rather because you are consuming fewer carbohydrates and therefore limiting your calorie intake.

Many gluten-free substitutes contain cornstarch, sugar, oil and thickeners to achieve a similar consistency. These substances are not slimming products. In addition, the healthy vitamins and minerals contained in original products are sometimes forgotten.

Source : Blick