Around the world, 1 in 100 people has a disease called Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which people cannot process a protein called gluten. Other people may have gluten sensitivities, but not the disease itself.
So why eat gluten free? Besides Celiac Disease, there are some health benefits to eliminating gluten from your diet. Here are 5 gluten-free benefits.
1. Healthier Diet
Because most gluten is found in processed foods, people who eat an abundance of processed food often have problems with weight gain, heart problems or other medical issues. These foods are heavy in sugars, fats, and sodium.
Cutting out gluten and resorting to a diet of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, fresh meats, and so forth, produces a healthier body. Whole foods are full of vital nutrients and minerals which help your body work better than processed foods. And most whole foods, with the exception of grains, are gluten-free.
2. Increased Energy
If you have celiac disease and you eat gluten, chances are you probably are quite tired. One of the reasons is because gluten will damage your intestinal lining, making it difficult for your body to use nutrients from other food sources. This fatigue can impact your daily life.
Eliminating gluten from your diet means that your intestines do not have to feel the effects of gluten and you can heal and absorb nutrients. When you adopt a gluten-free diet, this will help with fatigue and you will feel more energetic.
3. Bloating
While eating grains is a delicious experience for some people, for others it causes digestive distress in the form of bloating. Bloating is when gas builds up in the stomach and causes pain and flatulence.
If eating gluten causes bloating, it could be time to cut it out of your diet, even if you don’t have celiac or sensitivities.
4. Heart Health
While there is some research that points to whole grains promoting heart health, there is also some research that shows that gluten could be cause for concern when it comes to your heart.
This is because people with celiac or gluten sensitivity may not be getting all the nutrients they need. In turn, their heart suffers the consequences. If you have celiac or even have a gluten sensitivity, consider removing the gluten.
5. Improve Your Immune System
When you fill your diet with processed foods that contain gluten, it does a number on your immune system. Your immune system fights off germs and viruses and needs important vitamins and nutrients to function properly.
Eating processed foods, that are full of unhealthy fats and sodium, drag your immune systems down. Replacing your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables which are full of nutrients, can enhance the ability of your immune system, allowing you to fight off colds and other viruses more quickly.
Why Eat Gluten Free? Be Healthy!
When it comes to the question, “Why eat gluten free?” there is a myriad of benefits. Not only will you likely be healthier, but you’ll become more conscious about what you put into your body.
Do you struggle with meal planning or eating healthy? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today to find out how to make healthy eating easier!