
Everyone is aware of dry fruits’ benefits for health, however,…
Varleen Kaur is a Qualified Dietitian. In Fitelo, she is currently serving as a Subject Matter Expert, in the Department of Performance and Marketing.
Gluten has been in the limelight for a number of reasons. From youngsters to adults, everybody’s now switching to Gluten-free diets thinking it to be a fashion statement that helps to lose weight. But is this decision worth taking? Thus, read the full blog to know the reality of your myths.
Gluten is a family of proteins that live in flours like wheat, rye, barley, etc. The two main members of the gluten family include glutenin and gliadin.
Gliadin is responsible for causing all the adverse effects on human health, for which the entire gluten family gets a bad name. When these flours are mixed with water, proteins of the gluten family form a mesh-like structure, or in other words form an elastic network, that gives elasticity to the dough and thus these flours find their use in bakery items.
Then, what does gluten-free mean? Gluten-free refers to a diet or product that does not contain gluten.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. But what does that mean? It means that when one consumes gluten or products rich in gluten, the body treats gluten as a bad guy. And also our immune warriors attack gluten and also the inner lining of our gut. Thus, this reaction causes micronutrient deficiencies and also severe digestive issues. Adding to this, it also paves the way for a number of diseases.
In this condition, people do not test positive for celiac sensitivity, but their body reacts negatively to gluten.
An allergy to wheat can be a result of a reaction to any of the members of the gluten family, namely, globulin, albumin, gliadin, or glutenin. Additionally, this causes digestive discomfort.
Intolerance to wheat means that a person can experience the same symptoms as gluten intolerance, but it doesn’t mean that they have both conditions. They might only be intolerant to albumin, for example, but not to gluten. So, a person who is gluten intolerant is also wheat intolerant because gluten proteins are found in wheat. Thus, this means that a wheat-intolerant person won’t necessarily have to avoid gluten if they are reactive to a different protein.
Like any other allergy or sensitivity, gluten intolerance also has some common symptoms.
So, now that we have established what is gluten and what are the problems associated with it. Thus, let’s dive into the foods you can avoid if you are gluten intolerant.
What To Include | What To Avoid |
Include Fresh Fruits And Vegetables Fruits and vegetables Beans, seeds, legumes, and nuts in their natural and unprocessed forms Eggs Lean, non-processed meats, fish, and poultry Most low-fat dairy products | Avoid All Foods And Drinks Which Includes The Following Wheat Barley Rye Triticale — a cross between wheat and rye Oats, in some cases |
Grains, Starches, Or Flour That You Can Include Amaranth Arrowroot Buckwheat Corn — cornmeal, grits, and polenta labeled gluten-free Flax Gluten-free flours — rice, soy, corn, potato, and bean flours Hominy (corn) Millet Quinoa Rice, including wild rice Sorghum Soy Tapioca (cassava root) Teff | Avoid Processed Foods They Often Contain Gluten Bread Bulgur wheat Beer, ale, porter, stout (usually containing barley Cakes and pies Candies Cereals Communion wafers Cookies and crackers Croutons French fries Gravies Limitation of meat or seafood |
Almond flour Coconut flour Rice flour Chickpea flour (gram flour) Buckwheat flour Gluten-Free Snacks: Popcorn (plain, not flavored) Rice cakes Veggie sticks with hummus Gluten-free granola bars Gluten-free crackers | Malt, malt flavoring, and other malt products (barley) Matzo Pastas Hot dogs and processed lunchmeats Salad dressings Sauces, including soy sauce (wheat) Seasoned rice mixes Seasoned snack foods, such as potato and tortilla chips self-basting poultry Soups, bouillon, or soup mixes Vegetables in sauces |
Are oats gluten free? Yes, oats are naturally gluten-free. Add these oats biscuits recipes to your gluten free diet plan.
In closing, the world of gluten-free living is brimming with possibilities, flavors, and benefits. Whether you’re moving to gluten-free for health reasons, experimenting with new recipes, or supporting a loved one, the key is to approach it with an open mind and a positive spirit. Meanwhile, by educating yourself with knowledge, debunking myths, and trying out the array of delicious options available, you’re well on your way to making gluten-free living a seamless and enjoyable part of your life.
Fun Fact
Do you love Roti? Also, are you finding it hard to give up on roti in every meal with the worry of gaining kilos? But, what if we tell you Roti doesn’t make you fat? Well, most of us have this misconception that roti is bad because of its carb content. Click here to know what we have to say about it.
Let me introduce you to Parth, who gained weight because of his busy life. He tried different methods but nothing worked for him. But with the help of Fitelo’s expert and his steer determination, he managed to lose 8 kg in 30 days. Want to know how we helped him to achieve his goal? Know his complete story!
Many naturally gluten-free foods can be a part of a healthy diet:
Switching to gluten-free roti alone is not likely to guarantee weight loss. Weight loss not only depends on what you eat but also depends on your overall caloric intake, nutrient content, portion control, and metabolism. Additionally, a balanced and sustainable approach, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, is vital to successful weight loss.
Yes, ragi, also known as finger millet, is naturally gluten-free. It is a nutritious grain commonly consumed in various parts of the world, especially in South Asia and Africa. Ragi can be a good alternative for people who need to avoid gluten due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Contact Us
It is important to note that every individual’s dietary needs and preferences are unique. It’s essential to consult a registered dietitian before introducing something new to your meal plan based on specific macronutrient goals and nutritional needs. So, contact us today if you are looking for a customized diet plan. Also, we will discuss how we can help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Disclaimer
This blog post was written to help you make healthier and better food choices. So be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting any diet. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns before starting.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.
Everyone is aware of dry fruits’ benefits for health, however,…