Gluten-free foods have one specific purpose – to remove gluten from the diet!
In this respect they are very beneficial for those who are medically advised to follow a gluten-free approach for health purposes. For example, individuals with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease are encouraged to restrict gluten, otherwise they might experience symptoms similar to IBS (bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea). It’s also important to identify and distinguish between these conditions through a blood test. This is because coeliac disease can have long-lasting side effects if left untreated, such as permanent damage to the intestinal walls and mal-absorption of essential nutrients.
For us more fortunate folk, eliminating gluten does not provide ANY health benefits. It’s the equivalent of excluding peanuts or shellfish just because your friend is allergic. Sounds silly, right?
Gluten is in fact a naturally occurring mixture of two proteins, not a chemical or preservative. These two proteins (glutenin and gliadin) help maintain the shape and structure of certain foods. This is why gluten-free bread does not have the same texture as wheat-based options, although it certainly has improved in recent years! Before reaching for that gluten free label, ask yourself, “why?” If it is for the perceived weight loss or health benefits, think again!
Remember, the priority of these foods is to remove gluten which often results in a more processed, less nutritious end product with far more ingredients. For example, when comparing gluten-free pasta to traditional whole wheat pasta, per 100g serving the gluten-free varieties will often contain more calories and carbohydrates, and significantly less protein and fibre. This is in comparison to gluten-containing products such as wheat, oats, rye and barley - all of which are whole grains that provide a wealth of health benefits!
This reiterates that exclusion within a diet without good reason is unlikely to result in superior health status. Ultimately, gluten is what makes bread BREAD - so enjoy your toast and pizza crusts!