Gluten is a protein found mostly in wheat. For some people, gluten is safe. But, for those with a history of celiac disease, gluten can trigger digestive problems.

If you plan to limit or even avoid gluten, you can adopt a gluten-free diet. This diet is not only beneficial for celiac sufferers, you know! There are many other health benefits that you can get. Curious? Come on, check out this article!

What is Gluten Free?

Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as barley and wheat. Not only that, gluten is also commonly found in processed food products such as bread, jam, cereal and pasta. When in contact with water, gluten functions as a glue that binds food ingredients to maintain their shape and provide a chewy texture. On the other hand, the term "gluten free" refers to foods that do not contain gluten at all.

Basically, consuming foods that contain gluten is safe for healthy people. However, it's a good idea to pay attention to its nutritional value. Gluten-free foods are generally low in protein, vitamins B3, B9, and minerals such as magnesium and iron.

Therefore, pay attention to other nutritional intake when choosing gluten-free foods. Consult a nutritionist if you want to adopt a gluten-free diet to ensure nutritional needs are met.

Benefits of Gluten Free Food 

Although gluten has benefits for the body, such as improving digestion, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer, a gluten-free diet offers several advantages, especially for people with certain conditions.

1. Maintaining a Healthy Digestive Tract

A gluten-free diet is a form of diet that is useful for improving the health of the digestive tract, treating problems such as diarrhea, flatulence and constipation. Research in the journal Nutrients shows that individuals with celiac disease who do not follow a gluten-free diet tend to be more susceptible to digestive tract disorders, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. In contrast, those who practice a gluten-free diet are less likely to experience these symptoms.

2. Potential Changes in Weight

A gluten-free diet is often associated with weight loss efforts. This assumption arises due to reduced consumption of certain foods, such as biscuits, cakes and other snacks. However, keep in mind that gluten-free food choices are not always in line with a healthy and nutritious lifestyle. In addition, a gluten-free diet is not a magic solution for losing weight, because some processed products without gluten still contain high calories with limited nutrition.

3. Reduces the Risk of Inflammation

Eating a gluten-free diet may also play a role in reducing the chronic inflammation that can result from celiac disease. As revealed in a study, this diet can help repair intestinal damage caused by inflammation due to gluten.

That's the explanation of gluten free and its benefits for the body. Eating gluten-free foods does have several benefits.However, it is important to remember that this diet should not be done carelessly. Therefore, consult a nutritionist to ensure this diet is suitable for your condition.

References:

https://www.alodokter.com/menelusuri-makna-gluten-free

https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/apa-itu-gluten-free

https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/mengenal-pola-makan-gluten-free-dan-manfaatnya-untuk-kesehatan