We have all seen the ‘Gluten Free’ label stamped across many food products haven’t we? There is even a ‘free from’ section in most supermarkets, with everything from gluten free, dairy free, wheat free, sugar free and soy free. But, are these foods healthy and should we be choosing them over traditional versions?
There is no definite answer to that question as it varies so much, but I will try to lay down the facts so you can make better decisions when it comes to your food shop.
Firstly, what is gluten?
Gluten is a mixture of 2 proteins that are found in wheat, barley and rye. It gives the elasticity to bread and acts as a glue to other baked products and grains. People who are intolerant to gluten are called Coeliacs. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that effects the small intestine and causes the body to launch an attack on it’s own healthy tissue. If undiagnosed people can become very ill.
It’s important to note there’s a difference between a coeliac sufferer and someone who’s gluten sensitive. People who’re gluten sensitive can still eat wheat, barley or rye with some common side affects like bloating, stomach cramps and frequent visits to the toilet, but the body doesn’t attack itself like in Coeliacs. I follow a gluten free diet 80% of the time, not because I’m coeliac but because I display the uncomfortable bloating symptoms after consuming it.
You may notice when shopping in the free from section, you can buy cakes, bread, cereals and biscuits. These aren’t any more healthy for you than the originals, they still contain sugar, trans fats and have been processed in some way.
If you understand food labels, then you have a huge advantge in knowing if the product is healthy or not. It’s very difficult to do this otherwise, so here are a few facts to help you read the jargon a little better.
Start by looking at the Ingredients list first as the contents are listed in order of quantity. For example, if the first item is sugar (or anything ending in ‘ose’) then the majority of the product is made up of sugar and should be avoided.
A lot of manufacturing companies have clever marketing knowing they can sell products to the weight loss market with ‘gluten free’ or ‘sugar free’ versions, as well as individuals who don’t fall into this category with their regular product.
It has been known for items like jacket potatoes listed on food menus as gluten free, despite the fact they are naturally free from gluten anyway. Would it be to entice the health concious consumer to pick that meal?
In general, if you’re trying to lead a healthier lifestyle you can’t go wrong with eating a colourful diet that contains lots of veggies. Try also reducing statchy carbs and grains a get a good amount of protein with each meal and drink plenty of water.
