(BlackDoctor.org) – You’ve probably come across gluten-free cupcakes or freshly baked bread at some point in time. The food phrase is fast-approaching the frequency of “organic,” “natural,” and “green,” labels, but what does it really mean, and is this very restrictive diet something you should be following too?
• In 2008, manufacturers in the United States sold more than $2 billion worth of products with “gluten-free” claims.
• Grains that are naturally gluten-free—such as quinoa and millet—are now becoming increasingly popular.
• Books and websites claim that a gluten-free diet can help with weight loss, autism and dozens of other conditions.
• During a 21-day cleanse, Oprah Winfrey avoided gluten in her summer diet.
So, Should We All Be Avoiding Gluten?
Well, for most people, a gluten-free diet offers no benefits; in fact, it may even bring unwanted results, such as weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Experts concur that gluten-free eating performs wonders for one group of people: those who have celiac disease.
