Gluten-free bread, gluten-free pizza, what is the big deal behind gluten-free eating? Is it healthier for you?
If you’re someone who has celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (gluten intolerance), the answer is, “Yes!” Gluten-free eating is necessary for those who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance to avoid several illnesses and diseases. Before we discover if you may have a problem with gluten, let’s cover some basics.
What is Gluten?
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of gluten by now, but what is it exactly? Although gluten has been given a bad rap, it is a natural protein. That means that gluten is not an additive, it is a part of the makeup of wheat, rye, spelt, and barley. Gluten is what makes a dinner roll or cookie soft and chewy. Gluten acts like a glue and gives some foods its texture and shape.
Foods like cereal, pasta, crackers, birthday cake, and even condiments like soy sauce, salad dressing, and gravy contain gluten. Thankfully, gluten-free alternatives are more accessible for people who must