In this day and age, there seems to be a warning label associated with every ingredient in every food product. Through various published studies, media announcements and consuming-scaring articles, foods everywhere are getting the stamp of disapproval and a very bad rap. One example of this media-bashing is gluten. While gluten truly is the monster it's portrayed to be for Celiac disease sufferers and those with a true gluten sensitivity, it's actually quite tolerable to those without the disease (in most cases). Celiac is an autoimmune disease that damages the villi of the small intestine, interfering with the absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms of Celiac disease range from abdominal pain and bloating to fatigue and weight loss. A mere 6% of Americans have a gluten sensitivity and only 1% of Americans truly have Celiac disease. What' s even more shocking, is that of that 1%, only 10-15% are actually diagnosed (http://www.celiaccentral.org/celiac-disease/facts-and-figures/). With such a small number of Americans falling in that category, it is astonishing that gluten-free diets and products have taken off with such gusto. Those who truly suffer from this debilitating condition can attest to the fact that 'going gluten-free' is not a fad and they certainly aren't trying to be 'trendy'.
While eliminating gluten has been shown to have some positive effects on health and well-being for those sensitive to it, it is certainly not a short-cut to ripped arms and the key to a six-pack.....but one can dream, right? The media has exploited this condition and has created quite the frenzy with consumers. Last year, Americans spent $2.64 billion on foods and beverages without gluten, up from $210 million in 2001, according to Packaged Facts, a Rockville, Md.-based market research firm. Sales of gluten-free products are set to exceed $5 billion by 2015 (
http://www.celiaccentral.org/celiac-disease/facts-and-figures/). You have to wonder what percentage of those sales are made up from those who are just trying the latest fad vs. those truly trying to feel better. Going gluten-free is a choice, but it is one that shouldn't be made without thorough research and adequate reason. Of course, those with a true gluten sensitivity or full-blown Celiac disease will feel tremendous relief from eliminating the allergen. However, this type of restriction does have down-sides and potential dangers.
Why Gluten-Free Can Be Dangerous
While gluten elimination is essential for some, gluten-free diets pose specific nutritional dangers to those attempting this lifestyle. In fact, Peter H.R. Green, Director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, states that 'unless people are very careful, a gluten-free diet can lack vitamins, minerals and fiber'. While gluten itself doesn't offer special nutritional benefits, the many whole grains that contain gluten do. They’re full of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron and fiber. Studies show that whole grain foods, as part of a healthy diet, may help lower risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer when consumed in appropriate quantities. In addition, any time you eliminate a whole category of food, you run the risk of developing various nutritional deficiencies. A 2005 report from the American Dietetic Association warned that gluten-free products tend to be low in B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fiber. If that wasn't enough, gluten free products can be up to twice the cost of their gluten-containing counterparts.
Labels Lie
Unfortunately, not all foods being marketed as 'gluten-free' are even remotely healthy. A majority of these products are high in saturated fat and sugar. Others are astonishingly high in calories while containing very little in the way of nutrition. Just because a product is labeled 'gluten-free' does not automatically mean that it does dietary wonders and holds the key to your dream body. In fact, many products have always been gluten-free; but by slapping a shiny label on them with the magical words 'gluten-free', manufacturers can then increase the cost (and their profit) on the product. Sadly, we buy into it- like putty in their hands. Some examples of brands using this marketing tactic are: Frito-Lays (Lays, Doritos, Ruffles, Cheetos, Tostitos), Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes and Frostings, Gushers, Fruit Rolls Ups, Yoplait Yogurt, Red Bull, Monster, etc. The number of food and beverage packages with gluten-free package claims or tags rose from fewer than 1,000 at the end of 2006 to over 2,600 by 2010.
To sum it all up, the gluten-free way of life may provide miraculous benefits for those with a true sensitivity or disease. For Celiac sufferers, these products can be life-changing. However, for the remaining 99% of us, we are simply a statistic in a giant marketing ploy. Do your research, make smart choices, and remember that healthy food shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Focus on whole, natural foods, that provide an abundance of nutrition without all the fancy labels.
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef
www.TasteofHealthOnline.com
While eliminating gluten has been shown to have some positive effects on health and well-being for those sensitive to it, it is certainly not a short-cut to ripped arms and the key to a six-pack.....but one can dream, right? The media has exploited this condition and has created quite the frenzy with consumers. Last year, Americans spent $2.64 billion on foods and beverages without gluten, up from $210 million in 2001, according to Packaged Facts, a Rockville, Md.-based market research firm. Sales of gluten-free products are set to exceed $5 billion by 2015 (
http://www.celiaccentral.org/celiac-disease/facts-and-figures/). You have to wonder what percentage of those sales are made up from those who are just trying the latest fad vs. those truly trying to feel better. Going gluten-free is a choice, but it is one that shouldn't be made without thorough research and adequate reason. Of course, those with a true gluten sensitivity or full-blown Celiac disease will feel tremendous relief from eliminating the allergen. However, this type of restriction does have down-sides and potential dangers.
Why Gluten-Free Can Be Dangerous
While gluten elimination is essential for some, gluten-free diets pose specific nutritional dangers to those attempting this lifestyle. In fact, Peter H.R. Green, Director of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, states that 'unless people are very careful, a gluten-free diet can lack vitamins, minerals and fiber'. While gluten itself doesn't offer special nutritional benefits, the many whole grains that contain gluten do. They’re full of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, iron and fiber. Studies show that whole grain foods, as part of a healthy diet, may help lower risk of heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer when consumed in appropriate quantities. In addition, any time you eliminate a whole category of food, you run the risk of developing various nutritional deficiencies. A 2005 report from the American Dietetic Association warned that gluten-free products tend to be low in B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fiber. If that wasn't enough, gluten free products can be up to twice the cost of their gluten-containing counterparts.
Labels Lie
Unfortunately, not all foods being marketed as 'gluten-free' are even remotely healthy. A majority of these products are high in saturated fat and sugar. Others are astonishingly high in calories while containing very little in the way of nutrition. Just because a product is labeled 'gluten-free' does not automatically mean that it does dietary wonders and holds the key to your dream body. In fact, many products have always been gluten-free; but by slapping a shiny label on them with the magical words 'gluten-free', manufacturers can then increase the cost (and their profit) on the product. Sadly, we buy into it- like putty in their hands. Some examples of brands using this marketing tactic are: Frito-Lays (Lays, Doritos, Ruffles, Cheetos, Tostitos), Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes and Frostings, Gushers, Fruit Rolls Ups, Yoplait Yogurt, Red Bull, Monster, etc. The number of food and beverage packages with gluten-free package claims or tags rose from fewer than 1,000 at the end of 2006 to over 2,600 by 2010.
To sum it all up, the gluten-free way of life may provide miraculous benefits for those with a true sensitivity or disease. For Celiac sufferers, these products can be life-changing. However, for the remaining 99% of us, we are simply a statistic in a giant marketing ploy. Do your research, make smart choices, and remember that healthy food shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Focus on whole, natural foods, that provide an abundance of nutrition without all the fancy labels.
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef
www.TasteofHealthOnline.com