can anyone make a case for gluten being healthy?

coldhonkey
coldhonkey Posts: 13
in Food and Nutrition
gluten seems to be connected to many ailments but even if its too soon to know for sure can anyone make a case for gluten being healthy for us? seems like whatever its in isnt very healthy. wheat bread? so lets say the research proves gluten is not harmful after all, is it healthy? if its neither than what is its purpose in our food system? i understand people needed to survive on the stuff but now most of us can make the best choice for our health
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Replies

  • BluejayNY
    BluejayNY Posts: 301 Member
    I just say listen to your own body. All I know is that I tried to be gluten free and just felt bad. I feel much better when I include whole grain wheat.
  • Pinkylee77
    Pinkylee77 Posts: 432 Member
    gluten is a protein, protein is important in over all health if you are a vegan or vegetarian Setain (sp) is a good source of protein. So yes it can be healthy.
  • sympha01
    sympha01 Posts: 942 Member
    gluten seems to be connected to many ailments but even if its too soon to know for sure can anyone make a case for gluten being healthy for us? seems like whatever its in isnt very healthy. wheat bread? so lets say the research proves gluten is not harmful after all, is it healthy? if its neither than what is its purpose in our food system? i understand people needed to survive on the stuff but now most of us can make the best choice for our health

    I give up on the HTML. But my opinion of your question can be found here.

    http://www.nightfox.es/an-ax-to-grind-a-practical-ax-manual-united-states-department-of-agriculture-forest-service/

    Edited to try to fix html
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • Pearsquared
    Pearsquared Posts: 1,656 Member
    I was going to argue on the semantics of "healthy" but I think I'll hold back tonight.
  • IAteBethDitto
    IAteBethDitto Posts: 98 Member
    The issue about gluten getting an unhealthy reputation could be down to the fact that coeliac disease might be very much underdiagnosed.

    I sat through a presentation on this at a conference just a few weeks ago.

    For example, read this from the 1980s: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1714677/pdf/brmedj00046-0032.pdf
  • IAteBethDitto
    IAteBethDitto Posts: 98 Member
    Edited: duplicate post.
  • Vailara
    Vailara Posts: 2,470 Member
    I believe it's most useful in baking/bread-making. (Cooks will be able to tell you more, but I think it's to do with its role in rising and texture). It's not so much a health benefit as a culinary benefit.
  • elliej
    elliej Posts: 466 Member
    Someone has already mentioned gluten's a protein, also the other ingredients that go into all the delicious gluteny products like wholemeal seeded breads can have many health benefits
  • kristen6022
    kristen6022 Posts: 1,923 Member
    Gluten free is healthy for people who have a known intolerance to it. It's not something to do because you want to lose weight. Some people feel great when they eliminate gluten, some feel crappy. It's like going vegetarian or dairy free. It's something you should do because you think it will help you lose weight, it's something you do because you feel it would make you feel better.
  • RoseTears143
    RoseTears143 Posts: 1,121 Member
    Gluten IS a protein - it's the protein in wheat, rye, and barley. What makes it healthy is for people that can't digest it properly to eliminate it. You know you can't digest something properly if you get bloating, gas, digestive upset, or general discomfort after eating something. It can take minutes to a few hours after eating something to feel those type of symptoms. I don't understand why people continue to eat food that bloats them and makes them gassy thinking it's normal - it's not. No food should make your body react that way. I don't care how good it tastes, it's not worth it IMO.
  • TheVimFuego
    TheVimFuego Posts: 2,412 Member
    I can make a case for it being tasty :)

    It's wot sticks my bread together innit?
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Uhh, not sure I get the question. Humans have been consuming and living on gluten based foods for thousands of years. Some people are allergic to it. Those people shouldn't eat it, just like people who are allergic to strawberries shouldn't eat strawberries. It's really not a complicated concept.
  • astrovivi
    astrovivi Posts: 183 Member
    Unless you have celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity (real, not imagined), then there is no reason to avoid gluten.

    It is only a problem for people who react to the protein.

    That's a sufficient case. Like all things, moderation is the key. don't overconsume foods high in gluten and you reduce your risk of overexposure and developing a sensitivity.

    Enjoy it if it is not a problem for you.

    Many gluten free prepared foods are nutritionally vacant and not that good for you.

    Don't be sucked into thinking that gluten free is a healthy solution for all.
  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    It hasn't killed me yet, nor have other healthy things like nuts and seeds. But if I was intolerant/allergic it would not be "healthy" for me to eat those things.

    I think the main problem is assuming that just because some people have problems with a substance then everyone else does too (my MIL is a great one for that!).

    I don't cut anything out of my diet unless I don't like it or I suffer specific ill effects after eating it (turmeric, cumin and chilli). If it is something not particularly beneficial - like doughnuts - I restrict it to an occasional treat.

    Quite frankly finding a varied diet not too high in calories which fits working full time AND having a family is sufficient challenge - why make thigs difficult becaue of some scare journalism?:smile:
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    Gluten free is healthy for people who have a known intolerance to it. It's not something to do because you want to lose weight. Some people feel great when they eliminate gluten, some feel crappy. It's like going vegetarian or dairy free. It's something you should do because you think it will help you lose weight, it's something you do because you feel it would make you feel better.


    this.
    do what works for you.

    i went gluten free for a couple of weeks. I felt fine, weight was about the same, etc. But I also spent a lot more on food, hated the "pasta", and didn't get to enjoy a lot of the foods.
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    It's the latest boogeyman in a long line of boogeymen.

    Something is identified as causing an issue in a very small segment of the population and every quack "holistic healer" out there jumps on it.

    Now, I'm off to enjoy my coffee, eggs, bacon, toast and peanut butter. Each of which was at some point identified as a boogeyman.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Protein is a macronutrient. The protein that I get in breads and pasta is nice bump to the protein I get from meat and dairy. Personally, I'm sick of people calling food "unhealthy."

    Food Elitism is disturbing.
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    Uhh, not sure I get the question. Humans have been consuming and living on gluten based foods for thousands of years. Some people are allergic to it. Those people shouldn't eat it, just like people who are allergic to strawberries shouldn't eat strawberries. It's really not a complicated concept.

    ^^This!
  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    And let me just add that any food is healthy so long as it helps you to meet a particular macro/micronutrient goal.
  • professorRAT
    professorRAT Posts: 690 Member
    Some people are allergic to peanuts. Does that mean I need to prove that peanuts are "healthy"? If you have no problem with gluten, then it can be a part of your healthy diet. Yep, just like tigersword said. It really is that simple.
  • thisismeraw
    thisismeraw Posts: 1,264 Member
    There's nothing wrong with gluten unless you have an intolerance to it or you have celiac .. Just because some people have an issue with it doesn't mean it's not healthy or everyone needs to cut it out of their diet. Any food is healthy provided the rest of your diet is in check and you control your portions.

    I consume gluten almost daily. I don't consume much bread if any however I make an amazing meat free "chicken" nugget with pure gluten flour and some spices.

    There is legitimate gluten issues with some people. However, a lot of people are jumping on gluten free thinking it's healthier, will lead to more weight loss, thinking gluten (because some have an issue with it) is a terrible thing to consume, etc. There is always some food that is the new terrible food for you.
  • KatyCurtin
    KatyCurtin Posts: 10 Member
    Disclaimer: Personal experience only.

    The people I know who miraculously felt better when eliminating gluten from their diet were eating more fresh fruits and veggies and less prepared food. Perhaps the key wasn't so much the lack of gluten, but more the removal of additives and preservatives.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    gluten is a protein, protein is important in over all health if you are a vegan or vegetarian Setain (sp) is a good source of protein. So yes it can be healthy.
    It's also the binding agent that makes bread bread and not dust.

    Gluten is bad if you have Celiac or a specific sensitivity. Otherwise, it isn't bad for you at all.
  • sarahellen28
    sarahellen28 Posts: 3
    As others have said, gluten is a binding agent. It forms when flour and water are mixed. If you think you may be allergic to gluten, get tested. My sister thought she might have a gluten sensitivity but found out she was allergic to soy.
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    The self-diagnosis of imaginary celiac disease and gluten intolerance is on the rise in this country. Gluten is quite healthy. It is an easily digestible source of non-meat, non-dairy protein.

    Google "gluten" and the first few pages are filled with crap for sale and paleo nonsense. "Gluten-free" is marketing aimed at taking money from wealthy people who don't use their brains properly.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    The self-diagnosis of imaginary celiac disease and gluten intolerance is on the rise in this country. Gluten is quite healthy. It is an easily digestible source of non-meat, non-dairy protein.

    Google "gluten" and the first few pages are filled with crap for sale and paleo nonsense. "Gluten-free" is marketing aimed at taking money from wealthy people who don't use their brains properly.

    QFT
  • mazdauk
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    As others have said, gluten is a binding agent. It forms when flour and water are mixed. If you think you may be allergic to gluten, get tested. My sister thought she might have a gluten sensitivity but found out she was allergic to soy.
    And soy is so prevalent it can be as hard to avoid as gluten!

    If you think you are allergic or intollerant to anything than get it tested - otherwise you might be making yourself miserable (and possibly damaging your health) for no reason, or the wrong reason.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Disclaimer: Personal experience only.

    The people I know who miraculously felt better when eliminating gluten from their diet were eating more fresh fruits and veggies and less prepared food. Perhaps the key wasn't so much the lack of gluten, but more the removal of additives and preservatives.

    Bingo~!:drinker:
  • HeidiCooksSupper
    HeidiCooksSupper Posts: 3,839 Member
    Each of us may or may not have different food sensitivities that ebb and flow over time. My mother, sister and I are all sensitive to tomatoes and get acid reflux from them.

    !!! !!! !!! ALERT ALERT !!! !!! !!!

    Okay, time for Dr. Oz and his ilk to ALERT THE MEDIA. Lots of people are reacting badly to tomatoes! Tomatoes cause GERD for many people. Chronic GERD and its inflammation have been linked to esophageal cancer! OH NO. TOMATOES CAUSE CANCER! EVERYBODY should stop eating tomatoes!

    No, Chicken Little. Look up a moment and you will see that the sky has not fallen. The women in my family will sadly avoid tomatoes but don't let that stop you from enjoying them.

    And so it is with many of the things we eat, gluten included. If it bothers you, don't eat it. If it doesn't, enjoy some nice, chewy bread.

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