The Health Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat, barley, and triticale. It helps food maintain its shape by acting as a binding agent. You’ll find gluten in many everyday foods.

Who Needs a Gluten-Free Diet?

While a gluten-free diet might not be necessary for everyone, it is essential for those with gluten-related disorders or celiac disease. But even beyond these conditions, a gluten-free diet offers several health benefits.

Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet

1. Improves Digestive Health: For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten can lead to digestive issues like fatigue, bloating, gas, and constipation. By eliminating gluten, individuals often experience relief from these symptoms.
   
2. Increases Energy Levels: People with celiac disease frequently feel tired and unfocused. A gluten-free diet can help reduce fatigue and boost energy levels.
   
3. Reduces Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can cause lasting health issues. A gluten-free diet can help minimize these inflammations, especially for those with gluten intolerance.
   
4. Aids in Weight Management: Cutting out high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods like cookies, cakes, and breads can lead to weight loss. However, it’s important to remember that gluten-free doesn’t always mean healthy, as many gluten-free snacks can still be high in calories, so remember to read the labels!

Watch Out for Hidden Gluten

Hidden gluten is gluten present in foods you might not expect. Always check labels, as gluten can be found in soy sauce, soups, marinades, sauces, salad dressings, corn flakes, taco seasonings, vinegar, and more.

SpiceBox Organics: Your Gluten-Free Haven

At SpiceBox Organics, we offer a wide variety of gluten-free baked goods. Our selection includes baked to order organic breads, muffins, cakes, cookies, desserts and more! Plus, the majority of our café menu items are gluten-free, so you can enjoy your meals with confidence. Every product from SpiceBox Organics is properly labelled, free of artificial flavors, additives, colors, and preservatives, and made with 98% organic ingredients. No time to visit one of our cafés? You can conveniently purchase gluten-free products online at www.spiceboxorganics.com and have them delivered right to your doorstep. 

Written by Jeanne Moizant

References 

Celiac Disease Foundation. (2018). What is Gluten? | Celiac Disease Foundation. Celiac Disease Foundation. https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/ 

Gluten-Free Diet Plan: What to Eat, What to Avoid. (2017). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gluten-free-diet#health-benefits