Diet News: Can the Gluten Free Diet Support Its Health

Diet News: Can the Gluten Free Diet Support Its Health Claims?

The Paleo Gluten Free Diet has many health claims. Let review three claims. 1. Reduce or eliminate symptoms of Celiac disease. 2. Preservative free diet has health benefits. 3. The diet lowers cholesterol. Let us review these three claims and review supporting evidence.

Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an auto-immune disease that is triggered by the consumption of gluten.

Gluten is protein found in grains like wheat, rye, barley and other related grains. Patients with celiac disease the lining of the small intestines is injured by gluten. Injured  intestines results in weight loss, bloating, diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps and nutritional deficiencies. If gluten is removed from the diet the intestinal lining has a chance to heal. If you have celiac disease you should   remain on a gluten-free diet throughout life. A registered dietitian should be consulted.

Preservative Free

The Paleo Gluten Free Diet is free of preservatives. Originally, preservatives were added to food to prevent spoilage. To enhance taste, texture and nutritional value manufacturers started adding additives into foods. Preservatives are in many things we eat: artificial colours, flavours and all processed foods.

Health Results:  Preservatives can cause allergies, stomach pains, hives, high blood pressure and skin rashes. Some scientific studies suggest preservatives have no nutritional value. Ron Lagerquist  author of North American Diet states that, cumulative effect of toxins will increase the risk of becoming a host to disease .

For most it is not realistic to eat a totally preventative free diet but a major life long reduction will minimalize risks of developing health issues.

Lower Cholesterol

Paleo diet consists of  lean meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, roots and nuts. Free of gluten, wheat, dairy products and preservatives. Fish, vegetables, fruits and nuts lowers cholesterol which is beneficial in reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Fish

Fatty fish has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the heart. Research suggest that eating Omega-3 fatty acids reduces blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. Fish with the highest levels of omega -3 fatty acids are mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tunea and salmon. There are high levels of omega -3 fatty acids in ground flaxseed and canola oil.

Vegetables and Fruit

Vegetables and fruits not only lower cholesterol levels but have a host of other values. Lowering the risk of  heart disease and lung cancer have been linked to leafy green vegetables, broccoli, and peppers are full of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is associated with lowered risk of heart disease and lung cancer. Leafy greens are also rich in vitamin C a protector against a host of ills. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene a carotenoid that may protect against several types of cancer.

 Fruits

 Citrus fruits are rich is vitamin C a protector against a host of ills.

Nuts

Walnuts and almonds reduce blood cholesterol.  The Food and Drug Administration suggests that almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachio nuts and walnuts may reduce risk of heart diseases. Keep in mind that nuts are high in calories keep consumption to about 1.5 ounces per day. Non-processed nuts are a great substitute for saturated snacks.

The ingredients in the Paleo Diet well support the claims. For those with celiac disease the removal of gluten from the diet reduces or eliminates symptoms. Reducing or removing preventatives from your diet has numerous health preventative benefits. Lastly, the Paleo diet lowers cholesterol that reduces the risk of heart diseases. (Source)