What Is Gluten Free?

The term “gluten free” is used by many food companies and has gained quite a bit of popularity in recent years. What is gluten free though?

Well, first of all gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is responsible for the elasticity in dough.

Some are sensitive to gluten, have celiac disease, or just prefer not to eat gluten as part of a healthy diet. In people with celiac disease, gluten causes damage to the lower intestines, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. This can cause bloating, weight loss, and diarrhea. Over time, as the damage gets worse, the effects may become more serious and could affect your brain, nervous system, bones, liver, and other organs.

  

Wheat. [Photograph] by jayneandd, 2010, 

Adapted from http://www.flickr.com/photos/8180853@N07/4876028771/

There is no known cure for celiac disease, but damage to the intestine can be prevented from eating gluten free food. This is one of the main reasons why gluten free alternatives are popping up everywhere.

Do you know any other reasons why people prefer gluten free products? Please let us know!