Gluten-free foods contain more fat, salt & sugar than regular equivalent foods. They are also almost twice as expensive, according to numerous studies.
According to researchers at the University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom: gluten-free products offer no nutritional advantage to regular foods & are not a "healthier alternative".
They also concluded that gluten-free foods were 159% more expensive than their regular counterparts.
Gluten-free options are usually lower in fiber & protein while they have higher fat, salt & sugar content.
While gluten-free foods are not healthier for most regular/average people, it is the only option for those who suffer from coeliac disease. Quite a few people have started avoiding gluten these days because it is perceived to contribute towards a "healthy lifestyle".
The study published in Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics have warned that the fact the gluten-free foods being more expensive than regular food could lead to those suffering for coeliac disease to not being able to buying them, which can compromise their health.
What is Coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten.
Here are some naturally gluten-free foods:
- Fruits & Vegetables
All fresh, whole vegetables and fruits are naturally gluten-free and important to include in a gluten-free diet. Low in calories, fat and sodium and delivering a variety of vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables are a great source of antioxidants.
- Proteins
Red meats (beef, lamb, goat, bison, duck etc), Poultry (chicken, turkey etc), Seafood (fish, shrimps etc), Tofu, Beans, Nuts & Seeds are all naturally gluten-free.
Most single-ingredient herbs & spices are also naturally gluten-free.