24 Feb Top Benefits of Gluten-Free Eating

At Faithful to Nature, we love our gluten-free products and we’re always excited to share the latest recipes for wholesome gluten-free goodies with our fans! But just what is it that makes the gluten-free diet so popular?

Many health-conscious celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba have embraced gluten-free eating, and if you’ve been keeping an eye on headlines across the pond, you may have heard that even those famous Girl Scout cookies are now available in gluten-free options! This is much more than just a “trendy” diet fad folks – gluten-free is here to stay, and with all the health benefits that come from eliminating gluten from your diet, it’s easy to see why.

Allergy Relief

Gluten intolerance and sensitivities are becoming more and more common – people with Celiac disease or a strong intolerance to gluten protein will find that even small amounts can leave them feeling fatigued and bloated. Cutting out gluten is essential for anyone with Celiac disease, and will help to clear those unpleasant allergy symptoms right up. Of course, there are plenty of us who choose to go gluten-free even without a condition like Celiac, simply because it’s a dietary choice with so many health benefits.

Digestion

Gluten-free flours (such as coconut flour or almond flour) tend to be easier to digest than ordinary flours – they’re much richer in fibre, higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. A gluten-free diet can help to improve all sorts of digestive issues, like gas, cramps and bloating. Going gluten-free is also a great way to keep your tummy regular.

Energy and GI

Cutting out gluten can give your everyday energy levels a boost and relieve fatigue. Gluten-free foods tend to have a lower GI (glycaemic index), which means they help to keep your blood-sugar levels steady and won’t give you the energy spikes and dips like so many processed carbs tend to do. For example, gluten-free pasta, made from rice and corn, will keep you feeling fuller for longer, and give you a more sustainable energy boost than ordinary wheat pasts.

Gluten-free foods are also the healthier choice for diabetics, because they help to keep blood-sugar levels more stable throughout the day.

Weight Management

Because gluten-free foods help to keep you satisfied for longer, you’re less likely to indulge in empty calories – which means going gluten-free is a wise healthy weight loss choice. Those improved energy levels will make it easier for you to work off the calories, and healthier digestion will also help to keep weight in check. Not only that – a gluten-free diet can also help with healthy thyroid gland function, which is directly linked to a healthy metabolism. Cut out the starchy, processed foods and you’ll be amazed at how much easier it becomes to keep those extra pounds away!

Skin Health

What you put in is what you get out – gluten sensitivity can trigger all kinds of skin complaints, from blemishes and breakouts to more serious issues like eczema, rashes and dermatitis. Cutting out all those processed, gluten-laden carbs can work wonders for the health of your skin – a cleaner diet means a clear, healthy complexion.

We’d love to hear more about gluten-free eating from our fans – please feel free to share your experiences and your favourite recipes!