I was in an organic grocery store with my 9-year-old son the other day. An employee giving out samples of gluten free cookies flagged my son over and without asking my permission, gave him a cookie. I started to object and she said, "They are gluten free". I told her my son is allergic to gluten free, which as you can imagine took her quite by surprise. The fact is, the cookie may not have any gluten in it, but it still is loaded with fat, sugar and calories. It is still a cookie.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and the foods made from these grains. For people who have Celiac disease and those with a gluten sensitivity, the proliferation of gluten free products and improved labeling is a blessing. The unintended downside of this increased awareness, is gluten has turned into public enemy number one.
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This preoccupation with gluten is clouding real nutrition issues. For the general population, eating gluten free is not more healthful. And eating gluten free baked products will not help you lose weight. If you want to do something positive for you health, eat more fruits and vegetables which by the way are naturally gluten free.
