The gluten-free diet is on the rise partially because more and more people have a sensitivity to gluten and others simply for the health benefits. One of the most challenging foods to give up is bread. When someone gives up gluten, they still desire to have bread in their diet.
Thankfully, nowadays, there are many options for gluten-free bread that people can either make at home or find at their local grocery store. It would surprise many to know that there are several health benefits of gluten-free bread.
Helps Manage Celiac Disease
The first benefit is that gluten-free bread aids in managing those with celiac disease. Celiac is a genetic autoimmune disorder that cannot tolerate proteins found in wheat, barley, oats, and rye. Unfortunately, there is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by completely eliminating gluten from their diet.
It is difficult to adjust when someone has celiac disease. First, they must figure out if certain things like rice, corn, or is rye bread gluten free. The learning process is complex, and many foods contain gluten, which many would find surprising. That is why it is vital to have gluten-free bread options because it helps those with celiac disease manage it and give them a substitute for one of the most popular food items.
There is also a high level of inflammation a person will celiac suffers from, and by eliminating gluten, their chronic inflammation is reduced. It can also reduce markers of inflammation, such as antibody levels, and treat any gut damage caused by gluten.
Keeps Digestive System Healthy
Those who cannot consume gluten usually develop scar tissue and delayed gastric emptying due to trying to digest foods containing gluten. This creates symptoms like gas, bloating, and cramps. It is unpleasant and a big reason people give up gluten entirely. When a person turns to gluten-free bread, they find that their digestive system is much healthier and happier. There are specific nutrients in gluten-free bread that can aid in the production of friendly bacteria in the intestines, which can take away the uncomfortable effects of consuming gluten.
High in Fiber
Gluten-free bread cannot be made from commercially bleached, low-quality wheat flour. This means that other ingredients are needed to provide a similar texture and flavor. A few ingredients used instead are whole rice flour, flaxseed meal, and xanthan gum. These common ingredients used to make gluten-free bread can add the necessary fiber to a person’s diet.
Boosts Energy
When people are sensitive to gluten, they often find themselves sluggish and slow, constantly feeling tired or fatigued. They may also deal with brain fog and have a difficult time focusing. These symptoms usually occur because of damage to their gut caused by gluten. Therefore, switching to gluten-free bread can potentially help in boosting a person’s energy, especially if they have celiac disease.
Potentially Help in Weight Loss
It is not uncommon for people to find themselves losing weight once they switch to a gluten-free diet. This is because food items that contain gluten are usually high in calories and processed. This is especially true for regular bread. Giving up these processed, high-calorie foods and replacing them with gluten-free options can create a domino effect on a person’s weight.
While gluten-free bread is better than regular bread and could potentially aid in weight loss, it all depends on the chosen bread type. There are many bread substitutes out there that may be just as bad as gluten-full bread, so choosing one with many healthy ingredients will be beneficial for a person’s weight.
Stays Fresh
Unlike regular bread, gluten-free bread does not have as long of a shelf life. This means that when purchasing gluten-free bread from the store, it is much fresher than other loaves of bread. There are times a store may freeze loaves of gluten-free bread to keep them fresher for longer.
While gluten-free bread may not be as healthy as fruits and vegetables, it still has amazing health benefits.
