Partner content: Eating gluten free
Question: I don’t have celiac disease but was thinking of buying more gluten-free products, are they better/healthier for me?
Answer: Gluten free products are those that do not have gluten or are made without gluten containing ingredients. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. Certain individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten ataxia, dermatitis herpetiformis and an allergy to wheat have to avoid gluten. For these individuals, products without gluten are considered medically necessary to maintain their health. This doesn’t mean that alternatives made without gluten are healthier or better and gluten-free products can be more difficult to find and more expensive. Gluten containing grains like wheat, barley and rye are a source of fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Individuals who have to avoid gluten will need to get those vitamins, minerals and fiber from other sources.
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian
facebook.com/LeahMcgrathDietitian
800-334-4936
