MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
MensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex
  • Nutrition
  • Style
  • Weight Loss
  • Life
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Motoring
  • Video
Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Your Fertility Can Be At Risk In A Shockingly Short Period Of Time

Your Fertility Can Be At Risk In A Shockingly Short Period Of Time

New Study Reveals Dangers of High Protein Diets

New Study Reveals Dangers of High Protein Diets

Science Confirms That Beer Makes Us Happy

Science Confirms That Beer Makes Us Happy

Loneliness Is Contagious, And This Is Who Will Infect You

Loneliness Is Contagious, And This Is Who Will Infect You

{headline}

{headline}

Why "Believing You're A Winner" Is More Than Just A Corny Mantra

Why "Believing You're A Winner" Is More Than Just A Corny Mantra

Here's Why We're Eating Black Bean Tacos This Weekend

Here's Why We're Eating Black Bean Tacos This Weekend

Would You Put Chili In Your Protein Shake? You Should

Would You Put Chili In Your Protein Shake? You Should

{headline}

{headline}

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Coffee Is So Powerful, You Don't Even Need To Drink It To Be Awesome

Coffee Is So Powerful, You Don't Even Need To Drink It To Be Awesome

Worst. News. Ever. Dogs Are Reportedly Making People Sick

Worst. News. Ever. Dogs Are Reportedly Making People Sick

Go Gluten Free, Have More Sex

Go Gluten Free, Have More Sex

Hate Working Out? Try Matching Your Workout To Your Personality

Hate Working Out? Try Matching Your Workout To Your Personality

Everyday Ingredient Linked To Reduced Brain Function

Everyday Ingredient Linked To Reduced Brain Function

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

  1. Home
  2. Nutrition

Thinking of Going Gluten-Free? It Might Not Be As Healthy As You Think

Gluten-free products are less nutritious and 159 percent more expensive, according to a new study - by Alisa Hrustic
  • 23 Jan 2018
Thinking of Going Gluten-Free? It Might Not Be As Healthy As You Think
Getty Images

For the past few years, gluten-free foods have surged in popularity, even for people who have no problems digesting gluten. But unless you absolutely need to go gluten-free due to medical conditions like celiac disease, cutting gluten from your meals may not do you any good. In fact, you might end up paying more for food that’s not as healthy, according to a new study from the United Kingdom.

For the study, researchers analyzed the cost and nutritional information of nearly 700 gluten-free products available in the U.K. and compared the data to roughly 1,000 of their gluten-filled counterparts.

After comparing 10 food categories, they found that many gluten-free foods — like bread, cereal, and crackers — contained a higher amount of fat, sugar, and salt. They were also more likely to contain less fiber and protein than regular products, two nutrients that can help you lose weight, since they help you feel fuller for longer.

What’s more, gluten-free foods were, on average, 159 percent more expensive than their gluten-containing counterparts. 

“Gluten-free food is unlikely to offer healthier alternatives to regular food, expect for those who require a gluten-free diet for medically diagnosed conditions,” the study authors wrote, such as celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages your small intestine after you eat foods containing gluten, a naturally occurring protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. But the number of people without celiac disease following a gluten-free diet more than tripled from 2010 to 2014, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine.

When you start swapping your favorite healthy snacks — like Greek yogurt topped with whole grain oats and fruit — for gluten-free packaged snacks, you might actually be dishing out more cash for less nutritious options.

Related: Craving Carbs? It's All In The Head Says Science

That’s because removing gluten from your diet means you have to nix a whole lot of fiber from your meals, typically in the form of hearty-healthy whole grains.

In fact, research shows this lack of fiber in the form of a gluten-free diet may actually up your risk of type 2 diabetes.

The best thing you can do if you truly need to go gluten-free? Talk to your doc first. You really don't need to eliminate gluten unless you’re experiencing symptoms associated with celiac disease, like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

And if you do need to reduce the amount of gluten you’re eating? Focus on whole foods, like vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, legumes, and fruit. This way, you get what you pay for.

This article originally appeared on Men's Health.

  • Nutrition
  • Diet Plans

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic
Watch 0:10

Bjornsson Deadlifted 1,026 pounds On The Elephant Bar To Win 2020 Arnold Classic

{headline}

{headline}

Your Fertility Can Be At Risk In A Shockingly Short Period Of Time

Your Fertility Can Be At Risk In A Shockingly Short Period Of Time

New Study Reveals Dangers of High Protein Diets

New Study Reveals Dangers of High Protein Diets

Science Confirms That Beer Makes Us Happy

Science Confirms That Beer Makes Us Happy

Loneliness Is Contagious, And This Is Who Will Infect You

Loneliness Is Contagious, And This Is Who Will Infect You

{headline}

{headline}

Why "Believing You're A Winner" Is More Than Just A Corny Mantra

Why "Believing You're A Winner" Is More Than Just A Corny Mantra

Here's Why We're Eating Black Bean Tacos This Weekend

Here's Why We're Eating Black Bean Tacos This Weekend

Would You Put Chili In Your Protein Shake? You Should

Would You Put Chili In Your Protein Shake? You Should

{headline}

{headline}

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Your Dinner Time Can Severely Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer

Coffee Is So Powerful, You Don't Even Need To Drink It To Be Awesome

Coffee Is So Powerful, You Don't Even Need To Drink It To Be Awesome

Worst. News. Ever. Dogs Are Reportedly Making People Sick

Worst. News. Ever. Dogs Are Reportedly Making People Sick

Go Gluten Free, Have More Sex

Go Gluten Free, Have More Sex

Hate Working Out? Try Matching Your Workout To Your Personality

Hate Working Out? Try Matching Your Workout To Your Personality

Everyday Ingredient Linked To Reduced Brain Function

Everyday Ingredient Linked To Reduced Brain Function

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

Feeling Low? Sleep Could Be The Best Medicine

MensHealth
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Chris Hemsworth Hugo Boss
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Chris Hemsworth Hugo Boss
  • Terms
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement

Brands

  • Women's Health

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Men's Health

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now