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People are not advised to give up gluten if they do not suffer from celiac disease
STATES CHRONICLE – A recent study made an interesting discovery regarding gluten-free diets. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, put together data collected for a period of 41 years concerning gluten intake. It found out that not gluten consumption, but rather a gluten-free diet is linked to heart disease.
Many claim gluten is bad for the heart
The study involved over 50,000 male doctors and 121,000 nurses who had to fill in questionnaires regarding health and lifestyle once every two years, starting 1976. Most of the questions were about the quantity of gluten consumed by the participants.
Gluten is a protein found in grains which is responsible with the elasticity of the dough. Many people think this protein is bad for their health, so more opt for gluten-free diets every day. However, the findings of the study might discourage them from doing so.
Long-time consumers of the protein do not bear an increased risk of heart disease. On the contrary, eating gluten-free without being necessary may have more consequences. In fact, this is what might lead to the development of cardiovascular illnesses.
Only people with celiac disease are advised to go gluten-free
This is why the researchers advise only gluten-intolerant people to opt for such a diet. Those who suffer from celiac disease or have gluten sensitivity can follow these dietary habits, but the trend started gathering popularity even among people who do not have such problems.
The general opinion was that gluten is bad for health, as it may increase the risk of obesity or of developing other diseases. However, the study offered consistent results which contradict these theories. Therefore, people who are not gluten-intolerant or do not suffer from celiac disease or other similar conditions are not advised to resort to such dietary habits.
“The promotion of gluten-free diets for the purpose of coronary heart disease prevention among asymptomatic people without celiac disease should not be recommended.”
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