Gluten has been stigmatized with the idea that it is harmful to our health. Several celebrities promote a "healthy" and gluten-free lifestyle, but is this protein really an enemy of our body?

What is Gluten and how does it affect human health?

Gluten is a protein present in many cereals such as wheat (which is the most predominant and the center of the debate about gluten) and its variants (kamut, semolina, spelled), it is also present in rye, barley, and the triticale. Gluten is what makes dough grow and makes it stay elastic. It is frequently used to make seitan, an alternative meat used by vegetarians to make imitation chicken or synthetic meat. Gluten is added to foods to increase their protein content. This protein is rich in iron, vitamins and minerals. However, there is a large number of people who suffer from a pathology that does not allow them to consume gluten because it damages their small intestine.

The so-called celiac disease and sensitivity to gluten and wheat allergy are popular evils these days given the boom in gluten-free diets; It is important to know that these conditions are mostly genetic, they present diverse symptoms that may or may not occur in the digestive system, and must be diagnosed by a professional. A person with celiac disease, presents toxicity and damage to the intestine when consuming foods containing gluten. These serious alterations decrease the absorption of essential nutrients and can cause nutritional deficiency. People with celiac disease can present complications such as decreased bone density, autoimmune disorders, iron deficiency anemia, unintentional weight loss, folate and vitamin B12 deficiency or various types of colon or intestinal cancer.

Gluten free diets?

There is always a new diet that becomes the fad diet. The gluten-free diet is recommended for coeliacs, but many celebrities started to follow it with the goal of losing weight. Over the last few years, this diet has become a growing trend, but does the gluten-free diet really work to lose weight? Is it healthy and recommendable to follow this strict food plan?

The gluten-free diet consists of avoiding any product that contains wheat, oats, barley, rye, spelled, triticale and / or derived products such as starch, flour, bread, pasta, and so on. Among the foods that may contain gluten are sausages, pâtés, cheeses, canned meat and fish, especially if they carry sauces, chocolate, cocoa, roasted or fried nuts, candies, sweets, and ice cream.

This strict food plan is not a healthy idea for everyone. The belief that a gluten-free diet can help you lose weight or relieve stomach discomforts is a myth, as the reality is that gluten-free products are not particularly light and can be high in fats and sugars. The fashion of eating 'gluten free' is very much related to losing weight, and it is at this point where there is an important confusion when it comes to linking the treatment of celiac disease with a healthy habit. The problem in these cases is not the consumption of gluten, but the nutritional habits that abuse caloric foods, so we must be very careful to fall IGNORE INTO diets that end up weakening our bodies.

7 celebrities who do not consume gluten

Although as we have stated beforehand, it is not advisable to incorporate such strict diets in our daily lives without suffering certain conditions for which they are recommended, there are several famous people who have taken the risk and in Latin America Post we tell you who they are:

Lady Gaga

The singer has a gluten-free and carbohydrate-free diet to ensure that she will maintain the ideal physique for her concerts. "Gaga has decided to follow a gluten-free diet by surprise to mold her figure, something that is difficult to carry out, she has given strict instructions to warn hotel and restaurant employees that she is following that new diet very thoroughly", revealed a source to Reveal magazine. The singer consumes carbohydrates only twice a week and consumes fish, chicken, and vegetables.

Victoria Beckham

She is another of the celebrities who has made her interest in gluten-free diet public. She ensures that having changed her diet has made her feel more energetic and healthy.

Miley Cirus

The famous actress and singer has stated several times publicly that she is allergic to gluten. She ensures that she leads a healthy life, performing a strict exercise routine every day that accompanied by her diet has allowed her to get benefits for her skin and figure.

Kourtney Kardashian

The 37-year-old reality star has made public his choice of gluten-free products. She prefers the consumption of fruits and vegetables in small quantities. Her slender figure owes it to her strict exercise plan, her diet and the large doses of water she consumes daily.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Photos: Erik Melvin

The American actress and singer follows an anti-gluten diet. In his book Ït's all Good¨, he consults multiple recipes for his readers. The star says that this type of food makes you feel healthier and more energetic.

To keep in mind: If you want to lead a fit and healthy life, it is advisable to always consult with a nutrition and health professional.

Latin American Post | Andrea Espitia

Translated from ""Libre de Gluten", la dieta de los famosos"