Persuasive Essay On Gluten Free

“Researchers surveyed 1000 individuals and found that 63 percent thought going gluten-free would improve physical or mental well-being” ("Most American Consumers Falsely Believe Gluten-free Diet Linked to Health Benefits.") A gluten-free diet is the most recent health fad to hit the United States. Followers of this craze claim various health benefits such as weight loss, energy boost, and an increase in overall wellbeing (Strawbridge). The misconceptions about this protein, found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats, are numerous and ill-founded (“Reality Behind Gluten”). While many people go gluten-free for its supposed health benefits, others suffer from an illness that does not allow them to consume gluten called Celiac disease. “Celiac disease

By avoiding gluten, one decreases his or her intake of nutrients found in grains, especially fiber (“Reality Behind Gluten”). “‘The average American diet is deficient in fiber,’ says Dr. Leffler. ‘Take away whole wheat and the problem gets worse,’” (Dr Leffer qtd in Strawbridge). Gluten-free dieters not only miss out on fiber, but other valuable vitamins and minerals as well. Many gluten-containing breads and cereals in the United States are fortified with various B vitamins to combat vitamin deficiency in Americans. “Although breads made with white rice, tapioca, and other gluten-free flours are becoming more common, they are generally not fortified with vitamins.” All gluten-free dieters should have concerns about possible vitamin deficiencies, but pregnant women should especially be aware of these dangers. Pregnant women need a specific type of B vitamin fortified into breads and cereals, known commonly as folate or folic acid, in order to prevent birth defects. (Strawbridge) It may come as a surprise, but going gluten-free not only removes nutrients but also often means adding sugar and fat to one’s diet (“Truths About Gluten Free”). This occurs because, in order to make gluten-free products more palatable, manufacturers often add sugar and fat to the substitute, gluten-free, flour (“Reality Behind Gluten”). In fact, many people

Although many try very hard to avoid this protein, eliminating it has no medical benefit. In fact, many reasons exist not to continue eating gluten. Based on little more than poorly done studies and testimonials in the media, people have switched to this expensive and unnecessary diet. In fact, sixty-three percent of Americans believe that this health choice is helpful. Large amounts of people switch to a gluten-free diet when there is no clear medical reason to eliminate this protein. They confuse the benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables with not eating gluten. In fact, going gluten-free can cause harm to one’s body. Gluten-free dieters often risk a nutrient deficiency and intaking more fat and sugar when going gluten-free. They often spend more money on gluten-free products due to special labeling and certification manufacturers must meet. People who choose to go gluten-free are at risk financially and healthwise. It seems as if many follow the gluten-free diet due to its media attention and popularity among celebrities, rather than the disease for which it was