The value of the gluten-free market is increasing relentlessly, which may denote that many people are now considering transitioning to a gluten-free diet. There may be different reasons for this. First, these products are a great alternative to traditional food for those who have a proven intolerance to gluten. Second, a gluten-free diet may also provide numerous other benefits, as we will see in this article. However, with an increasing focus on environmental issues, many are also asking themselves if consuming gluten-free products can positively impact the environment.
This article will show how buying and consuming gluten-free foods can help you improve your well-being while also protecting the environment.
Health benefits of gluten-free products
When you mention gluten-free products, most people think of their benefits for those who have an adverse reaction to gluten. However, these products also have numerous other benefits.
They help maintain a healthy weight
Being rich in whole grains gives gluten-free products a lower calorie count and a higher fiber count compared to wheat-based foods.
The lower presence of preservatives and additives is another factor that makes these products ideal for those who are trying to lose a few pounds.
You will keep a healthy weight without sacrificing enjoyable meals by avoiding the latter and focusing on a diet consisting of whole grains, lean proteins, fruit, and veggies.
They can help you get rid of digestive issues
When eating products containing wheat, rye, and barley, certain people may experience unpleasant digestive issues. These include boating, stomach pain, and changes in bowel movements.
Moreover, alleviating these problems positively impacts your energy levels, even more so if you include gluten-free products in a nutrient-dense diet.
They improve your skin health
Research shows that eating gluten-based products may directly correlate to skin inflammation problems, including acne. By transitioning to a gluten-free diet, you may break out less, and your pimples will clear up faster.
Eating food containing gluten may also make your skin look duller and less lively. Removing gluten from your diet can help you recover a glowing and vibrant skin condition, and you will also have to use less moisturizer than usual.
Finally, eliminating gluten from your diet can make your lips softer and the lines around your eyes less noticeable.
They can slow down hair loss
Those suffering from hair loss should also consider switching to a gluten-free regimen. That’s because the inflammation caused by gluten can also lead to telogen effluvium, which is a type of hair loss caused by stress and other shocks to your body.
Moreover, if you have celiac disease, eating gluten-based products may lead to difficulties in food absorption that have often been linked to hair loss.
Don’t sacrifice the taste
A wide range of gluten-free products can now be found in most large retailers. These include noodles, bread, and bite-sized snacks and now even protein chips. You can both eat gluten-free meals out of the package or combine them in sophisticated specialties, just like you would do with any other food product.
Can gluten-free products also benefit the environment?
We have assessed that gluten-free products are great for your health. But what about the environment?
Reducing wheat production can decrease pesticide use…
The consumption of gluten-free products can aid in reducing the production of wheat and, in effect, decrease the necessity for pesticides.
Pesticides are necessary to defend crops from weeds, pests, and other illnesses. However, it can also damage the environment when in high quantities. The most obvious way is by contaminating rivers and streams, which can have a long-standing impact on the environment of those areas.
In contrast, you don’t need to use pesticides when producing wheat flour and potato flour, hence the better impact of these ingredients on the environment, provided the milling process is correct.
…and it can also limit water consumption…
Wheat production also requires a higher use of water compared to many ingredients used in gluten-free products. In an age where nations around the world worry about water shortages, a gluten-free diet can positively impact the planet.
… but it mostly depends on the cultivation and milling process.
As shortly pointed out earlier, whether gluten-free products have a better impact on the environment or not mostly depends on what cultivation and milling processes were used to produce them.
Reading the label, researching information on the production processes, and looking for certifications that prove sustainable practices are usually the way to find out whether a product is eco-friendly.
