Going gluten-free is a hot trend these days and, as expected, this topic is the subject of innumerable articles and discussions too. A recent NY Times report mentioned that the number of households purchasing gluten-free food and products has increased by 5 percent since 2010. The article also referred to a Mintel report forecast that annual sales figures of gluten-free products will exceed $15 billion in 2016! With this new trend sweeping through the country, it’s time for you to know what gluten-free diets really are and why they are good for you.
What is a Gluten-Free Diet and Why is it Worth Adopting?
A gluten-free diet is one that omits all food made with wheat, rye, or barley. People with Celiac disease, one of the most common autoimmune diseases, are instructed by medical professionals to switch to gluten-free diets since ingesting foods with gluten causes their immune system to attack the intestinal lining. However, today many people without Celiac disease choose to follow this diet as well, especially if they are looking for ways to reduce weight, curb headaches, improve digestion, and get rid of chronic fatigue. Studies have also indicated that people with thyroid imbalances may benefit from the elimination ofng gluten products from their meals as well. With a gluten-free diet you cut out many processed foods that have no nutritional value. Bagels, pizzas, cookies, cupcakes - all of these high-calorie foods are no longer part of your daily diet, which can help significantly with weight loss programs when coupled with exercise. In addition, avoiding these foods and replacing them with healthier veggie and fruit options ensures that your health improves substantially, leaving you feeling more energetic and lively. The key is determining how to get the right vitamins and minerals from foods other than traditional gluten-rich nutrient sources.
What is the Paleo Diet?
If you want to go gluten-free, paleo diets are effective and simple action plans that offer practical way to get rid of grains, with or without gluten. Now, what exactly are 'paleo diets'? They are simple, effective diet plans that ensure you get maximum nutritional benefits without drastically reducing your food intake. The name ‘paleo’ comes from the Paleolithic age; it is the diet plan that our ancestors likely followed during this era. It typically omits dairy, legumes, and all grains. The foods you consume as part of your paleo diet are the ones that the human body is able to process easily and efficiently. The result is that almost all of the food that goes into your body is converted into usable energy. With millions across the U.S. switching to this healthy alternative, it is now quite easy to find restaurants that offer a range of palate-satisfying paleo diet dishes. In fact, restaurants like Christophe's To Go outside of Atlanta Georgia enjoy immense popularity for their delicious gluten-free and paleo diet take-out entrées.
Benefits of the Paleo Diet
Take a look at some of the top benefits of a paleo diet: Maintain good balance of fats in your body and ensure that you get essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids which enhance brain development Improve muscle mass while keeping your weight at optimum levels by converting food to energy more efficiently and by storing energy in your muscles rather than in fat cells Better digestion, metabolism, and overall health thanks to better absorption of essential nutrients A vitamin-rich diet that gives you everything you need to become healthy and stay that way Increase in stamina as well as energy and reduction in fatigue because of proper digestive processes and better nourishment for your body’s mitochondria Normalization of insulin and glucose levels without medication because of the elimination of harmful simple carbs Apart from these amazing benefits your paleo diet will also help you get more restful sleep, get rid of any bloating/gas problems, and keep you looking and feeling far younger than you have in years. If you really care about your health all you need to do is switch over to these healthier options and you will start feeling and noticing amazing changes in yourself in no time at all.