5 Myths About The Gluten-Free Diet Every Fad Fanatic Should Know

More people are embarking on a gluten-free diet because of the associated health benefits, as well as the advantage of losing extra pounds. However, there are number of misconceptions about the whole diet approach.

Here are some myths that dieters should know first about this type of wheat.

1. Gluten is fattening

Generally, calories, not gluten, make people fat. Expert dietitian Kristen Kirkpatrick at the Cleveland Clinic said that consumption of extra calories will lead to accumulation of fat, regardless of the source. Even gluten-free sources can contain more calories compared to regular food. A number of gluten-free foods contain sugar to make these more palatable, thereby leading to additional calories.

2. Gluten-free sources are better in keeping people healthy

Gluten-free contain less fiber than regular food. Eating a gluten-free diet usually leads to people lacking B vitamins, magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium so they might need to take a multivitamin and supplements to make up for the deficiency. Eating a normal diet can actually provide the essential vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.

3. Gluten-free diets are for everyone

The gluten-free diet was actually created to cater to people suffering from Celiac disease or those allergic to wheat or gluten. Celiac disease patients have difficulty digesting gluten which is why they have to consume gluten-free foods. Many non-food products like lip balms also contain gluten, so many people actually do not realize that they continue to get in contact with it while on a gluten-free diet.

4. Gluten causes cancer

There are thousands of individuals who believe that gluten can lead to serious health problems like cancer. Dr. Kelly Thomsen of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center stated that there is no increased risk for cancer among individuals who regularly consume gluten. Celiac disease patients, however, can develop intestinal cancer if they are not treated properly.

5. A gluten-free diet equates to eating clean

Individuals should stop believing that a gluten-free diet is the same as cleansing diets, which flush out their systems of free radicals and other toxic wastes. Gluten contains less fiber so some foods with gluten are actually better at cleansing the digestive system. Also, several gluten-free foods are unhealthy and "unclean", like French fries.