For heaven's sake, no gluten! For fear of intestinal problems and obesity, many people avoid foods containing gluten. The substance is a special protein glue found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats and spelt. Many Hollywood stars swear by a gluten-free diet. However, this is not necessarily healthy, as a US study has shown: this type of diet is of no benefit at all. On the contrary, it can even be harmful to the heart.

Avoiding cereal products is not healthy

This is because those who give up cereals also give up many important and healthy ingredients. This is what the researchers observed in their test subjects. And this also has an effect on heart health. This is because the B vitamins in whole grains protect the heart. In addition, there is a lack of fiber, which is so important for intestinal health. They regulate intestinal activity and allow blood sugar levels to rise slowly. Grains also contain important polyamines such as wheat germ oil.

Children should definitely eat a little of everything

Gluten is of course harmful for people with coeliac disease. But popular diet books have led many people to believe that a gluten-free diet is healthy for everyone. Feeding children a gluten-free diet can be not only restrictive but even dangerous for them. Nutrition experts recommend that children should eat a little bit of everything, including meat and small amounts of sugar. This is because with every reduction in the diet, the diversity of the intestinal flora also decreases. And this in turn is a risk factor for the development of many other diseases. The human body reacts in a complex way So far, there is no sign of the gluten-free trend abating. This is probably also due to the fact that animal experiments are often reported in which gluten is shown to have harmful effects. But results from animal experiments are not easy to transfer. In many cases, the human body reacts differently and in a more complex way.

Food intolerances: What is coeliac disease?

In Germany, 0.5 percent of the population suffers from coeliac disease; across Europe, around one percent are affected. These patients actually cannot tolerate gluten: the gluten protein triggers an inflammation of the small intestine. Nutrients can no longer be absorbed. The inflammation is accompanied by sometimes severe intestinal discomfort and flatulence. Osteoporosis and anemia can be possible consequences. A weakened form of coeliac disease is a wheat allergy. Patients with coeliac disease can only be helped by strictly avoiding food containing gluten. Healthy people tolerate the protein well.