While it's true that gluten-free products are increasingly visible on the market, there are still many myths surrounding this protein, which has even been demonised by people who aren't gluten intolerant. And this is due to misinformation, fads, and fear.
In Spain, there are around 450,000 people diagnosed with coeliac disease, estimated to account for between 1 and 2% of the population; however, it is estimated that up to 85% of those with coeliac disease are unaware of their condition because they have not been diagnosed. These are people who really do need to eliminate gluten from their diet due to genuine health problems.
But still, many people who don't have coeliac disease have decided to cut gluten out of their daily diet, following a trend that affirms one of our first myths: that gluten makes you fat. Something that hasn't yet been scientifically proven.
Today we'll look at some myths and truths surrounding this protein that causes coeliac disease. Let's go:
Gluten makes you fat
Myth! There is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that gluten makes you fat. This mistake tends to happen because gluten is a group of proteins found in cereals such as wheat, oats, barley, or rye, and these cereals are present in bread, pasta, pizza dough, pastries… foods with a high glycaemic index, and which need to be approached with caution if we want to maintain a balanced diet. Therefore, we can state that gluten doesn't cause weight gain, but rather that foods containing it can contribute to it because of their high glycaemic index. The solution? A balanced diet and physical exercise. Infallible for losing weight! 😉
Coeliac disease is an allergy
No! Myth! Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition characterised by damage to the lining of the small intestine, which causes villous atrophy, leading to impaired nutrient absorption. Furthermore, there are no degrees of coeliac disease; you either have it or you don't.
Gluten hypersensitivity exists
True. Gluten allergy exists, and this doesn't make those who suffer from it coeliac. Although the percentage is very low, there are people with immediate hypersensitivity immune responses that appear within minutes of consuming food containing gluten.
The prevalence of coeliac disease in Spain is approximately 1 in every 100 people. This makes it the most common chronic intestinal disease in our country.
Gluten-free foods are more expensive
Unfair, but true. This is because wheat flour is cheaper as it is the most widespread and there is a large supply, meaning that the production costs for foods made from this type of flour are lower than making them from flours suitable for coeliac consumption, as sterilised environments are also required where there is no possibility of cross-contamination. This necessitates specific infrastructure and machinery in which to manufacture only gluten-free products and the need to write these off.
On the other hand, despite being a large number, the diagnosed coeliacs are too small a number for the food industry.
However, we must also consider that the consumer of gluten-free products will always have to buy these products, therefore, they are a loyal clientele. So, the gluten-free market does not follow logical market law. They know that if the price is not lowered, they will continue to buy anyway.
Coeliacs cannot eat out.
Myth. We're not going to say without risks, but Coeliacs can eat out. There are an increasing number of restaurants with adapted menus and food that is properly stored in contamination-free environments to prevent cross-contamination, but they are not the majority. There are also, particularly in large cities, 100% gluten-free establishments where people with coeliac disease can shop, eat, drink and share dishes… without having to worry about a thing.
Gluten-free alternatives don't taste the same.
Myth. And if you don't believe it, it's because you haven't come to eat at [restaurant name] yet. El Miracle Restaurant. Like us, many establishments strive to have the best products on their menus after much testing, as happened to us with the bread. But that's a topic for another post 😉
Don't fall for the myths and inform yourself well about coeliac disease, especially if you have someone close to you who suffers from it. You'll realise the vast amount of misinformation we still suffer from, riddled with myths and hoaxes.
Article written by the El Miracle team