Does Gluten Free Mean It Is Healthy?

by TJ Chambers

Some people believe that certain labels, like gluten free or organic, instantly make food healthy.

I remember watching Kate Plus 8 and Kate said she buys organic food for her family because she wants them to be healthy.

The problem....

Just because it is gluten free or organic doesn't instantly mean it is healthy. Her family still ate a lot of junk food that was organic. In most cases, organic is way better.

The same for gluten free. More people today have a problem with gluten because of what has been done to the grains through GMO and hybridization.

So what is Gluten Free?

From NaturesSunshine.com "What does gluten-free actually mean?".

"Gluten naturally occurs in some grains, including: barley, rye, and wheat. It wasn’t until August 5 of 2014 that manufacturers were required to comply with the FDA’s definition of gluten free before they were allowed to label a product as such."

"So, what is the FDA’s definition? Keep in mind, this definition only applies to packaged foods. To be gluten free, a product must not contain any type of wheat, barley, rye (or crossbreeds of these grains). It most not include an ingredient “derived from these grains and that has not been processed to remove gluten” or an ingredient “from these grains and that has been processed to remove gluten, if it results in the food containing 20 or more parts per million (ppm) gluten.” (1) Also, if a food naturally doesn’t have gluten in it, then it can be labeled as gluten free."

"It’s important to note that not all food and food products fall under the FDA’s umbrella. The FDA does not monitor alcoholic beverages which may contain these ingredients (alcohol is monitored by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau). Animal products like meat and poultry are regulated by the USDA."

As we see above, gluten free just means that the food doesn't have gluten in it. Not having gluten doesn't make it healthy. It is for people that have a problem with gluten so it doesn't cause them issues with their body and health.

There are lots of unhealthy foods labeled as gluten free.

Some people wonder if people with ADHD should eat a gluten free diet. Generally speaking, people with ADHD have digestive issues and would benefit from a gluten free diet but this should not be looked at as a magical fix. It is just one thing that can help.

It is probably best they get of all grains whether gluten free or not.

If you want to eat healthy, the best thing is to have a lot of fresh and cooked vegetables and protein. Depending on your body, you may need animal protein.