Why going gluten-free isn't always a good thing

Diet good for people with Celiac disease

BOSTON, Mass. (Ivanhoe Newswire) – Celiac disease is an inherited auto immune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine and more than 3 million million Americans have it. Going gluten free has been a good choice for these people, but healthy American’s looking to shed a few pounds should not necessarily follow a gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free foods are selling like hot cakes, especially for those looking to drop a few pounds. But certified holistic health coach, Author/Founder of New Day One Life Nutrition, Mary Mcalary says gluten-free dieting isn’t smart for everyone.

RELATED: Gluten-free diet: What's allowed, what's not?

“I think that if you do not have celiac and you do not have a gluten sensitivity, I mean why go gluten-free?” said Mary McAlary, a Certified Holistic Health Coach and author of New Day One Life Nutrition.

A Harvard researcher agrees and also points out gluten-free foods’ high prices don’t necessarily mean they are more nutritious.

Geng Zong, PhD, a Research Fellow at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health said “People want to buy … spend more money on healthy food, that’s one reason. Second is there is more processing procedure behind the production of gluten-free food.”

And Zong says when gluten is cut out completely, your risk of chronic disease rises.

READ MORE: Vatican nixes gluten-free communion wafers

“So if you avoid gluten you may lose part of the nutrients from whole grains and whole grains have shown to be very beneficial for your health in fighting type 2 diabetes and cardio vascular disease and cancer.” Zong told Ivanhoe.

The bottom line is …

“If you don’t have a medical reason to avoid gluten, we don’t think you should.” Zong said.

So listen to the experts. Be smart not trendy.

Cutting out junk food and processed food is always smart, and eat more whole grains. The whole grains specifically are the most beneficial and consuming three servings a day is ideal.

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Contributors to this news report include: Pamela Tomlin, Producer; Roque Correa, Editor; Steve D’onofrio, Videographer.