Going gluten-free started as a fad diet that has sparked many controversial claims. Now, going gluten-free is no longer seen as a fad. It’s a lifestyle choice that many are choosing, thanks to the health benefits.
This has sparked multitudes of articles touting myths about a gluten-free diet.
This article will cover some of the most common misconceptions about gluten-free pizza.
1. Gluten-Free Pizza Will Help You Lose Weight
Because gluten-free diets helped so many people lose weight, there is a common misconception that eating gluten free is the secret to trimming inches off your stomach.
Unfortunately, that’s not true. Gluten free food can be much healthier, but there are plenty of gluten-free food options, including pizza, that have extra sugar and other additives in them that add on extra calories. This actually can make gluten-free pizza an unhealthier option.
Instead of assuming cutting out gluten will make the pounds fall off, read labels and nutritional information carefully. Gluten free foods can help you lose weight, but it’s essential to choose foods that are good for you and offer nutritional value.
2. Cutting Out Gluten Means Going Carb Free
Most bread and pasta have gluten in them because gluten is found in grains like wheat. However, that doesn’t mean that going gluten free instantly leads to a carb-free lifestyle. Gluten-free alternatives are typically made with rice and almond flour and offer plenty of carbs to keep you energized. Fruit is another great source of carbohydrates.
3. Gluten-Free Food Is Gross
Gluten free food can taste bland. However, that doesn’t mean that all gluten-free food is tasteless. Most gluten-free foods taste as delicious as gluten-containing foods. Gluten free pizza has many of the same toppings, and the dough is delicious. The only difference is that the dough doesn’t rise like gluten-containing dough, resulting in thin crust pizza.
4. Going Gluten Free Is Pointless If You Don’t Have A Medical Condition
Many articles state that going gluten-free will not benefit your life unless you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. However, there are several benefits that people with a gluten intolerance enjoy.
First, going gluten free improves digestion. Most people experience less bloating and often report that symptoms of IBS are alleviated. Individuals that don’t have IBS still report better digestion.
Gluten free diets are also better for brain health. Gluten causes white matter lesions on the brain. It has been linked with increased irritability, ADHD symptoms and can make symptoms of other mental illnesses, such as brain fog from depression, more prevalent.
Those aren’t the only benefits of going gluten free. Most people also enjoy:
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved stamina
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Increased concentration
- Ability to think more clearly
- Better sleep
- Fewer migraines and headaches
Individuals with certain medical conditions often experience decreased symptoms when opting for a gluten free diet. There are numerous benefits to enjoying a gluten free diet, even if you don’t have a medical condition that requires one.
5. If You Think You Have Celiac Disease, You Should Cut Out Gluten
Many people who hear of someone having Celiac disease instantly recommend cutting out gluten to see if they feel better. However, this isn’t the best idea. Your body produces specific antigens whenever you eat gluten, making it easy to tell if you have Celiac disease.
After you stop eating gluten, your body stops producing these. This can make it hard for a doctor to determine whether you have Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
6. Gluten Free Pizza Isn’t Healthier
While a food being gluten free isn’t automatically healthier, that’s not always true when it comes to gluten free pizza. This pizza is made with similar toppings, so you get the same vitamins and nutrients on top of your pizza that you do gluten-containing pizza.
The dough is the main difference between the two pizzas. Gluten-containing pizza has ingredients that create a chemical reaction, which makes the dough soft and fluffy. Gluten-free crust is thinner, so it’s packed with ingredients like protein to make it softer, which tastes better. Not only is it a little bit healthier, but it also is less likely to cause the digestive symptoms that the extra air in regular pizza crust does, like bloating and gas.
Gluten free pizza is a delicious snack that you can enjoy while you’re out with the family, or you can turn it into a family night at home with a gluten free pizza recipe. Check out the rest of the site for more awesome tips and tricks!