07/22/2020 / By Divina Ramirez
Grains make up a large chunk of most people’s diets, but more and more health enthusiasts are beginning to cut out this major food group for a number of reasons, including grain allergies and food intolerances.
Grain-free diets can come off as being too limited for most dieters, but research finds that this diet could hold real benefits for people suffering from gastrointestinal conditions and other health complications.
In a recent article published online in EcoWatch, Netherlands-based registered dietitian Alina Petre shares some of the reported health benefits of adopting or transitioning to a grain-free diet:
Despite its reported health benefits, a grain-free diet also has its cons.
For instance, people on grain-free diets are more susceptible to bloating and constipation. This is because the fiber in grains helps add bulk to feces to make it easier to pass through the colon
To make up for the lack of fiber from grains, eat other fiber-rich, plant-based foods like fruits, nuts, legumes and seeds.
Grains are also a great source of essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese and selenium, among others. Not eating grains means missing out on these nutrients and, in turn, being more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies.
To make up for poor nutrient intake, take nutritional supplements or eat other non-grain food sources of nutrients found in grains.
In addition, grain-free diets can also be difficult to sustain in the long run because of its restrictions.
Transitioning to a grain-free diet is easier than it sounds. For starters, get rid of all grains and and grain products.
Not all grain-free diets are alike, but some common prohibited foods on this diet include bread, bran, cornflour, rice, oats, cornmeal, sorghum and food products made from grains, such as beer and pasta.
That being said, grain-free diets do not bar pseudocereals like quinoa and amaranth. Despite offering more or less the same nutrients like grains and grain products, these foods are not classified as grains. Therefore, these foods can be a great substitute for grains.
Grain-free diets are also considered healthier than normal diets because of the reduced calorie intake. To make up for lost calories, eat more fruits, legumes and foods rich in starch, such as potatoes and squash, among other roots and tubers.
In addition, grain-free diets do not restrict the consumption of non-grain-based foods like eggs, meat, seeds, nuts and sugar, so go ahead and eat as much of these as needed.
That being said, proponents of grain-free diets discourage the consumption of processed foods like pastries, smoked meat and the like. If possible, limit eating these foods or get rid of them altogether.
Grain-free diets offer a host of health benefits, and transitioning to one is quite simple. That being said, it might not be the best diet for some people because of its potential health risks, so be sure to consult a healthcare professional before going grain-free.
Read more articles about the health benefits of grain-free diets and other healthful diets at Slender.news.
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Tagged Under: alternative medicine, diet, digestive health, disease treatments, food cures, food is medicine, functional food, grain-free diet, natural cures, natural ingredients, natural medicine, nutrients, nutrition, organics
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