Don't Take Diet Advice From Celebrities
Here’s a gentle reminder from the health experts: Don’t take dieting advice from celebrities!
It’s a warning we’ve shared before, but it’s being repeated ever since Miley Cyrus became the latest celebrity to endorse a gluten-free diet. After rumors spread about how thin she’s become, she jumped on Twitter to announce that she’s been diagnosed with a gluten allergy. Then, she tweeted, quote: “Everyone should try no gluten for a week.”
Unfortunately, experts say that recommendation is way off target! Why? First, because gluten is a protein found in whole grains. So, going “gluten-free” means eliminating those grains. The problem is that most of us need whole grains in our diet, since grains are high in fiber, which is essential for good heart health. Plus, many studies show a link between eating more fiber, and having a lower risk of obesity.
That’s why health experts say the only people who should avoid gluten are the 1% suffering from celiac disease. That’s a condition that triggers an immune response to gluten, which can cause pain and digestive symptoms. And over time, gluten will cause permanent intestinal damage for people with celiac disease.
But for everyone else, gluten is completely harmless! Recent studies show that no matter what Miley Cyrus says, gluten-free diets offer almost no health benefit. In fact, they could be bad for you, since gluten-free foods tend to be higher in fat, and lower in fiber.
Bottom line: If you’re experiencing celiac disease symptoms, see your doctor to get evaluated. Otherwise, if you want to look fit and healthy like Miley Cyrus, eat a sensible diet and start taking pilates classes like she does. Want to go further? Go to Celiac.org.
It’s a warning we’ve shared before, but it’s being repeated ever since Miley Cyrus became the latest celebrity to endorse a gluten-free diet. After rumors spread about how thin she’s become, she jumped on Twitter to announce that she’s been diagnosed with a gluten allergy. Then, she tweeted, quote: “Everyone should try no gluten for a week.”
Unfortunately, experts say that recommendation is way off target! Why? First, because gluten is a protein found in whole grains. So, going “gluten-free” means eliminating those grains. The problem is that most of us need whole grains in our diet, since grains are high in fiber, which is essential for good heart health. Plus, many studies show a link between eating more fiber, and having a lower risk of obesity.
That’s why health experts say the only people who should avoid gluten are the 1% suffering from celiac disease. That’s a condition that triggers an immune response to gluten, which can cause pain and digestive symptoms. And over time, gluten will cause permanent intestinal damage for people with celiac disease.
But for everyone else, gluten is completely harmless! Recent studies show that no matter what Miley Cyrus says, gluten-free diets offer almost no health benefit. In fact, they could be bad for you, since gluten-free foods tend to be higher in fat, and lower in fiber.
Bottom line: If you’re experiencing celiac disease symptoms, see your doctor to get evaluated. Otherwise, if you want to look fit and healthy like Miley Cyrus, eat a sensible diet and start taking pilates classes like she does. Want to go further? Go to Celiac.org.
