What is Gluten?

Humans have been consuming gluten ever since they started consuming grains. We are surrounded by gluten; it is present in many food items around us. Generally, it is safe and healthy to consume gluten; however, gluten sensitivity in certain individuals can cause health issues.

Definition of Gluten

Gluten is a plant-based protein present in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye).

Gluten is a group of prolamins proteins; wheat contains glutenin and gliadin prolamin proteins, rye contains secalin, and barley contains hordeins.

These prolamin proteins, when hydrated, form a sticky, stretchy texture known as gluten.

What are the uses of Gluten?

Though gluten is a naturally occurring protein, it is often extracted from wheat flour. Concentrated gluten is added to processed food items to get a soft, fluffy, and chewy texture.

Gluten is necessary for pizza dough and bread to be stretchy and hold their shape. It is also added to foods to enhance the protein content.

What are the harmful effects of Gluten?

⦁ Celiac disease

The human body produces the protease enzyme to digest protein, but it is unable to completely digest gluten.

The body's immune system mistakenly considers this undigested gluten harmful and attacks it, which damages the walls of the small intestine, causing celiac disease. Symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, etc.

⦁ Gluten Sensitivity

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or gluten sensitivity, is a condition in which a person doesn't have celiac disease but still has symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and headache.

⦁ Wheat Allergy

People who are allergic to wheat and wheat products can have symptoms like skin rashes, swelling and itching of the mouth and throat, and respiratory issues.

Foods containing Gluten

Several food items we consume daily are loaded with gluten.

⦁ Baked Goods (Cakes, cookies, pies, etc.)

⦁ Breads

⦁ Pasta

⦁ Pizza

⦁ Beer

⦁ Soy Sauce

⦁ Ketchup

⦁ Noodles

⦁ Barbecue sauce

⦁ Waffles