When it comes to wheat and its derivatives ( flour Next to gluten, for example), it is hard not to think of gluten. lactose Gluten is considered to be the food villain of the moment for those who want to lose weight - because many people think it is fattening. gluten-free diet has gained a lot of strength, even among those who do not have an allergy or intolerance to the substance. But is all this fear valid? Check it out:

What is gluten?

According to nutritionist Dayse Paravidino, gluten is nothing more than the vegetable protein found in cereals (such as wheat, oatmeal barley, malt and rye), and in all foods made with these ingredients - this is the case of breads, pasta, rye, malt and rye. pizzas ...of beer...

Theoretically, consuming gluten on a daily basis does not pose any health risks. The problem is that more and more people are presenting allergy In these cases, allergy sufferers may experience symptoms such as skin spots and irritation, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain, nausea vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, and even death", warns the specialist.

In addition, there are those who suffer from intolerance to the food: the so-called celiac disease causes diarrhea, gas, abdominal discomfort, headache drowsiness and swelling - This is why many people say that gluten is fattening. Even those who are born without the condition may face problems later in life.

Read also: Gluten-Free Diet: What it is, how to do it and menu

After all, is gluten fattening?

The association that many people make of gluten with body swelling is not wrong. fluid retention By removing the 'toxin', the organism deflates.

However, it is important to clarify that gluten alone is not responsible for weight gain Therefore, if you do not have an allergy or intolerance, you can continue to consume the item. celiac disease needs to be done by a doctor", Dayse reminds us.

However, many people forget an important detail: although there is no scientifically proven relationship between gluten and extra pounds on the scale, it is worth noting that the substance is usually found in flour and processed foods and very caloric (bread, cookies, and pasta).

Therefore, the key is not to cut out gluten, but to reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates In this way, a reduction in calories ingested can occur, facilitating the weight loss ", concludes the nutritionist.

Read also: You may not be gluten intolerant, but agrotoxic

Source: Dayse Paravidino nutritionist, member of the Brazilian Association of Nutrition (ASBRAN) and of the Brazilian Association of Mother-child Nutrition (ASBRANMI).