Is gluten responsible for a weight gain?
Nations around the globe use wheat, rice and maize for centuries as a main source of food. These cereals are not only rich in protein, but also are an important source of starch. Healthy lifestyle fashion has created a paradigm that gluten consumption is responsible for overweight and certain chronic pathologies (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease). Nonetheless, the information supporting such claims is often questionable. One of the myths is that cereal protein consumption will always result in increased appetite. Such assumption comes from exposure to opioid-like peptides that are responsible for appetite. But this was proven to be false. There are numerous research studies showing that high protein diets may reduce appetite, gastric emptying and daily food intake. In vivo experimental studies found out that gluten consumption is not associated with daily energy intake or BMI. But an important recommendation comes from international health authorities- to improve a healthy diet and reduce food-related chronic diseases the consumption of whole grain foods should be considered.