Short answer
Gluten can be bad for you—but only if you have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or a wheat allergy. Otherwise, it is a good source of nutrients and will benefit those who do not have these issues.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Thinking about going gluten free? It’s a popular choice these days and with many grocery stores and restaurants catering to the growing number of people choosing this lifestyle, it’s an easier one to make. But do you really need to go gluten free?
Gluten is a protein found in barley, rye, and wheat, and can also be found lurking in countless processed foods. For those with gluten intolerance, eating these foods can cause a few problems. Consuming it can spark nausea, diarrhea, and in the case of wheat allergies, even anaphylaxis. Individuals with the latter issue need to carry an EpiPen (epinephrine injector) to prevent suffocation.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gluten intolerance, have your doctor or gastroenterologist check it out. But since there is nothing inherently bad about it, there is no need to jump on the gluten-free bandwagon if you are not. Gluten flour is actually high in protein, iron, and low in fat, and the foods made with it provide your body with much-needed carbohydrates, fiber and B vitamins. Many people mistakenly think that gluten is in all grains and therefore cut out that food group entirely. In doing so, they are missing out on the vital nutrients their bodies need, and may end up feeling worse than they believed they did before.
The verdict? Gluten is bad for you if your body truly can’t tolerate it, but good for you if you are allergy free!
Possible short-term side effects
- if gluten sensitive:
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bloating
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diarrhea
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nausea / vomiting
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cramping
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constipation
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headaches
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fatigue
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anaphylaxis
Possible long-term side effects
- if gluten sensitive:
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anemia
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bone loss
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malnutrition
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delayed puberty (teens)
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osteoporosis
Ingredients to be aware of
- gliadin protein
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glutenin protein
Benefits
- great source of many nutrients
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