Six Surprising Reasons to Eat Less Wheat
Those who are gluten-sensitive, intolerant, or who have celiac disease should of course avoid wheat, but even those without these conditions can benefit from a wheat-free diet. Here are some reasons why eating less wheat is good for both you and the planet.
Eating wheat has been linked to an increasing number of health issues, including high blood sugar and diabetes, digestive issues, and more.
When it comes right down to it, more and more evidence indicates that humans just weren’t meant to eat grain in large quantities. While our digestive systems have adapted to be able to handle some wheat intake, the modern diet often includes far more than what is good for us.
This article explains why eating less wheat is probably a good idea – even if you’re not just trying to avoid gluten.
1. Lower Your Blood Sugar
The big message from the bestseller book Wheat Belly Total Health is that eating two slices of whole wheat bread can increase your blood sugar more than consuming two tablespoons of pure sugar can, according to William Davis, M.D, author of forthcoming Wheat Belly 10-Day Grain Detox. Over time, it raises insulin and creates visceral fat—the kind around your middle that’s hard to get rid of….2. Reduce Your FODMAPS
Some people have learned through process of elimination that they are sensitive to FODMAPS, short for Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols. They’re found in a variety of foods—honey, dairy, wheat, garlic, and onion, to name a few. According to Barry Sears, M.D., author of The Mediterranean Zone, other than true celiacs, 99 percent of the population doesn’t have a problem with wheat protein. It’s the FODMAPs in wheat that are often what set off gastrointestinal distress….3. Support Small Farms
If wheat is high on the list of what you consume, it’s possible you’re relying too much on processed foods…. “Wheat is a top three monoculture plant, along with corn and soy, and the more that we can introduce variety into the types of grains we buy, the more we support subsistence and small farmers and local producers,” says chef Richard Jones of Green Door Gourmet….4. Give Your Thyroid A Break
Thyroid dysfunction stems from a number of causes, among them endocrine disruptors, iodine deficiency, and wheat consumption, says Davis….5. Avoid GMOs
If you’re concerned about the safety of genetically modified foods, it might be smart to consume fewer wheat products. Here’s why: Wheat is found in many processed foods…. And since sugar, soy, and corn are top offenders in the genetically modified food category, this, in turn, means you’re simultaneously avoiding GMOs in your food….6. Improve The Soil
Organic farming emphasizes biodiversity. “Planting the same crop year after year—namely, wheat—in the same place may seem efficient, but in fact you’re inviting pests to make a long-term habitat,” says Eric Skokan, farmer and chef-owner of Black Cat Bistro and Bramble & Hare….
Read the full article at Rodale’s Organic Life…
