"Gluten-free doesn't mean healthy": Nutritionist advises people against a popular health aisle buy
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A nutritionist has explained the reasons why you shouldn't assume that a food is "good for you" simply because it is located in the section of the grocery store dedicated to healthy food options.
Bec Miller, a nutritionist specialising in weight loss and author of numerous cookbooks, was taken aback by what she discovered when she picked up the Banana Bread Mix from Coles' ‘I'm Free From’ range, which is gluten-free and located in the health aisle of the grocery store.
She remarked, "I knew it would be bad, but not this bad," adding that the apparently nutritious Banana Bread Mix has the same number of calories as a Mars Bar.
She explained that the nutritional information on the back of the package contradicted the claim that the banana bread was healthy, despite the fact that it was advertised as such.
Sugar is stated as the major ingredient in the banana bread mix, while rice flour is mentioned as the secondary ingredient.
"That is wild; sugar as an ingredient is rarely first. That means the majority of the mix is sugar," she said, adding: "Second is rice flour, which acts like sugar in your body."
In terms of the amount of nutrients it contained, she compared the banana bread to a Mars bar. Credit: Instagram/@health_with_bec.
According to Bec, the bread mix is more comparable to a Mars bar than it is to a "healthy" diet. This is because both of these foods contain the same amount of calories, almost no nutrients, and would have the same impact on your blood sugar level.
In fact, given that people rarely stop for just one slice of bread, she would be more likely to recommend a Mars bar as a "healthier" snack option.
"When foods are very high in sugar and refined carbs and low in protein and fibre, we get a rapid blood sugar spike," she later explained. This means that when you eat them, you won't feel full, but instead will have an increasing need for more food and are likely to experience a massive drop in energy.
Bec often "removes the guesswork" for her followers on Instagram by providing them with nutritional information that she has gathered, both from her experience as a nutritionist and through research.
She wrapped up her message by pointing out that just because something is gluten-free does not indicate that it is the one that is best for your health – unless you're gluten-intolerant, of course.
Natural gluten-free foods such as lean meats, low-fat dairy, vegetables, fruit, whole gluten-free grains, and healthy fats are all good gluten-free options.
It is essential not to replace gluten-containing foods with more red meat, full-fat dairy, starchy vegetables, sweets, and fats, as this can result in an increase in cholesterol, saturated fat, sodium, and unwanted calories.
Experts also advise limiting your consumption of commercially prepared gluten-free snacks and bakery products, which are often high in refined carbohydrates, fat, sugar, and salt, just like their gluten-containing counterparts.
A gluten-free diet is becoming more popular these days, but it's important to understand the benefits and risks before making such a significant change in your life.
Watch the video below to learn more, but before making any drastic changes to your diet, we strongly advise you to consult with your doctor first.
Credit: The List.
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