We’ve all heard the criticisms. Beware of gluten. It’s terrible for your health. It has no redeeming health benefits. It’s the latest rage but is cutting gluten out of your diet really that advisable. Well, if you’re a diabetic, research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions suggests that gluten-rich diets are associated with a reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. That’s right gluten rich-not gluten absent.

Now get this, the highest 20 percent of gluten eaters were discovered to have a 13 percent lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, compared to individuals with the lowest daily gluten intake. Those who avoid gluten tend to eat less cereal fiber — an ingredient renowned for fighting off the development of the disease. So by cutting out gluten, people are actually putting themselves at risk of developing diabetes.
“Gluten-free foods often have less dietary fiber and other micronutrients, making them less nutritious, and they also tend to cost more. People without celiac disease may reconsider limiting their gluten intake for chronic disease prevention,” Geng Zong, a researcher for the department of nutrition at Harvard University’s said.

After sugar, gluten has become a top public enemy. And although people suffering from celiac disease and other gluten allergies continues to grow, numerous others are swearing off gluten even though there is no medical reason to do so. And that could result in big problems.
As a consequence, seemingly health-conscious consumers may not even be aware that cutting gluten may trigger an increased threat of Type 2 diabetes. a malady associated with unhealthy eating and physical inactivity. What researchers have discovered has more to do with fiber, then the negative outcome of eating less gluten because the absence of gluten could be offset by including foods that are rich with fiber.  Gluten-free grains like quinoa, sorghum, teff, buckwheat, and oats are also essential. So if you plan to go off gluten make sure you are getting adequate fiber from other sources.