In case you’ve been living under a rock, gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, spelt and other grains. There are hundreds of gluten-free foods available on the market today, from pasta to pancake mix.
In a recent survey conducted by Vitacost.com, nearly half of the respondents said they follow a diet that does not include any gluten, and 38% acknowledged choosing “some” gluten-free products.
But why is the gluten-free diet so popular?
Forty percent of survey respondents cited stomach troubles as a reason for avoiding gluten, while 31% simply see gluten-free foods as a “healthier” option. Thirteen percent avoid gluten because they have celiac disease, a condition that requires a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet.
You can read the full press release here.
If you’ve given up gluten, be sure to check out the gluten-free store at Vitacost.com, as well as more gluten-free blogs – with recipes, advice and more from the NFCA (National Foundation for Celiac Awareness).