We know that ghee is a great product for people suffering from lactose intolerance. But what about gluten allergies? Does ghee contain gluten?
The Short Answer:
Yes, Ghee is gluten free and safe for those who have a gluten allergy.
The Long Answer:
Ghee, in its natural state, is gluten-free, but like all foods, you have to check its ingredient content before deciding that it is 100% safe. While dairy does not contain gluten, many dairy products cause issues for those who cannot handle gluten because of a protein called casein. While casein is not gluten, it does have a similar effect on individuals with gluten-sensitive diseases. That is why most people who give up gluten also give up dairy.
Ghee is a form of clarified butter which is heated until the butterfat is separated from milk solids. Ghee takes this a step further than other forms of clarified butter by caramelizing the solids before scooping them away. What’s left is butterfat, which contains virtually no trace of casein or lactose. This makes ghee a perfectly acceptable food for those who suffer from gluten and casein related issues.
As with all food purchased from the market though, it is important to check your labels and ensure that no gluten products have been added in.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a name for proteins found in rye, wheat, barley and triticale. Gluten functions as an edible adhesive, holding foods together and maintaining their shape.
Gluten can be dangerous for those with an autoimmune reaction known as celiac disease. Affected individuals could see heightened weight loss, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, persistent diarrhea or constipation, brain fog and a skin disease called dermatitis.
Gluten is also known to cause gut inflammation, which can lead to digested food making its way into the bloodstream through the intestines. As such, harmful viruses and bacteria that would have normally been eliminated by the digestive system could be let loose into the bloodstream.
Eliminating gluten from your diet can lead to easy weight loss and increased energy in individuals, which is why it has become such a popular diet trend.
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