A gluten-free diet can provide many health benefits, especially for those with celiac disease. It may help ease digestive symptoms, reduce chronic inflammation, boost energy and promote weight loss. Promotes digestive health, increases energy and improves cholesterol levels.

Many people without this condition are also going gluten-free for its supposed health benefits.

When is gluten harmful?

When people with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system attacks and damages the lining of their small intestine. With repeated exposure to gluten, the body becomes less able to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

Complications can arise if a person with celiac disease continues to eat gluten, such as:

• nutrient deficiencies

• anemia

• weight loss

• osteoporosis

• infertility

• multiple sclerosis (MS)

• neurological conditions

Does gluten-free really make a difference?

Beyond this, there's little evidence that a gluten-free diet offers any particular health benefits. However, a gluten-free diet can still be a healthy way to eat depending on which gluten-free foods you choose, how often you eat them and whether your other food choices are healthy ones.