Gluten Free Energy Drinks: All you need to know about Gluten and its effects to your body

 Gluten is a common     ingredient in almost all food types ranging from beer, bread, pasta, cosmetics among other things. With more people advocating for healthy living, there seems to be a lot of buzz on gluten. If you are deep in your exercise and body building routine, you may start with gluten free energy drinks if you are not sure of how or if gluten affects you.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein component found in some grains such as the wheat plant. While it occurs naturally in most food products, you can extract, concentrate, and include it in other food types. This is mostly done to improve flavor, texture, and add protein to the food item. It is also commonly known for its binding properties as it holds processed foods in a desired shape.

Where can you get Gluten From?

Besides wheat, gluten can also be found in barley, rye, or triticale – a product that is between rye and barley. It may be present in oats, if the oats were manufactured alongside other products that contain gluten. Oats, by themselves are unprocessed and have no gluten.

How does Gluten affect your body?

The human body has naturally occurring enzymes that help in the digestion of foods. Protease is the enzyme responsible for digesting protein, but it cannot breakdown gluten. The unprocessed gluten makes way into the stomach and most people can handle it with no problem. However, if you have gluten intolerance, the gluten might trigger an acute auto immune reaction known as the Celiac disease. If you have any symptoms of reacting to gluten, take gluten free energy drinks only.

There is always a debate on whether or not gluten is safe for consumption. However, gluten is not a bad food, especially if contained in whole grains. If you work out often, observe your diet and only consume gluten free energy drinks.