Food is said to be the best medicine. Knowing what to eat and what not to eat can ensure optimal health and help avoid various health issues.
Several ancient civilizations had books dedicated to categorizing different foods and placed emphasis on food to consume and avoid for various health needs.
In the modern world, however, with the advent of processed food, sugary beverages, artificial sweeteners, and added preservatives, food has become our very bane. Consuming food containing these components can lead to several health issues in the long run.
Eliminating certain food groups, or food containing certain components, can help you avoid several health complications.
Furthermore, it becomes necessary to eliminate certain foods when faced with food intolerance and allergies. Consuming certain foods could also worsen the symptoms of other pre-existing health conditions.
When you have identified a certain food component or ingredient you want to eliminate from your diet, it is important to note food items containing them.
This helps you plan your diet effectively to eliminate your desired food group. One such food group that several people avoid is gluten.
Gluten-free diets are the new fad in the world of dieting. It reportedly has several health benefits and helps avoid various health issues.
In this article, we find out whether you must avoid cream cheese as a part of a gluten-free diet.
What is gluten?
A group of structural proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats is known as gluten. Gluten is added to several mock meats and vegetarian food to increase protein content in those preparations.
Gluten can be a cause of several health conditions categorized as gluten-related disorders. This includes celiac disease, gluten ataxia, dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), and wheat allergy. These disorders are broadly classified as gluten intolerance.
Additionally, gluten might adversely affect those with health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, HIV enteropathy, and rheumatoid arthritis. It can also lead to irritation for those faced with digestive disorders.
Is gluten bad for you?
Gluten is the structural protein in grains like wheat, rye, barley, and oats. It is a good source of protein and has been adopted into the diet of various cultures worldwide. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and several other micronutrients.
For those with gluten-related disorders, or gluten intolerance, gluten consumption can have several adverse effects on health.
For instance, gluten consumption can lead to symptoms like severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and inefficient absorption for those suffering from celiac disease.
However, gluten is considered good for healthy individuals whose bodies can tolerate it. It is a good source of protein and a part of the staple diet in various cultures across the world.
What is cream cheese?
Cream cheese is a form of soft, fluffy cheese made from milk and cream. It is a soft cheese with a mild taste used as a topping and an ingredient in several cuisines. It has a pleasant tangy taste, making it ideal for baked goods.
It is used for cake frosting to add a creamy, cheesy, and tangy undertone. It is used as a spread and dip for bagels and bread. It is also used in the preparation of several herbal dips and is also used in making pasta sauce.
It is a commonly consumed dairy product and is very popular in the US. It is high in dairy fat and contains nutrients like protein, vitamin A, and riboflavin. It is also known to be an antioxidant and helps improve immunity, bone health, cell functions, and vision.
It is generally considered a healthy addition to the diet and can be beneficial to consume in the right quantity.
Is Cream Cheese Gluten Free?
Gluten is the structural protein in particular cereals like wheat, rye, barley, and oats. By definition, it is not found in dairy products. However, it cannot be guaranteed due to the cross-contamination between farm products these days.
Purchasing cream cheese from a manufacturer specializing in dairy products can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. However, barring cross-contamination or intentional addition, it is impossible for dairy products to contain gluten.
Cream cheese, being a dairy product, doesn’t contain gluten. Therefore, you can have cream cheese without the risk of affecting your gluten-free diet or triggering any symptoms of gluten-related disorders.
Conclusion
Gluten is the structural protein in particular cereals like wheat, rye, barley, and oats. By definition, it is not found in dairy products. However, it cannot be guaranteed due to the cross-contamination between farm products these days.
Purchasing cream cheese from a manufacturer specializing in dairy products can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination. However, barring cross-contamination or intentional addition, it is impossible for dairy products to contain gluten.
Cream cheese, being a dairy product, doesn’t contain gluten. Therefore, you can have cream cheese without the risk of affecting your gluten-free diet or triggering any symptoms of gluten-related disorders.
This is true for most cream cheese, irrespective of the brand. Cream cheese from different top brands, like Philadelphia cream cheese, Gina Marie cream cheese, Nancy’s cream cheese, and Tillamook cream cheese, are all gluten-free.
Similarly, other varieties of dairy cheese, like cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, brie, cheddar, swiss, gouda, parmesan, and feta, don’t contain any gluten either.
However, this might not be the case with several food items prepared with cheese as their primary ingredient. For example, several types of pizza, lasagna, and pasta contain cheese as their primary ingredient. However, they contain gluten due to the use of wheat products like bread.
It is, therefore, essential that you perform due diligence to check the list of ingredients of a food item to avoid triggering any allergies or digestive problems.
Cream cheese, by itself, is definitely gluten-free and safe for your consumption.
FAQs
1. Is a gluten-free diet beneficial for health?
Ans: For people dealing with gluten-related health disorders, like celiac disease, it is essential to stop consuming gluten. Eliminating gluten from their diet can help relieve several symptoms and prevent the conditions from worsening.
For individuals whose bodies can tolerate gluten, eliminating it from their diet can rob them of several key nutrients. Gluten is a good source of protein and other key nutrients. Especially for vegans and vegetarians, it is one of the best sources of protein available to them.
2. Do dairy products contain gluten?
Ans: Gluten is the structural protein in certain cereals like wheat, rye, oats, and barley. It is, therefore, not found in regular dairy products. However, due to the proximity of production, cross-contamination is a concern in farm products. Also, certain dairy products might have added ingredients to prepare them for consumption. Therefore, it is advisable to check the label before buying.
3. Does regular cheese contain gluten?
Ans: Just like cream cheese, regular cheese doesn’t contain gluten. Gluten is not naturally found in dairy products. Unless it is added, dairy products like cheese don’t contain gluten.
4. Is a gluten-free diet helpful for weight loss?
Ans: If you have gluten intolerance, cutting gluten from your diet is important. It is a good source of nutrients like protein for individuals with bodies capable of digesting gluten. A healthy diet with restricted calorie intake is ideal for weight loss. Eliminating gluten completely can rob you of several healthy nutrients. It is advisable to consume it in moderation.
5. Is milk gluten-free?
Ans: Any animal source of milk is naturally guaranteed to be free from gluten. Gluten is only found in specific plant sources like wheat. Therefore, consuming cow, goat, buffalo, and other animal milk is safe without concern about gluten.
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