Followers of the gluten-free diet are more likely to have healthier eating habitsbut are also more likely to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors according to results of a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota in the United States wanted to explore the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of young adults who follow a gluten-free diet. The study focused on a sample of 1,819 young adults aged 25 to 36 from the longitudinal cohort study of the EAT project.
The scientists measured weight goals, weight control behaviors, eating habits, eating behaviors, physical activity and food intake.
They found that about 13% of participants consumed gluten-free foods and that these consumers were 4-7 times more likely to be in control of their diet.
The researchers observed that there was a significant link between the taste for gluten-free foods and the interest in nutrition in general.
In addition, the preference for gluten-free foods also appears to be associated with healthy eating behaviors such as eating breakfast regularly or consuming more fruits and vegetables.
While their food intake did not always meet all recommendations, these participants ate more fruits, vegetables and fiber, and less sodium and saturated fat.
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