Of all the decisions we make throughout a typical day, choosing what to eat and drink is, without a doubt, one of the most important. Not only are the calories we consume used to fuel our bodies, but the nutrients included with those calories power all the body’s systems, from the cognitive processes of the brain to the movement of the limbs and pumping of the heart. There are, however, instances in which a particular food or drink would be a healthy choice for one individual and a highly detrimental option for another. Plenty of reasons for these disparities exist; some suffer from food allergies or sensitivities, others from an illness or genetic predisposition. Among the more common issues people have with food are those relating to gluten, the protein found in many grains. Today, gluten-free diets are pursued by people around the world, a trend that manifests in everything from restaurant menus to nutrition shakes. Here, the experts at ENU discuss the benefits of gluten-free nutrition shakes; keep reading to find out more.

Why Some People Need Gluten-Free Nutrition Shakes

In many foods, gluten is a key element that holds together a dish in a very literal way. In bread, for instance, gluten maintains structure; the more gluten, the tougher the bread. Because of this important role, gluten has found its way into a wide variety of products, including beer, pasta, soups, chocolate, and even sausage. This pervasiveness is unfortunate for those who have to maintain a gluten-free diet. The following are some of the reasons people turn to gluten-free nutrition shakes and foods:

• Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder in which gluten causes the immune system to attack the lining of a person’s small intestine
• Gluten ataxia, another autoimmune disorder that can cause issues with motor control and muscle movement
• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a poorly understood condition that causes a host of harmful symptoms similar to celiac disease, though without the intestinal damage
• A wheat allergy, which works in much the same way as other food allergies: the immune system mistakes gluten (or another protein in wheat) for an invading organism or contaminant, triggering a serious reaction

How Gluten-Free Nutrition Shakes Provide Carbohydrates

For much of the population, products containing gluten make up much or all of the carbohydrates in their diet. Although there’s a lot of negative press surrounding carbs (some of which is deserved), this macronutrient is nonetheless important as a powerful energy source for the body. With that in mind, how can gluten-free nutrition shakes grant the benefits provided by carbs?

The truth is that there are lots of alternative grains and carb-rich ingredients available for use in gluten-free nutrition shakes, including some that offer the coveted complex carbs. Brown rice, for instance, is known to be a nutrient-rich source of carbohydrates, and the superfood quinoa is another instance of a gluten-free grain that can provide healthy carbs. As long as your nutrition shake of choice opts for ingredients like these, it can make for a great addition to a gluten-free diet.

The Importance of Protein in Gluten-Free Nutrition Shakes

Even if you’re not an athlete or someone who’s especially active, protein is an important part of your diet. Not only does this nutrient go toward the production of new muscle tissue – the reason why it’s beloved by athletes – but it’s also needed to create the hormones and enzymes that keep our body running smoothly, and its appetite-suppressing abilities help to control cravings and prevent overeating.

Because a gluten-free diet is, by definition, one that avoids a particular protein, you might be getting a little less in your diet than other people, but more concentrated (and gluten-free) sources of protein are readily available. Many people turn to foods like chicken, beef, or beans to add protein to their diet, though these sources are less feasible in a shake. Instead, gluten-free nutrition shakes tend to use protein from ingredients like whey or soy, which offer plenty of this crucial macronutrient.

The Benefits of a Balanced Gluten-Free Shake

With the recent rise of gluten-free fad diets and products catering to that trend, you’re sure to find any number of meal replacement or protein shakes for weight gain, weight loss, muscle growth, health improvements, or whatever goal you’ve set for yourself. When choosing the shake that’s right for you, it’s critical that you consider the virtue of the shake as a whole, rather than just checking for glutenous ingredients.

A balanced gluten-free nutrition shake can grant a number of benefits not found in those that specialize in a particular nutrient; for instance, a post-workout protein shake for athletes may help your muscles get bigger, but if it’s lacking in carbs, it won’t replenish your stores of glycogen – a form of glucose stored in the muscles and used as fuel when exercising. Similarly, a nutrition shake for weight management may have plenty of calories, but if it gets those calories from unhealthy additives like corn syrup, it could wind up hurting you in the long run. In short, make sure that your gluten-free nutrition shake has more going for it than just a lack of gluten.

Check Out the Benefits of a Gluten-Free Nutrition Shake from ENU Today

Thanks to a formula based on real food ingredients and a commitment to accessibility, ENU is proud to offer gluten-free nutrition shakes that provide a healthy dose of protein – 20 grams per carton – as well as complex carbs, heart-healthy fats, and 24 different vitamins and minerals. Learn more about the benefits of ENU gluten-free nutrition shakes and nutritional powders by visiting us online or calling (855) 266-6733 today.