Reasons and background behind the spread of gluten-free

In recent years, we have been hearing the term "gluten-free" more and more often. Gluten-free foods and lifestyles that utilize gluten-free foods are attracting attention from health-conscious people, athletes, and even general consumers. But why has it become so widespread? When we look into the background, three factors emerge: health issues, trends, and the spread of information.

1. Increased health awareness and allergy issues
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. For people with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause intestinal inflammation, indigestion and fatigue. Although the disease itself is thought to affect around 1% of the population, increased awareness of these health issues has led to an increased demand for gluten-free foods.

Another factor behind this is the excessive spread of the perception among some that gluten is bad for the body. As health consciousness grows, more and more people are avoiding gluten for reasons such as "improving their intestinal environment" and "increasing their energy levels."

2. Celebrity culture and fitness trends
One of the major factors that made gluten-free popular is the influence of celebrities. Hollywood actors and athletes adopted a gluten-free diet, which created the image that it was "helpful for creating a healthy and beautiful body." In particular, tennis player Novak Djokovic caused a big stir when he said that his performance had improved after switching to a gluten-free diet.

Furthermore, gluten-free is also accepted as part of a "diet" or "detox" diet. One of the reasons is that by avoiding gluten, people tend to reduce their intake of processed foods and turn their attention to natural foods, which ultimately leads to a healthier diet.

3. Influence of the food industry and media
The food industry is also spurring the growth of the gluten-free market. Gluten-free products are now available on supermarket shelves, and many brands have responded to the trend. Especially in North America and Europe, gluten-free foods are no longer just for a select few, but have become popular with the general public.

Additionally, the spread of information through social media and the internet has also played a major role. While information that "gluten has a negative effect on health" has spread without accurate verification, there is some evidence to support it, which has increased interest among consumers.

4. The future of gluten-free
Gluten-free is no longer just a passing trend, but is becoming established as a category in the food industry. However, the effect varies from person to person, so it cannot be said to be "healthy" in general. When practicing a gluten-free diet, it is important to consider not only your own judgment, but also your nutritional balance and health condition.

The spread of gluten-free can be seen as a modern phenomenon that symbolizes growing health consciousness and diversifying lifestyles.
It will be interesting to see how this trend continues to evolve.


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