The gist of it is that modern wheat has been so hybridized and genetically tinkered with during the last 50-60 years that it really doesn't qualify as a "healthy whole grain" any more. Of all the carbohydrates it raises blood glucose the highest and fastest, leading to diabetes and obesity...hence the title, Wheat Belly.
The author also discusses his observations that wheat can contribute to a host of problems that can be improved by getting rid of wheat in the diet. In addition to celiac disease, diabetes and obesity he sites studies about the effects of wheat consumption on cholesterol, bone density/osteoporosis, acne, arthritis and a host of other ills and complaints for which doctors can't always find a cause. Unexplained aches and pains, sinus issues, fatigue, foggy thinking, etc. could be the result of a wheat sensitivity and the best way to find out is to quit eating wheat. And that can be difficult because wheat is in almost every processed food....just read the labels!!
I'm sure this book will be soundly criticized by everyone from wheat-based agribusiness to diabetes educators to the junk food industry since they all want the consumer to believe wheat is about the perfect food. Anyway, it might be worth a read.
I don't think we need to read the book--we've been experimenting on our own and know we both feel better if we eliminate wheat products.
ReplyDelete