Is gluten-free necessary for Japanese people? Explaining the pros and cons
What is gluten-free?
The meaning of gluten and gluten-free
Gluten is a type of protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. When water is added to flour and kneaded, two types of proteins, glutenin and gliadin, bond together to form gluten.
Gluten is what gives foods like bread, pasta, and pizza their chewy texture and stickiness. Gluten-free, on the other hand, refers to foods and diets that do not contain gluten or that contain very little gluten.
Gluten can cause health problems for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, so it is necessary to avoid it. In recent years, with the rise in health consciousness, more and more people are concerned about the effects of gluten on the body, and the number of people practicing gluten-free diets is on the rise.
Examples and standards of gluten-free foods
Gluten-free foods are made by replacing gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye with gluten-free grains such as rice, corn, quinoa, and amaranth, or plant-based ingredients such as potato and tapioca.
Specifically, these foods include:
- Rice flour bread
- Rice flour pasta
- Quinoa crackers
- Corn flour tortillas
- Potato gnocchi
- Tapioca flour crepes
In addition, standards for gluten-free foods are set by each country and region.
| Country/region | Gluten content standards |
|---|---|
| America | 20mg or less per kg |
| Canada | 20mg or less per kg |
| Europe | 20mg or less per kg |
| Australia and New Zealand | 3mg or less per kg |
There are currently no clear standards for gluten-free foods in Japan, but the Food Labeling Act requires that foods containing wheat be labeled as such. Therefore, when choosing gluten-free foods in Japan, it is important to carefully check the ingredient label.
Why Japanese people need gluten-free diets
Increased wheat intake and its impact on health
Wheat intake in the Japanese diet is on the rise. Wheat-based foods such as bread, pasta, and ramen have become commonplace, and per capita wheat consumption is increasing year by year.
It has been pointed out that this increased wheat intake may be affecting the health of Japanese people. Not only can gluten contained in wheat cause celiac disease and gluten intolerance, but excessive intake may also increase the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
There are also concerns about the impact gluten has on the intestinal environment, and it has been pointed out that it may disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora and lead to a decline in immune function. Considering these health risks, it can be said that there is an increasing need for Japanese people to adopt a gluten-free diet.
The influence of celebrities and influencers
In recent years, interest in gluten-free diets has been growing in Japan as international celebrities and social media influencers have been spreading the word about their benefits. Celebrities have shared the health and beauty benefits of going gluten-free through their own experiences, influencing many of their followers.
Gluten-free foods are also widely available overseas, with restaurants and cafes offering gluten-free menus. These overseas trends have spread to Japan, and gluten-free has begun to attract attention as a lifestyle. Celebrities and influencers have a great influence, and their messages are playing a role in raising awareness among Japanese people about the need for a gluten-free diet.
Expectations for effectiveness in skin problems and dieting
One of the reasons gluten-free diets are gaining attention is the hope that they will help improve rough skin and aid in weight loss. Gluten has been pointed out as a potential cause of skin problems, and is thought to be one of the factors that worsen symptoms of atopic dermatitis and eczema.
It is expected that a gluten-free diet will reduce skin inflammation and improve rough skin. It is also said that consuming gluten causes an inflammatory response in the body, increasing insulin resistance and making it easier for fat to accumulate.
Therefore, gluten-free diets are considered effective for weight loss, making them an attractive option for those looking to manage their weight or reduce body fat.
Rough skin and dieting are health and beauty issues that concern many Japanese people. The fact that gluten-free diets are gaining attention as a solution to these problems is one of the reasons why Japanese people feel the need to go gluten-free.
Things to keep in mind when going gluten-free
Beware of nutritional imbalance
When starting a gluten-free diet, it is important to be careful about nutritional imbalances. Simply avoiding wheat products can result in a lack of nutrients the body needs. Wheat not only contains carbohydrates, but also important nutrients such as dietary fiber, B vitamins, and iron.
In a gluten-free diet, it is important to get these nutrients from other foods. The key to living a healthy gluten-free lifestyle is to actively incorporate gluten-free grains and alternative foods, and to combine them in a balanced way with vegetables, fruits, and protein sources.
Also, some gluten-free foods use refined starch or additives instead of wheat flour. Be careful, as relying too much on these processed foods can actually throw off your nutritional balance.
Lack of specialty stores and products
In Japan, there are still not many gluten-free specialty stores or products. Compared to Europe and the United States, the options for gluten-free foods are limited, and it is not easy to find gluten-free menu items when eating out.
In particular, in Japan's food culture, where wheat-based dishes such as bread, pasta, and ramen are the norm, there are few gluten-free options, which presents a major obstacle for those who want to go gluten-free.
Because it is difficult to eat out, people tend to cook at home more often, which takes time and effort to prepare meals. In addition, the lack of gluten-free foods limits the variety of meals available, which can lead to boredom.
To continue going gluten-free, it is essential to find ways to overcome these environmental constraints . Using the internet to purchase gluten-free foods online and to search for gluten-free recipes can help improve the situation.
Cost burden
When going gluten-free, the cost burden is also an issue that cannot be ignored. Generally, gluten-free foods are priced higher than regular foods. This is due to the fact that demand for gluten-free foods is still limited, production is low, and the cost of raw materials that replace wheat flour is high.
Additionally, gluten-free menus tend to be more expensive when dining out. For restaurants, providing gluten-free foods separately is a special service that requires cost and effort. This cost burden is a major barrier to continuing a gluten-free diet.
In particular, if you have to purchase gluten-free foods on a daily basis, the financial burden can be significant. Those who practice a gluten-free diet must be aware of this cost issue and devise ways to manage and save on food expenses while continuing a gluten-free lifestyle within reasonable limits.
In the future, prices are expected to fall due to increased demand for gluten-free foods and improvements in production technology, but at present, the cost burden is an unavoidable reality.
Do Japanese people really need gluten-free foods?
Most Japanese people have no medical need for it
While gluten-free diets are becoming a global trend, it is important to carefully consider whether they are medically necessary for Japanese people. In fact, it can be said that for the majority of Japanese people, there is no clear medical basis for practicing gluten-free diets.
It is known that the prevalence of celiac disease is extremely low in Japan compared to Western countries. This is thought to be due to the genetic background of the Japanese people and their traditional food culture, which is centered on rice. Therefore, the need for a gluten-free diet to prevent or treat celiac disease does not apply to many Japanese people.
Additionally, there is currently limited scientific evidence that gluten has adverse health effects. Some studies suggest that gluten may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, but these results are not yet conclusive and further research is needed.
Therefore, unless there are clear health reasons, there is probably no need for Japanese people to practice gluten-free diets.
Characteristics of people who are suitable for a gluten-free diet
People with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance
However, a gluten-free diet may be appropriate for people with certain health conditions, such as those with a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, a condition in which the immune system overreacts to proteins found in wheat, causing allergic symptoms.
Symptoms range from skin rashes and itching to difficulty breathing and digestive symptoms. On the other hand, gluten intolerance is a condition that, although not as serious as celiac disease, causes digestive symptoms and general discomfort when gluten is consumed.
For these people, avoiding gluten is essential to improving their symptoms and maintaining their health, so those diagnosed with a wheat allergy or gluten intolerance have clear reasons to go gluten-free.
People with specific health challenges
Going gluten-free may also be beneficial for people with certain health challenges, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), for whom gluten consumption can worsen symptoms.
Additionally, some people with autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis) experience improvement in their symptoms by going gluten-free. However, the relationship between these diseases and gluten has not yet been fully elucidated, and there are large individual differences, so careful consideration is needed under the guidance of a doctor.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that a gluten-free diet may contribute to improving the condition of people at high risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. However, this is thought to be due to the resulting improvement in dietary habits as a result of practicing a gluten-free diet, rather than the effects of gluten itself.
Gluten-Free as a Lifestyle Choice
Finally, apart from medical necessity, some people choose to go gluten-free as a lifestyle choice. Growing health consciousness and interest in beauty are driving an increase in people going gluten-free.
In fact, some people experience improvements in their skin condition and weight loss after going gluten-free. Also, because a gluten-free diet tends to be centered around whole foods and vegetables, it may ultimately lead to a healthier diet. However, it's important to avoid viewing gluten-free as just a trend and following it lightly.
It is important to note that gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthy, and many are overly processed. Also, taking a gluten-free diet to the extreme can actually lead to nutritional imbalances and interfere with social life.
Therefore, if you choose to go gluten-free as a lifestyle choice, it is important to take into consideration your own health condition and living environment, and to strive for a balanced diet. Unless there is a medical necessity, it is important to be flexible and not be too concerned about going gluten-free.
summary
Gluten-free is a diet that was developed as a treatment for celiac disease and gluten intolerance, but in recent years, with the rise in health consciousness, it has become widely known among the general public. While most Japanese people are unlikely to have a medical need to practice gluten-free, it is important for people with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance to avoid consuming gluten.
Additionally, for some people with certain health issues, going gluten-free may help improve their symptoms. However, the relationship between these conditions and gluten varies greatly from person to person, and careful consideration under the guidance of a doctor is necessary.
On the other hand, for those seeking a healthier lifestyle, it makes sense to consider gluten-free as an option, as a gluten-free diet tends to be more whole-food and vegetable-based, which may ultimately lead to a healthier diet.
However, going gluten-free should not be practiced lightly, and it is important to consider your own health and living environment and strive to maintain a balanced diet. When going gluten-free, it is important to understand that there are various points to be aware of, such as an imbalance in nutritional balance, a lack of specialty stores and products, and the cost burden.
Overcoming these challenges will require deepening knowledge and learning appropriate food choices and cooking techniques. For Japanese people, gluten-free diets are not essential for everyone, but they can be considered an option worth adopting flexibly depending on one's health condition and lifestyle.
Determining whether or not there is a medical need for it and practicing gluten-free in a way that suits you is believed to lead to a healthy and fulfilling diet.
Gluten-free rice flour bread can be purchased online from Komeko's Palette
For those who are struggling with the lack of specialty stores and products when trying to follow a gluten-free diet, we recommend Komeko's Palette. Komeko's Palette is an online shopping site that sells gluten-free and additive-free foods, and is popular not only with people with wheat allergies or gluten intolerances, but also with those seeking a healthy diet.
Palette offers healthy, safe, and delicious products with three key features: "Completely additive-free," "Wheat-free (gluten-free)," and "No refined sugar."
[ Palette's Commitment
- Completely additive-free: We do not use any food additives, and value the original flavor and nutrition of the ingredients.
- Wheat-free: Instead of wheat, we use rice flour and natural ingredients to provide gluten-free products.
- No refined sugar: To avoid a sudden rise in blood sugar levels, natural sweeteners such as beet sugar and cane sugar are used.
Palette's products are made with a focus on taste and texture so that both gluten-sensitive and non-gluten-sensitive people can enjoy the same delicious flavor at the same table. The wide variety of cakes, cookies, breads, and other products made with rice flour are appealing, and they are characterized by a gentle sweetness that makes use of the blessings of nature.
For those who live in areas with few gluten-free specialty stores or who struggle with preparing meals every day, Komeko's Palette will be a reliable ally. Combining the convenience of online shopping with the deliciousness of carefully selected products, why not start a rich, gluten-free diet with Palette?
A healthy, balanced diet is not only good for your body, but also for your mind. We hope that by going gluten-free, you can find the diet that's right for you and help you live each day happily and healthily.
Gluten-free rice flour bread can be purchased online from "Komeko's Palette"
