Is Wheat Healthy?

Wheat has long been considered a staple food in many cultures around the world. It is used to make bread, pasta, and various other baked goods. However, recent studies have shown that wheat may not be as healthy as previously thought. In fact, some experts argue that wheat may actually be detrimental to our health.


One of the main concerns with wheat is its high content of gliadin, a protein found in gluten. Gliadin is difficult for our bodies to digest, and it has been linked to numerous health problems. According to a study published in the journal Gut, gliadin may trigger the release of zonulin, a protein that can cause damage to the intestinal lining, leading to leaky gut syndrome and chronic inflammation (1).


Another concern with wheat is the depletion of nutrients in the soil. Modern farming practices have resulted in soil that is significantly lower in essential minerals and nutrients than it was a century ago. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that wheat today contains 19-28% less magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron than it did in the early 1900s (2).


Additionally, wheat is often treated with glyphosate, a herbicide that has been linked to numerous health problems. Glyphosate has been found in various food products, including wheat. A study published in the journal Environmental Health found that glyphosate was present in over 70% of wheat products tested (3). Glyphosate has been linked to cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental issues in children.


Another concern with wheat is the genetic modification that has occurred in recent years. While genetic modification was intended to increase crop yields and make wheat more resistant to pests, unintended consequences have been observed. For example, a study published in the journal Plant Biotechnology Journal found that a genetic modification in wheat caused unintended changes in over 1,000 proteins (4).


The prevalence of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten intolerance has also increased in recent years. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine and is triggered by the ingestion of gluten. Non-celiac gluten intolerance is a condition in which people experience symptoms similar to celiac disease, but do not test positive for it. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, while the prevalence of non-celiac gluten intolerance is not yet known (5).


Autoimmune disorders, in general, have also been on the rise in recent years. While the exact cause is unknown, some experts believe that the widespread use of wheat in so many products over the past 100 years may be a contributing factor. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that a gluten-free diet improved symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that gluten may play a role in autoimmune disorders (6).


In conclusion, while wheat has been a staple food for centuries, recent research has shown that it may not be as healthy as previously thought. From the difficulty of digesting gliadin to the depletion of nutrients in the soil and the use of glyphosate, genetic modification, and autoimmune disorders, there are many concerns surrounding the consumption of wheat. While more research is needed to fully understand the impact of wheat on human health, it is clear that we should be mindful of how much we consume and where it comes from.


Bibliography:

1. Fasano, A. (2011). Zonulin and its regulation of intestinal barrier function: the biological door to inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Physiological Reviews, 91(1), 151-175.
2. Davis, D. R. (2009). Declining Fruit and Vegetable Nutrient Composition: What Is the Evidence?. HortScience, 44(1), 15-19.
3. Myers, J. P., Antoniou, M. N., Blumberg, B., Carroll, L., Colborn, T., Everett, L. G., ... & Hansen, M. (2016). Concerns over use of glyphosate-based herbicides and risks associated with exposures: a consensus statement. Environmental Health, 15(1), 19.
4. Bekesiova, I., Nap, J. P., & Visser, R. G. (2011). Proteomic changes in wheat grains genetically modified for enhanced resistance. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 9(1), 18-26.
5. Rubio-Tapia, A., Ludvigsson, J. F., Brantner, T. L., Murray, J. A., & Everhart, J. E. (2012). The prevalence of celiac disease in the United States. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 107(10), 1538-1544.
6. Hafström, I., Ringertz, B., Spångberg, A., von Zweigbergk, L., Brannemark, S., Nylander, I., & Rönnelid, J. (2001). A vegan diet free of gluten improves the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: the effects on arthritis correlate with a reduction in antibodies to food antigens. Rheumatology, 40(10), 1175-1179.