Gluten Intolerance

In the Health Eating Pyramid

whole grains are recommended at most meals.

The body needs carbohydrates mainly for energy. The best sources of carbohydrates are whole grains such as oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice. They deliver the outer (bran) and inner (germ) layers along with energy-rich starch. The body can't digest whole grains as quickly as it can highly processed carbohydrates such as white flour. This keeps blood sugar and insulin levels from rising, then falling, too quickly. Better control of blood sugar and insulin can keep hunger at bay and may prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.

Some people are unable to properly digest gluten. Gluten is the protein in wheat that makes dough elastic. Gluten may also turn up in candy, soup, cold cuts, and more. Of course it may also be hidden under different names. Gluten intolerance may even play a role in some mental illness. Here is just one article from the NIH