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Eco-tester Gluten-free foods often contaminated with harmful contaminants
People who suffer from gluten intolerance (celiac disease) have to eat a consistently gluten-free diet for life, in order to have no complaints and to avoid long-term consequences. In the meantime a large assortment of corresponding products can be found in the trade. However, many of them contain harmful pollutants, as a recent study by "Öko-Test" has shown.
Strict gluten waiver in celiac disease
It is estimated that about one percent of the population is affected by celiac disease, meaning they can not tolerate gluten. This is also known as gluten paste and is found in wheat, rye, barley and related cereals such as spelled, greens and emmer. Therapy is currently not available. Can only help a strict Glutenverzicht. Supermarkets now have a large assortment of products that contain no gluten. But not all of them are recommended, as a current test shows.
The consumer magazine "Öko-Test" has taken a closer look at gluten-free foods and found harmful substances such as arsenic or pesticides in many products. (Image: photocrew / fotolia.com) Health risks due to gluten-free foods
In people with celiac disease it comes through the consumption of gluten to inflammation in the small intestine and associated symptoms.
Symptoms that can occur include digestive problems such as flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, high blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, iron deficiency, severe inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, and mental health problems such as depression.
It is all the more important that the supply of gluten-free foods increases. Even healthy people often resort to such products.
However, experts always point out that gluten-free foods are not healthy for everyone. Researchers recently reported that such a diet significantly increases the risk of diabetes.
In addition, some of these foods present a health risk as they may be contaminated with hazardous pollutants.
Contaminated with harmful pollutants
The consumer magazine "Öko-Test" has examined 20 gluten-free foods in the current August issue, including flour, bread, pasta and oatmeal.
"The good news is that the lab has found little or no trace of gluten in the products," the magazine writes in a statement.
"The bad news is that with good half of the quality is in need of improvement. Because these products contain a large number of pollutants, "it continues.
According to the experts, many of the products tested disappoint because they are contaminated with substances that are hazardous to health.
Arsenic, pesticides and mineral oil components
The laboratory reported that it contained carcinogenic inorganic arsenic in all rice-containing samples. The pollutant was also detected in porridge, although oats do not normally accumulate arsenic.
Health experts have been warning of arsenic in our food for years. That especially rice and rice products contain a lot of arsenic, have already shown earlier studies of "eco-test".
In large quantities, inorganic arsenic is a risk factor for cancer. Light arsenic poisoning can cause discomfort such as cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and even kidney failure
The current study of gluten-free foods has also found in some brands the toxic heavy metal cadmium, questionable pesticides - including glyphosate, mold poison, suspected carbohydrate chloropropham and mineral oil components.
The test results can be downloaded here for a fee. (Ad)