TRENDY gluten-free diets loved by Gwyneth Paltrow and Russell Crowe may increase the risk of heart disease, a study suggests.

Researchers warned people with no medical need to avoid gluten not to adopt the potentially harmful fad.

5 Gluten-free diets made popular by Gwyneth Paltrow may increase risk of heart disease Credit: Getty Images

They found those who avoided gluten typically had a lower intake of whole grains, which are known to be beneficial to cardiovascular health.

People who ate the least gluten were 15 per cent more likely to suffer from coronary heart disease than those who ate the most.

Gluten is a protein found in some grains, such as wheat, rye and barley.

5 Those who keep a gluten free diet have a lower intake of grains known to help cardiovascular health Credit: Alamy

It gives bread and other baked goods elasticity during the baking process and a chewy texture in finished products.

Gluten triggers inflammation and intestinal damage in people with celiac disease and is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

This risk is reduced once they adopt a gluten-free diet.

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But gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular among those without the disease, with many thinking it boosts their heart health.

Now academics at Harvard Medical School, in the United States, have found no such benefit in those without the disease.

In fact, many of these “healthy” individuals actually ended up worse off because they lost the protective benefit of whole grains.

5 Gluten-free diets, as followed by Russell Crowe, are only healthy for people with an intolerance to gluten Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Only those that maintained a high intake of whole grains by swapping wheat, rye and barley for more oats and unrefined rice did not increase their risk of heart disease.

The researchers analysed data on 110,000 people who completed a food questionnaire in 1986 that was updated every four years through to 2010.

Consumption of gluten and development of coronary heart disease was monitored over this 26-year period.

5 Gluten is a protein found in some grains, such as wheat, rye and barley Credit: Alamy

Writing in the British Medical Journal, the researchers conclude: “The avoidance of gluten may result in reduced consumption of beneficial whole grains, which may affect cardiovascular risk.

“The promotion of gluten-free diets among people without celiac disease should not be encouraged.”

5 Researchers say there is no health benefits for a gluten-free diet for people who are able to digest the protein Credit: Alamy

Associate Professor Andrew Chan, who worked on the study, added: “People with no history of celiac disease should be aware of the risks of adopting a gluten-free diet.

“They need to ensure they continue to eat a good amount of whole grains that do not contain gluten, such as oats and unrefined rice.

“For example, they may have porridge for breakfast and rice for dinner.” The study is published in the BMJ

