Delicious reads: The Gluten Lie

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Sonoma Valley Sun

Dr. Alan Levinovitz examines the history and myth behind the most popular eating fads of the past century, including gluten, MSG, carbohydrates, and more. A professor of religion, Levinovitz connects ancient Chinese monk’s dietary habits to the mythical concepts of contemporary eating habits and the problems they cause, the cause of most which may just lie in our heads, more than in our stomachs.

Funny, sarcastic, and full of interviews with scientists and nutritionists, Levinovitz makes a fun and convincing argument for why we should just simply “eat healthy,” and not jump on top of trends. For example, only 1% of the population in the United States suffers from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder which makes it virtually impossible for those suffering from the disease to eat gluten and not suffer from detrimental long-term health complications. On top of that, only about .4% of the population suffers from a diagnosed wheat allergy. These are two primary populations that are advised to go gluten free, however, over 30% of the American population has chosen to lose the gluten (and the trend is barely looked upon outside of the USA).

It has become a multi-billion dollar industry and one that has been led by doctors and scientists who have their credentials questioned by not only Levinovitz, but, the Celiac Disease Foundation and other thought leaders in the field. Controversial, the book is pre-dispositioned for skeptics and those who may be deciding to go gluten free rather than change other eating habits with the help of their nutritionist. The Gluten Lie, Alan Levinovitz, PhD, 272 pages, Regan Arts, $24.95, ISBN 9781941393062. theglutenlie.com