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Gluten-free cookies offer a number of potential benefits, especially for people with specific dietary needs or health concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages:
1. Essential for People with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity
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Celiac disease: For those with this autoimmune condition, gluten-free cookies are a must. Ingesting gluten can damage the small intestine.
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Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: Some people experience bloating, fatigue, or digestive discomfort when consuming gluten, even without a celiac diagnosis. Gluten-free cookies can help avoid these symptoms.
2. May Improve Digestion for Some
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Some gluten-free cookie recipes are made with alternative flours like almond, coconut, or oat flour, which can be easier on the digestive system and higher in fiber.
3. Nutritional Variety
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Gluten-free baking often incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients such as:
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Nut flours (e.g., almond flour): high in healthy fats and protein.
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Coconut flour: high in fiber.
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Oat flour (gluten-free oats): a good source of vitamins and minerals.
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4. Lower in Refined Ingredients (Sometimes)
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Many gluten-free recipes are part of a broader movement toward clean eating, which means they may contain less refined sugar and fewer additives, though this varies by brand or recipe.
5. Suitable for a Variety of Diets
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Gluten-free cookies are often designed to accommodate other dietary restrictions as well, such as dairy-free, vegan, or paleo diets.
6. More Awareness of Ingredients
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People who eat gluten-free often pay closer attention to labels, which can lead to more mindful eating habits.