We all strive to be our healthiest selves but at the same time, it’s not always easy. With so much confusing and contradictory health advice out there, it’s hard to know what’s right and what’s just a passing fad.

One health approach that’s here to stay, though, is going gluten-free. Even for those of us who aren’t gluten-insensitive or celiacs, living without gluten can have some surprising (and wonderful) benefits, including:

Better concentration: Research shows that gastronomical upsets caused by too much gluten can cause you to feel sluggish and less sharp. Removing gluten can have the opposite effect by improving your concentration.

Weight loss: A low gluten diet changes your gut microbiome, which eases gastronomical discomfort and results in a weight loss.

Improved nutrient absorption: Too much gluten can interfere with nutrient absorption, but cutting it out means that your body can absorb more of the good stuff.

A happy bowel: Less gluten in your diet can help your body restore bowel lining that might have been damaged.

Reduced bloating and less belching and flatulence: Gluten can cause gastronomical discomfort, so without it...need we say more!

Dieticians do warn, however, that if you do want to go gluten-free, you need to make sure that you still get enough good-quality fibre in your diet. To do so, make sure you’re replacing your grain products with a gluten-free option that’s high in fibre, such as teff.