Health Benefits of Vital Wheat Gluten

Many people mistakenly believe that vital wheat gluten is unhealthy. However, it’s time to dispel this misconception. Vital wheat gluten is actually one of the most important proteins found in wheat and is widely used in the baking industry for good reasons. Despite its benefits, vital wheat gluten has often been overlooked due to a lack of awareness or misinformation about this nutritious protein.

What Is Vital Wheat Gluten Powder?

Vital Wheat Gluten might look similar to flour, but it is slightly different in that it is a form of almost pure gluten, the stretchy protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. It is made by hydrating the wheat flour to activate the gluten and then processed to extract everything from it.

The process involves soaking wheat grains in water to activate the gluten. Afterward, the wheat is processed to remove everything except the gluten, which is then dried and ground into a powder. Essentially, vital wheat gluten is the gluten extracted from wheat, leaving behind the starch.

It is widely available in health food stores, specialty grocers, and certain high-end supermarkets. As a non-animal protein substitute, it’s especially popular in vegetarian and vegan dishes, particularly in Asian cuisines where it is known as seitan. Depending on preparation, it can have a spongy or firm texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavors of meats like chicken, duck, or beef.

Vital Wheat Gluten Is Packed With Protein

Vital wheat gluten powder is exceptionally high in protein, making it a healthy alternative to animal-based protein sources. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture encourages incorporating a variety of protein sources in your diet, including plant-based options like gluten.

For example, consuming a 50-gram serving of vital wheat gluten mixed with water or broth yields approximately 2 ounces of seitan (solid gluten), providing nearly 38 grams of protein per serving. This amount constitutes about 60% to 80% of the recommended daily protein intake for men and women, respectively, highlighting its nutritional value.

Vital Wheat Gluten Is Rich In Phosphorus: Just a 2-ounce serving of vital wheat gluten provides almost 130 milligrams of phosphorous. This makes almost 20 to 23 percent of the recommended dietary intake of this essential mineral for adults. Basically, phosphorous is important for the body and it makes up 1 percent of your total body weight. Phosphorus is stored primarily in your bones and teeth.

The phosphorus obtained from the vital wheat gluten helps your body process and make use of carbohydrates and fats, as well as the production of protein for healthy development. It aids in the repair, maintenance, and growth of all cells and tissues.

Vital Wheat Gluten Supports Good Health

Vital wheat gluten is low in fat, making it a helpful option for managing weight and maintaining heart health. Its minimal fat content contributes to keeping cholesterol levels in check, unlike fatty products that are high in cholesterol and not ideal for a balanced diet. When used in baked goods, vital wheat gluten can be considered heart-friendly and nutritionally beneficial due to its low cholesterol content, making it a safe choice for those focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Vital Wheat Gluten: A Rich Source of Microminerals

Vital wheat gluten is an excellent source of key minerals like iron and selenium. Just 2 ounces of vital wheat gluten provide approximately 2.6 milligrams of iron, covering 12 to 14 percent of the recommended daily intake for adult women and 32 percent for adult men and women over 50. Iron is essential for the body, playing a crucial role in the production of red blood cells (hemoglobin and myoglobin), which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Summary

Vital wheat gluten is a nutritious protein extracted from wheat, widely used in baking for its unique viscoelastic properties. Although it has faced skepticism due to negative media attention on wheat and gluten, vital wheat gluten remains an important component of a healthy diet, especially as a rich source of protein and essential minerals.