What’s better, a cupcake or a gluten-free cupcake? Durango, Colorado Currently Mon 19% chance of precipitation 25% chance of precipitation 38% chance of precipitation 69% chance of precipitation Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 5:03 AM Toggle font size Escuchar en Español: Fran Sutherlin Should you be eating a gluten-free diet? Maybe you are curious to know if it will help you feel better. Gluten is probably the most vilified food protein in America. About 5% of the American population follow a gluten-free diet and many do it because they notice a difference in their health from increased energy to less digestive pain and discomfort. So, what is gluten? Gluten is a group of indigestible proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye). Before jumping to the “indigestible” part in that statement, remember that gluten contains whole grains and provides a valuable source of fiber, B-vitamins and minerals whereas many gluten-free products lack these important nutrients. The No. 1 dietary deficiency found in people following a gluten-free diet is fiber. The average American gets about 13 grams of fiber per day from their diet, while the recommendation per day is 25 grams for women and 35 grams for men.