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🍞 What is Gluten and Why Does it Matter?

LIP #148
Jul 16, 2025

Gluten is a composite of two proteins - gliadin and glutenin - that acts like glue in bread, giving it structure and elasticity. The name comes from Latin meaning "glue."

🌾 Historical Context:

  • Wheat was humanity's first domesticated food 14,000 years ago
  • Became the foundation of human civilization

📈 Modern Changes:
Over 50 years, farmers used selective breeding (not GMO) to create wheat with:

  • Original wheat: 20% protein, 80% carbs/fiber
  • Modern wheat: 40% protein, 60% carbs/fiber

This doubling of gluten content through natural selection may explain why some people experience more digestive issues with today's bread.

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