Going gluten-free has been trendy for a few years with proponents claiming that ditching wheat can melt away a few pounds, elevate sports performance and evaporate mental fogginess.
There is no nutritional benefit to gluten itself, but there are lots of nutritional benefits to be gained from foods containing gluten. On its own, gluten has as a chalky flavor, similar to corn starch, like a very weak bubble gum.

Gluten itself is a protein that naturally occurs in a number of grains such as wheat, triticale, barley, rye and oats. As an ingredient, the two sub-proteins glutenin and gliadin form strands which strengthen dough and create pockets which trap the air released from leavening agents, such as yeast.
When it comes to diet, a gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. It is usually used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease and eating a gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications.

Gluten is the protein in breads and cakes that make it expand and give it that doughy texture. If something doesn’t have gluten in it, it won’t rise in quite the same way.
If you're just starting with a gluten-free diet, it's a good idea to consult a dietitian, however, here is a list of many healthy and delicious foods that are naturally gluten-free and that you can eat but it's important to make sure that they are not processed or mixed with gluten-containing grains, additives or preservatives:

• Beans, seeds, nuts in their natural, unprocessed form
• Fresh eggs
• Fresh meats, fish and poultry (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Most dairy products
Also, many grains and starches can be part of a gluten-free diet:
• Amaranth
• Arrowroot
• Buckwheat
• Corn and cornmeal
• Flax
• Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
• Hominy (corn)
• Millet
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Sorghum
• Soy
• Tapioca
• Teff
However, it is very important for you to avoid all food and drinks containing:
• Barley (malt, malt flavoring and malt vinegar are usually made from barley)
• Rye
• Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
• Wheat

Although some people report feeling better after reducing their intake of products with gluten, there are no actual benefits of the diet and a food billed as “gluten-free” isn't necessarily healthier. Gluten-free products can be high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates and some people who go gluten-free actually gain weight. That said, all you need to do is simply continue to eat a balanced diet, with or without cutting gluten.