Is eating pasta healthy? Pasta is one of the best foods. It’s versatile, delicious, and easy to prepare, and it can be part of a balanced and healthy diet.
Eating pasta has many benefits, so we must once and for all eliminate the belief that it’s the enemy, that it makes you fat, or that you need to eliminate it from your diet to be healthier. Indeed, celiacs can’t eat it because it contains gluten, but gluten isn’t a problem if you don’t have a condition that makes you intolerant or allergic to it.
Of course, there are unhealthy ways to eat pasta, but it all comes down to preparation, portion size, and the type you choose. If you choose and prepare it well, you can have an ideal meal.
Is eating pasta healthy or not?
You should know that pasta contains carbohydrates, so it is not advisable to consume too much of it, but it is not recommended to consume too much of anything.
Pasta is not junk food And it doesn’t have to be unhealthy or high in calories, but you do need to be careful with the portions and ingredients you use. Adding ingredients like high-sugar, highly processed, or cream-based sauces can make your pasta dish less healthy.
“Two ounces of dry white pasta provide about 200 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fiber, plus iron and B vitamins, according to the USDA. By choosing whole-wheat pasta, you get slightly more protein and at least twice the fiber, according to the USDA. And while pasta is a high-carb food, it also provides many important nutrients,” wrote nutrition expert Lisa Valente, MS, RD, in an article for EatingWell .
Refined pasta should be avoided, as it contains more calories and less fiber. High- fiber , whole-grain options are always better, according to Healthline .
What are the benefits of eating pasta?
According to WebMD, there are several benefits that pasta can bring to your diet.
- It’s part of a balanced diet : you need carbohydrates and grains to have a proper diet, so pasta can be a good complement to achieve this, in addition to proteins, vegetables, fruits, and other essential elements.
- It makes you feel full: Pasta helps you feel satisfied, so it can curb cravings and help you not feel as hungry throughout the day.
- It provides energy : Runners often eat pasta before running a race, this is because it is a food that contains carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy.
- It can be easily made more nutritious: adding elements such as protein and some vegetables helps make your pasta dish healthier, as it contains more nutrients.
- It may help protect against cancer: WebMD says pasta contains elements that help protect against certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer.
- It can help you lose weight: According to the site, one study found that people who ate pasta as part of the Mediterranean diet had a lower body mass index than people who didn’t, as well as a lower percentage of abdominal fat (but only if eaten in moderation). Plus, pasta is low in fat on its own.
- Helps regulate blood sugar levels: Pasta has a low glycemic index, so it can be part of a diet that helps prevent obesity and diabetes.
- It’s good for your brain: According to Pastas Gallo, pasta contains glucose, which is an essential element for the brain to perform all its functions correctly.
But it’s important to remember that to reap the benefits of pasta, you should eat it in moderation, in the right portion, and combined with other healthy ingredients.