Why you should eat more Pasta

People who regularly eat pasta — the fundamental component of Italian Mediterranean cuisine, may have better diet quality, greater intake of vitamin and minerals and can manage blood sugar levels well, compared to those who don’t eat pasta, research states.

Pasta is a low-sodium and cholesterol-free food with a low glycemic index — foods that keep blood sugar levels in control. “The study shows that pasta eaters have better quality diets than those who don't eat pasta,” said dietitian Diane Welland.

The findings showed that pasta eaters had a greater intake of nutrients and minerals that most people lack in their diets such as folate that helps the body form red blood cells and reduces the risk of defects during foetal growth. It also helps form iron used to carry oxygen in the blood and aids in reducing anemia magnesium — a mineral used in building bones and releasing energy from muscles. This is turn helps to lower the risk of heart diseases, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

In addition, eating pasta also leads to less intake of saturated fat, which can help lower the level of cholesterol in your blood to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.

“Pasta can be an effective building block for good nutrition, as it serves as a perfect delivery system for fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and legumes,” Welland added.

PHOTO: ISTOCK