Can pasta be on a healthy menu?

Pasta, which is now increasingly called pasta, is the hallmark of Italian cuisine. From tagliatelle to ravioli, they have hundreds of millions of fans around the world. There are more than 600 types of pasta, and the recipes for its preparation are probably impossible to count.

The Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest models of healthy eating, necessarily includes pasta. Combining them with vegetables, fish, and handmade sauces will make the dish a real healthy delicacy.

It's worth noting that in Ukrainian families, pasta was regularly on the menu long before the word "pasta" appeared in the culinary sense. Our mothers and grandmothers know how to cook delicious and healthy pasta dishes even in difficult times when there were significant problems with the choice of food.

IS A COMPONENT OF A HEALTHY BALANCED DIET

Pasta is made from grain, one of the main groups of healthy foods that also includes vegetables, fruits, fish and poultry. They are a good source of energy. And made from whole grains, they also contain fiber, which helps with stomach problems and lowers cholesterol.

PROVIDE LONG-LASTING SATIETY

Pasta is quite satisfying, which means it can satisfy your hunger for a long time.

HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CANCER

Whole grain pasta is good for your health. According to scientific studies, their consumption is associated with a lower probability of certain types of cancer, especially stomach and colon cancer.

HELP TO LOSE WEIGHT

Pasta has gotten a bad reputation for being high in carbohydrates. But research shows that carbohydrates do not prevent weight loss, as long as you don't eat too much of them. In one observation, people who ate pasta as part of a Mediterranean diet had a lower body mass index than those who did not. They also had less belly fat. A good recipe without extra calories: pasta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

DO NOT CONTAIN A LOT OF SALT

Too much salt increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other health problems. There is little salt in pasta, unless you add sauces that contain a significant amount of salt.

HELP CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS

The glycemic index (GI) reflects how quickly sugars consumed in foods cause blood glucose levels to rise. A healthy diet that includes foods with a low GI is associated with a lower risk of diabetes and obesity. Pasta has a low glycemic index. But pay attention to what you eat them with.

CONTAINS LITTLE FAT

A serving of pasta, noodles, or spaghetti contains just over half a gram of fat. Of course, the amount of fat will increase significantly if you add butter, cheese, and olive oil. Pasta with Italian marinara sauce (made from tomatoes, garlic, and herbs such as basil and oregano) is a healthy, light, and satisfying dish.

LONG SHELF LIFE

Pasta has a long shelf life and is always at hand when you are hungry.

CAN BE GLUTEN-FREE

Demand has created a new category of pasta made from corn, rice, and even quinoa. For an exotic twist, try gluten-free linguine pescatore, an Italian dish made with a mixture of seafood such as mussels, clams, squid, shrimp and fish in a tomato sauce. But without Parmesan - Italians usually eat fish and cheese separately.

SUITABLE EVEN FOR DESSERT

Kugel, a baked noodle dish made with sour cream, cinnamon, raisins, and sugar, originates from Eastern Europe and is one of the most popular dishes of all time. It can be eaten as a sweet side dish or dessert.

AVAILABLE

The basic ingredients are simple and cheap: flour, water, salt, and maybe some eggs. Whether you make it yourself or buy it in the store, pasta is a great way to feed your family on a budget.

UNIVERSAL

Pasta can be an appetizer, side dish or main course. Try a spicy and delicious salad with pasta, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and olives.

COME IN A VARIETY OF SHAPES

Bow ties, shells, ribbons, tubes, and even letters or animals. Pasta opens up endless possibilities for diversifying the look of dinner, even if you only have a few minutes.

EASY TO PREPARE

Once you get a pot of water boiling, it only takes a few minutes to cook pasta. If you want something more interesting, you can try cacio e pepe from Roman cuisine. This is spaghetti (or traditional tonarelli) with grated cheese and black pepper.