New study reveals you can enjoy pasta and still shed kilos

Do you love a hearty plate of pasta? Great news: It's time to dig in without guilt.

You've probably heard for years that a big bowl of warm pasta could contribute to weight gain. Thankfully, those rumours have just been debunked! Or, at least, according to some experts.



Recent research into how pasta intake affects body weight outcomes has proven that the beloved and versatile Italian staple may not be as bad as some think it is.

Speaking about the study, nutrition scientists Lisa Sanders and Joanne Slavin said: 'The unique structure of pasta and its low glycemic response suggests it may contribute to a healthy body weight.'


Screenshot 2023-09-15 at 11.36.18 AM.png
Eating pasta can help you lose weight, a new study shows. Credit: Pexels.



The scientists looked at several relevant studies, all of which concluded that eating a diet that includes spaghetti or penne doesn't necessarily lead to weight gain, provided that a healthy diet is already being followed.

It makes sense if you think about it: Good nutrition is all about balance. As long as your food provides nutrition and aligns with your long-term goals, it's okay to indulge in those specialties occasionally.



The age-old bad reputation that pasta has had is due to its high glycemic index (GI); and the higher a food's GI, the faster your blood sugar will rise after you eat it. Low GI carbohydrates break down more slowly, gradually releasing glucose into your bloodstream.

Contrary to what has been generally assumed, Sanders and Slavin explained that pasta has been unfairly grouped with other high-GI foods.

'Clinical trials consistently demonstrate pasta to have a lower glycemic response compared to similar starchy foods, such as rice, potatoes, bread, and noodles,' they wrote in the study.



This means that you can enjoy your favourite meals with peace of mind. As long as the rest of your food intake is balanced and nutrient-rich, there should be absolutely nothing wrong with a bowl of your favourite pasta.

Needless to say, many of us here are more than happy with this revelation! Now, you don't have to worry so much about the carbs you love—bringing some good ol' pasta to the dinner table can actually play a part in getting rid of those kilos you'd like to see gone.

Key Takeaways

  • A new study has revealed that pasta does not contribute to weight gain, contrary to common belief.
  • Nutrition scientists Lisa Sanders and Joanne Slavin found that pasta is an important part of a healthy, balanced diet, and it may contribute to a healthy body weight.
  • Despite pasta being a white carbohydrate with a high glycaemic index, it has been unfairly categorised with other high-glycaemic foods, and it actually has a lower glycaemic response than similar starchy foods.



But of course, we must stress: This article is not intended as medical advice. We strongly encourage those with dietary restrictions to consult their doctors on food intake.

That said, in other words, go ahead and enjoy your pasta, but it shouldn't be your only food group of choice.

Members, maintain your daily exercise routine and prioritise a balanced, nutritious diet, and you won't have anything to worry about—even if you indulge in a bowl of pasta now and then! Bon appétit!

If you have a favourite pasta meal you always return to, please feel free to share the recipe with us. You can leave a comment below or post it on the Recipes forum.
 
Sponsored
If you cook pasta and let it cool down, your body will digest it like fibre instead of carbohydrates. But according to various experts, cooking, cooling and then reheating the pasta had an even more dramatic effect. In fact, it reduced the rise in blood glucose by 50 percent.
 
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Reactions: oztru and terri
Could you please tell me the name the study and where I could find it? I would be interested to read it.
 
I agree that all carbs aren't equal nutritionally.
Serving/portion size matters also. 1/2 cup cooked pasta is the correct amount. People eat too much imo.
 
Well of course you can just eat less of everything than you used to eat when you were 30
 
I looked up the paper. It was sponsored by pasta manufacturers. That's not to say it's inaccurate but puts it in context.
 
What paper😁
It's been in a few media sites online. From what I've read, it's been scientifically researched, and it doesn't state that it was sponsored by San Remo or any other pasta brands. However, it could be somewhere else I haven't read.
 

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