Pasta - Nutrition

Nutrition

There are several health benefits to consuming pasta, especially whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat is low in calories and contains considerable amounts of minerals including, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, selenium and manganese. Minerals are important for the body because they help with the structure of bones, regulate heart beat, maintain muscle, and take part in regulating cell growth. In addition, an equivalent amount of whole and white grains are recommended for a complete and healthy diet with essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Pasta is normally an intake combined with other foods rich in nutrients. Fiber for example, can be found in vegetables, beans, fish, tomato sauce, cheese and meats such as poultry and lean ground beef.

Pasta contains complex carbohydrates which release energy slowly compared to sugar, providing energy for a longer time. Pasta also contains a small amount of sodium, and has no cholesterol. Furthermore, assorted pastas are rich in essential nutrients, such as iron and vitamin B. Another benefit to eating pasta is that it provides niacin for the body. This vitamin is essential for bodily functions, such as converting carbohydrates into glucose, which produces energy for the body. Enriched pasta also contains folic acid that is beneficial for child-bearing women. Folic acid is needed for the proper growth of cells and development of the embryo. For these reasons, pasta is advantageous to people who have weight problems and it will help them to retain good health.

Glycemic Index measures how quickly carbohydrates cause the blood serum sugar levels to rise. The blood sugar response rises depending on how quickly the carbohydrates are absorbed. Pasta has a low Glycemic Index, therefore its carbohydrates are slowly absorbed. In addition, the amount of protein in pasta depends on the type of flour used to manufacture it. If it is made from durum wheat, the pasta contains protein and gluten. Pasta is considered to be a good source for vegetarians because it contains extensive amounts of protein, proteins that consist of the six essential amino acids. Pasta's proteins are not complete however.

The Mediterranean diet is a health approach in which the goal is to prevent oneself from illness and diseases. This diet is composed mainly from a number of plant foods, such as pasta. Other foods include olive oil, dairy products, eggs, red meats, and small amounts of fish and poultry.