Choose wisely: How your pasta choice impacts your health

Pasta is a staple in many dishes, such as soups, sauces, and casseroles. Although it is immensely popular, not every type of pasta is beneficial to health. Selecting the right kind of pasta can significantly affect our well-being.

Many people often opt for white pasta made from refined wheat flour, which can unfortunately be more harmful than beneficial. White pasta lacks nutritional value because the refining process removes many valuable components, such as fibre and B vitamins. Additionally, it has a high glycaemic index, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which in turn causes fatigue and increased appetite. The lack of fibre in such pasta means the feeling of fullness is short-lived, which can lead to snacking.

If we care about maintaining a healthy diet, it is worthwhile replacing white pasta with wholegrain pasta. Wholegrain pasta is rich in fibre, which improves digestive system function, provides a longer-lasting feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Moreover, it contains more vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and magnesium. An additional advantage is a lower glycaemic index, which prevents sudden drops in energy.

When buying wholegrain pasta, it is advisable to check its ingredients. The best choice is pasta made solely from wholegrain wheat flour, without any additions such as sugar, salt, or fats. This ensures we can enjoy our favourite dishes while taking care of our health.