For some time, it has been a trend to eliminate carbohydrates from daily meals as much as possible or even completely (the so-called paleo diet). Meanwhile, several comments have been made about this.
Pasta can actually be an important source of carbohydrates. So what is the wisdom? Are you looking for low-carb pasta and where to buy it? Then read on first.
Pasta and carbohydrates
Pasta contains a lot of multiple carbohydrates. There is nothing secret about that and certainly nothing wrong with that. A healthy person derives 40 to 70 percent of their daily energy (calories) from carbohydrates.
Pasta, and certainly whole grain pasta, is therefore highly recommended by the Nutrition Centre, just like whole grain bread and brown rice, among others.
It is not for nothing that athletes who have to make great physical efforts (cyclists!) swear by pasta dishes. The multiple carbohydrates from pasta ensure a slow energy intake and therefore low blood sugar.
In addition, pasta contains fiber and other good nutrients (vitamin B, iron, magnesium, chromium, zinc).
In short, pasta and carbohydrates make a great combination. Especially if you realize that the fibers from whole grain products can (significantly) reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as the risk of diabetes and colon cancer.
It is mainly the carbohydrates from other products that you should be wary of: sweets, soft drinks and fruit juices, and alcohol for example. They also provide energy, but nothing else. These are the real fatteners, especially because you are easily tempted to eat and drink more of them.
Nutritional value of pasta (wholemeal)
100 grams of whole wheat pasta contains 65 grams of carbohydrates. Furthermore, it contains, among other things, 352 kilocalories of energy (you need 2000 to 2500 daily), 25 milligrams of sugars, 40 milligrams of calcium, 143 milligrams of magnesium and 3.6 milligrams of iron. But no cholesterol, for example.
In Italy, whole wheat pasta is eaten regularly. The whole grain is used for it, while here the membrane of the wheat grains is often removed and white flour remains.
Incidentally, the differences in nutritional value between whole wheat pasta and other pasta are not extremely large, although you throw away important nutrients if you remove the husk from the grain.
Pasta without carbohydrates and low-calorie pasta
Low-carb diets exist. These are aimed, for example, at improving the blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes.
Such a diet can help overweight people lose weight. So that’s heartily good, as long as it’s done under the supervision of a dietitian. As described above, carbohydrates are good for you for several reasons. It is better not to just cut them out of your diet without proper supervision.
If you are looking for diet pasta, pasta with few carbohydrates or low-calorie pasta, there are plenty of products for that. A creative alternative, for example, is a spaghetti shape cut from vegetables.
However, the biggest gain is probably in the sauce with which you combine the pasta. Recipes like pasta, tomato and basil or pasta pesto are as simple as they are healthy, especially if you use a nice whole grain pasta or vegan pasta.
Opt for a recipe with chicken or fish instead of a much more lavish version. Vary and use healthy, fresh produce. Then pasta will fit perfectly into any healthy eating schedule!