PASTA , HEALTHY OR UNHEALTHY ?

Pasta a staple food of International cuisines, mainly for Italians, is considered as a traditional dish in Italy. Contrary to the common belief that Pasta have been introduced first by Italians, actually the Arabians were the ones who have introduced Pasta to Italy in 9th Century AD. Interesting Isn't it?? :-)

Pasta is one of the world's most accessible foods, World Pasta Day is celebrated in October. There is even a Pasta museum in Rome. That sounds something royal about Pasta !! 

Mediterranean is one of the famous diets and is known for its healthier side, and the soft, tasty, Pasta is an integral part of mediterranean diets. Pasta is an easy to prepare meal and easily attracts not only women, but also men and teenagers also and drives them to prepare this yummy, fast, instant as well as a HEALTHY dish. Just got to watch a TV commercial recently where a teenager boy prepares pasta to impress his girl friend;-) Cool.. Right!!

Now let's look at the Nutrient facts of Pasta: CARBOHYDRATE: As 60% of the energy for humans has to be derived from carbohydrates, we all should have enough amount of carbohydrates daily. But due to the recent increased incidence of metabolic diseases, many people are just giving a pause to have good amount of carbohydrates. But instead if you guys be a little smart enough to differentiate the refined carbs and complex carbs, it will be easier for all of you to eat full yet be healthy:-)

Pasta is an excellent source of complex carbs, but choose the Pasta prepared from whole grains, as refining of the whole grains washes out all the nutrients and converts the complex carbs into simple carbs.

Pasta has good amount of insoluble fibre in it and the speciality of insoluble fibre is, it increases the roughage of the stool, thus reliving you from constipation if any. Pasta has a low glycemic index and Diabetics can enjoy the extremely versatile dish happily.

Whole wheat pasta contains Carotenoids, Lutein, Zeaxanthin, folate, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese. Selenium is an important mineral and helps in protecting cells from damage. Manganese is another wonderful mineral which helps in regulating blood sugar, and also helps in metabolising Carbohydrates.

Pasta is low in Sodium and also free from cholesterol so no worries :-) unless you over do the Pasta with excess white creamy sauces, cheese etc etc.. It is just like what happens to your face when you over do your make up, the same happens to your poor digestive system, when you over do your food. The only difference is we can see the change of over make up immediately but we tend see the effects over creamy food stuff, quite later.. 

So, instead of adding all unhealthy stuff, on to your healthy pasta, make it a healthy, nutritious meal by adding finely cut boiled vegetables, fish, chicken pieces, Olive oil, grated paneer instead of cheese, tomato which is rich in a splendid antioxidant called Lycopene, which has the magical power to repair damaged cells. In this way you have a complete meal enriched with carbs, fat and protein.

So a big YES to PASTA..When your kids crave for junk foods, instead of buying them burgers or pizzas, just say a few fascinating words of this wonderful, versatile dish and I'm sure they won't say NO:-)

GOOD DAY FRIENDS :-)