Pasta is one of the oldest products invented by man. Even in ancient Egypt, their prototypes were used for food - thin strips of dough dried in the sun. And today they are prepared in many countries, using as a side dish or serving as an independent dish. But those who follow their figure are trying to limit their consumption, considering pasta a harmful product. But this is not entirely true.
Harm of pasta
It is customary to call pasta in Russia and the CIS countries any type of solid flour products - from spirals to shells. And in his native Italy, this is the name for exclusively hollow tubes inside. And they are made, like all real pasta, exclusively from durum wheat flour and water. There can be no question of any eggs in the composition of pasta.
Such a product is capable of harming the figure and health in general in only a few cases. First, with excessive consumption. Secondly, in combination with other high-calorie foods: fatty meats, baked goods or high-calorie sauces with a lot of preservatives. Thirdly, with improper cooking, when the pasta is kept in boiling water for much longer than the prescribed time. In other cases, pasta from durum wheat is not only not harmful to use, but even useful, because this product itself does not contain many calories, but is rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins B and E.
Much more harm is caused by pasta made from soft wheat flour, as well as pasta, which, in addition to white flour, include eggs. These foods are high in simple carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed by the body. After consuming these pasta, the level of glucose in the blood sharply increases and insulin is released, so a person begins to feel hungry faster. In addition, some of the simple carbohydrates are certainly deposited in the subcutaneous fat.
It is best to combine pasta with olive oil, vegetables and aromatic herbs - the risk of gaining weight from such a dish is minimal.
Soft wheat pasta is also high in refined starch, which negatively affects the functioning of many organs, can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to obesity. But there are practically no nutrients and vitamins in them. That is why you should refuse such products altogether or reduce their consumption to a minimum.
If there is no choice and you have to eat such pasta, try not to digest them, otherwise they will increase the level of glycemin.
How to choose healthy pasta
In order not to harm the figure and health, you should only eat pasta made from durum wheat flour. On the packs with such products will be written durum (in English) or semolina di grano duro (in Italian). It is also important to pay attention to the condition of the pasta - they must be smooth, without any inclusions or damage, and a glassy consistency.
