Health Matters – an A to Z Guide to Good Health – P is for Pasta

Pasta a complex carbohydrate which is an intrinsic part of the Mediterranean diet and has become a favourite in this country in recent years. Carbohydrates are one of the important classes of foods because they are our main source of energy and our diet should consist of about 50% of these foods.

Unfortunately there has been a shift toward refined carbohydrates and simple sugars which can result in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems and tooth decay. We need the complex carbohydrates found in fruit and vegetables and in whole grain foods like pasta.  These are beneficial to our health and also provide us with sustained energy.

Always choose whole grain pasta because then you are also providing the body with fibre which is needed to help keep the colon clean and results in ease of elimination – remember we are a “Constipated Nation” and most people do not have enough fibre in their diets hence the increase of colon cancer in this country.

🍝 Wholewheat pasta is made of 100 percent wholewheat or whole durum wheat flour.  It is usually more coarse in texture and a little chewier than white pasta but is a better source of fibre

🍝 Pasta contains thiamine, the B vitamin required to convert carbohydrates into energy.

🍝 Wholewheat pasta contains more protein than white pasta and is sometimes enriched with eggs, spinach or tomatoes and herbs to enhance the flavour.

🍝 There is an infinite variety of pasta available to us and it comes in many shapes and sizes including: fusilli, spaghetti, tagliatelle, cannelloni, tortellini and my favourite “Seeds of Change” organic spinach trottole.

Pasta is a low-calorie food if served with tomato based sauces and vegetables and is ideal for quick family meals, but always remember to watch those portion sizes!

Live with joy and health. 💚

Elizabeth Beetham