Is Pasta Healthy?

Pasta’s reputation is at an all-time low and often linked to the UK’s obesity epidemic, but have we got our facts straight?

 

Each year Italians consume an average of 23kg of pasta per person whilst in the UK, we eat a mere 3kg per person and our consumption is decreasing.  At the same time, UK obesity rates are soaring and are currently 50% higher than obesity rates in Italy, so is pasta really the problem?

 

Is portion size the problem? In North America a typical serving of pasta is 140g.  Here in the UK, our portions exceed 100g, whilst Italians eat 80g.  These are dry weights.

 

Does shape matter? A national survey of 10,00 Americans found the type of pasta you choose is an indicator of your health. Those choosing macaroni were found to have a less healthy diet with less fibre than those choosing a different shape.

 

Isn’t it just a carbohydrate? No, not at all. As well as being a source of fibre, pasta made from Durum wheat is a really good source of protein (between 8-13g per 80g portion). Grown in the South of Italy, Durum wheat is a hard, high protein grain.

 

Is homemade pasta healthier? Nope, it’s one of the few instances when homemade is not any healthier than good quality, shop bought dried varieties.

 

Buying green, spinach pasta must be more nutritious? It’s another no. Don’t be fooled into thinking dark green spinach pasta has increased health benefits, it doesn’t.  It contains about 1% spinach juice and that is not enough to confer any nutrients or fibre.

 

Is whole-wheat pasta the answer? Whole-wheat pasta sales have increased in much of the world but not in Italy. They don’t seem to fall for this crude attempt to increase fibre or mess around with a quality product.  I’ve yet to find a whole-wheat pasta that tastes anywhere near as good as white Durum wheat pasta. I find it gritty and chewy which is a bit of a shame because it contains double the fibre. If you don’t like wholewheat pasta, don’t worry about it, stick with a good quality white pasta, and simply add more fibre-rich vegetables to the sauce.

 

On balance, good quality pasta does have a place in healthy balanced diet. All pasta in NOT created equally, choose high quality durum wheat pasta for a good dose of protein, watch the portion size, and serve with a vegetable-based sauce and extra greens or side salad.

 

Buon appetito