Is pasta really fattening?
Pasta is located at the very base of the food pyramid along with other starchy foods that should be consumed daily, such as bread and rice.
It is rich in potassium, which helps regulate the functioning of the nervous system and protects the heart from arrhythmias, while together with sodium maintains the balance of water in the body.
It is also essential for the insulin secretion, metabolism of carbohydrates and protein synthesis. In addition, a serving of spaghetti (200 grams) has no more than 180 calories. What makes the pasta appear as a “fattening” food is the way of cooking them, that is rich in fat sauce, cream and animal butter.
However, a simple pasta with tomato sauce, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, basil and a little olive oil constitutes a perfect dish with few calories (about 250) and many nutrients (potassium, vitamin E, lycopene, carotene).