5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Pasta

There is a growing number of scientific studies proving that pasta and a pasta centric diet has some surprising health benefits! This is largely due to their low glycemic (blood sugar) index, which is made even lower when proteins, olive oil, or vegetables are added. Here are just a few of the surprising health benefits pasta offers:

1. Pasta can be beneficial for those with diabetes

A study published by Diabetes Care concluded grain-based foods (especially whole grain varieties) with a low glycemic index, such as pasta and oats, are beneficial for people with diabetes.

2. Pasta may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

A study from the Annals of Oncology reported that high glycemic index foods may increase the risk of breast cancer, while the intake of pasta, a low glycemic index food, seemed to have no influence.

3. Alzheimer’s and the Mediterranean diet.

Researchers concluded that following a mediterranean diet, in which pasta is one of the cornerstone foods, may reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

4. Pasta meals with tomato-based sauces may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, acts to repair damaged cells in the body. This positive effect of lycopene is thought to help prevent prostate cancer since the occurrence of the cancer is lower in men who frequently eat tomato products.

5. Pasta does not cause food cravings. 

A study looking at the long-term changes in food cravings in a calorie-restricted research program suggested the cravings are actually for calories, not high carbonhydrate foods like pasta. What is commonly called “carbohydrate addiction” should rightly be relabeled calorie addiction.

For a few more health benefits, and for the scientific sources, read more HERE