Pasta is one of the best parts of the Mediterranean diet, but it has a very bad reputation when trying to lose weight because of all the carbohydrates.
Now, a new Italian study claims that eating pasta can actually help you lose weight.
The researchers from Neuromed Institute in Pozzilli, Italy, studied the diets of over 20,000 people. The participants were asked to record what they ate over a 24 hour period, including time, description of foods or beverages, and portion sizes.
The data was compared to their Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measurement of waist and hip circumferences and waist-to-hip ratio.
Here is the good news for pasta lovers of the world:
The researchers found that there was no correlation between pasta and weight gain. In fact, they found that if pasta is consumed in moderation as part of a healthy Mediterranean diet, it can actually help you maintain a healthy weight.
The Mediterranean diet consists of food high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, such as legumes, rice, and cereals, cheese, olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and fish.
Dr. Licia Iacoviello, who led the research, said, “The message emerging from this study is that the Mediterranean diet, consumed in moderation and respecting the variety of all its elements (with pasta in first place) is good for your health.”
